Ten Affordable Winter Getaways Close To Home

By Jordan Eggers

Santa Cruz

Known for its populated beaches and wooden roller coasters, this “hippy-town” is not only a laid back one, but an exciting one too. Located just an hour and 15 minutes away, Santa Cruz offers its famous amusement park The Boardwalk where visitors can take a ride on the Double Dipper, one of California's oldest roller coasters, or get wet in the ocean that's just steps away. In this college town, when the night falls the students come out to play. You can meet new friends and have a good time in bars, such as the swanky Red Room. Or kick your feet up and play some darts at The Poet. Once you've worn yourself out, stay the night at Comfort Inn near the Boardwalk for just $69.

Mendocino

This gorgeous and quiet beach town lies just three and a half hours outside the East Bay, and makes for a sweet, relaxing vacation. When arriving at this location you can book a night or two at the Pine Beach Inn, which has its own private beach and cove for just $79 a night. If you don't feel like relaxing in your room, take a stroll though the Van Damme State Park with its glorious, tall redwoods. Or, drive on over to the Temple of Kwan Tai, one of the oldest Taoist temples in rural California. However, if a night out is what you are looking for, visit Patterson's Pub for affordable drinks and an overall good time.

Yosemite

If camping and hiking in one of the grandest natural parks in the world is what you’re looking for then go to Yosemite, only three and a half hours outside the East Bay. Yosemite's gorgeous surroundings make it nothing but an adventure. Camping here is very affordable, varying from $10 to $20, and right outside your tent is the majestic view of Half Dome. Hike up to Half Dome or Glacier Point, which is known for it's awe-inspiring view of the entire valley. If camping is not your style then you can stay at either the historical Ahwahnee Hotel, which was built in 1925, or the Wawona Hotel, which both embody the pioneering spirit of Yosemite.

Monterey

With Carmel and Pebble Beach nearby, this location makes for a nice weekend getaway. With affordable hotels like the Quality Inn at $61 and only an hour and 45 minutes away, Monterey offers a fun and low-key visit. When visiting, take some time to enjoy the Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to hundreds of aquatic animals: sharks, sea otters, jellyfish, sea horses, fish and more. The aquarium is nothing short of amazing.

Tahoe

Tahoe is the perfect winter getaway and it’s only three and a half hours away. With beautiful pine trees surrounding the area and mountains of snow everywhere you look, Tahoe is a wintry dream. It offers resorts such as the MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa at just $79 a night and Harvey’s Resort and Casino that holds comedy-improv shows. For the daytime people, there is skiing and snowboarding, and for those who enjoy the nightlife, dance clubs like the Vex and Blu are popular establishments.

Big Sur

If you have ever taken a drive down Highway 1 then you probably have passed Big Sur. Located two hours and 15 minutes away, this small town is set in one of California’s most magnificent mountain landscapes. Big Sur has natural hot springs hidden away in its redwood forest that can be found at Sykes Hot Springs or at the Esalen Institute. To fully enjoy the relaxing qualities of the hot springs, take a hike across Big Sur's state parks, such as Partington Cove, Jade Cove, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. After a long hike you’ll want to call it a night, so rest at the Big Sur Lodge, $149 a night, located in the middle of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or spend a night under the stars.

Calistoga

Calistoga is a small town known for its spas and hot springs, where you can be pampered with mud baths, massages, hot mineral Jacuzzis and more. Located just an hour and 40 minutes away, you can take a day to go wine tasting at all the local wineries Sonoma County has to offer and be home the same day. For those who want more than a day-trip, stay at the Golden Haven Springs Spa and Resort for $89 a night. This getaway is one for the romantics or someone who just needs a little relaxation after a long stressful week.

Columbia

Just two hours and 15 minutes away a charming town of living history resides. Columbia is a historical town where people panned for gold during California’s Gold Rush. Visitors are taken back to the time of the Wild West and can pan for gold at the Old Mining Camp of Brownsville, go horse riding, frequent saloons, and go shopping. Book a night at the Columbia Gem Motel, which starts at $84 a night, where you can stay in your very own cabin.

Cambria

Cambria is a quaint and charming town that lies three and a half hours, a stone’s throw away from San Simeon, the home to U.S. historical landmark Hearst Castle. After seeing the grandeur of newspaper giant William Randolph Hearst’s abode, come down to earth with a visit to Nit Wit Ridge, a three-level house made of rocks, shells, beer cans, tile, car parts, TV antennas, and other bric-a-brac. While staying here at Cambria you should take a night to rest at the Fireside Inn which starts at $109 a night.

San Francisco

The city may be the most obvious and closest location to getaway to, but don’t cheat yourself of a great time because of proximity. In only a half hour’s travel time you can be shopping, site-seeing, visiting museums, eating at some of the world’s best restaurants, and enjoying San Francisco’s immense nightlife scene. Just because you live nearby doesn’t mean you can’t be a tourist for the day. This city is an adventure.