California is a top destination for tourists and students seeking to explore the best of the United States. With its diverse landscapes, stunning natural beauty, perfect weather, and rich history, it is no surprise that California attracts millions of visitors every year. However, the high cost of living and travel in California can make it challenging for students to explore the state on a budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of free places to visit in California for students in both Northern and Southern California that won’t cost you a dime.
If you’re looking for a unique and affordable California experience, consider visiting Pismo Beach. This gorgeous beach is located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and offers breathtaking views without the crowds of more popular tourist spots. Whether you want to plan a romantic getaway or a fun weekend with friends, Pismo Beach is the perfect place to soak up the California sun and relax. Plus, nearby Hearst Castle is an affordable attraction, with a day pass costing just $25, while the beach itself is free.
Palm Springs
Looking for free places to visit in California for students? Look no further than Palm Springs, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and fans of celebrity homes. With plenty of hiking trails, golf courses, and delicious cuisine, Palm Springs has something for everyone. In addition, the city is home to the former residences of famous personalities like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope, making it a perfect destination for pop culture enthusiasts.
One of the best attractions in Palm Springs is the Village Fest, a popular event that takes place on Palm Canyon Drive between Baristo and Amado every week since 2004. This event is consistently voted as the best event in the area, and for a good reason. Each block of downtown Palm Springs offers great street entertainment, and over 200 booths sell beautiful art, handcrafted items, and unique food. If looking for places to visit in California for free, ensure to plan your visit for a Thursday when the Palm Springs Art Museum has free admission, and many businesses are open late, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Big Bear Lake
When it comes to free places to visit in California for students, consider taking a trip to Big Bear Lake, a stunning location that offers plenty of outdoor activities for everyone. With its breathtaking natural beauty and rich native history, Big Bear Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Southern California’s hidden gems.
For history buffs, Big Bear Lake offers an opportunity to learn about the Yucaipa, Cucamonga, and Muscupiabe tribes that once called this region home. You can discover their fascinating history by exploring the area’s many hiking trails, which take you through stunning landscapes and provide a glimpse into the past.
Point Dume Nature Preserve
Those on the lookout for free places to visit in northern California won’t want to miss the Point Dume Nature Preserve, an idyllic location located just 18 miles from Santa Monica.
Situated along the Pacific Coast Highway, Point Dume offers visitors a quintessential Malibu coastline experience. The beach is known for its serene beauty, and visitors can hike along a scenic trail that leads down to the secluded Pirate’s Cove beach, which is located further south.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Point Dume is also home to a biodiversity preserve that features a variety of rare plants and herbs. This makes it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts who want to explore the region’s unique flora and fauna.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day at the beach, an invigorating hike along the coastline, or an opportunity to connect with nature, Point Dume Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Northern California. And best of all, it’s completely free!
Animals Sculptures of the Borrego Desert Area
How about admiring the stunning animal sculptures located in the Borrego Desert area?
Being among the best free places to visit in California, these massive sculptures are a sight to behold, and they are scattered throughout the Anza Borrego desert park in Southern California. Just a three-hour drive from Orange County or Los Angeles, these sculptures offer the perfect backdrop for an amazing selfie or a memorable photo with friends and family.
Created by artist Ricardo Breceda, these sculptures depict a wide range of animals, including giant scorpions, bighorn sheep, and even a 350-foot-long sea serpent! The sheer size and detail of these sculptures make them an awe-inspiring sight to behold.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, the animal sculptures of the Borrego Desert area are not to be missed. And best of all, they are completely free to visit and enjoy.
International Banana Museum
Have you ever heard of the International Banana Museum? Yes, it exists, and it’s recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. The museum houses a collection of 17,000 banana-related items, ranging from jackets, toys, chains, cars, photo albums, and more. The founder, Ken Bannister, started the collection in 1976, and it has since expanded to become one of the unique museums in the world. Although the admission fee is $1 per person, it’s still a budget-friendly destination worth checking out.
Elmer’s Bottle Trees Ranch
Looking for a quirky and offbeat attraction in Southern California? Look no further than Elmer’s Bottle Trees Ranch, located in the small town of Oro Grande. This hidden gem is just a short detour off Route 66 and is a must-visit for anyone passing through the area. Elmer Long, the creator of this unique art installation, welded together over 200 metal poles and adorned them with colorful glass bottles, creating a whimsical forest of “trees.” It’s a great place to stop for a quick photo op or to stretch your legs on a long road trip. Best of all, admission is completely free! So, next time you find yourself driving along I-15 en route to Las Vegas or the Mojave National Preserve, be sure to make a pit stop at Elmer’s Bottle Trees Ranch.
Getty Museum
The Getty Museum, located in Los Angeles, is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and architecture. To reach the museum, visitors take a monorail from the parking lot, which provides a stunning view of the city. The museum is divided into four sections, each with its own unique collection of art and artifacts. Additionally, the Getty Museum has beautiful gardens that are perfect for a peaceful stroll. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Getty Museum.
Old Town, San Diego
Step back in time to California of the 1800s by visiting Old Town San Diego. Marvel at the historic buildings, including La Casa de AltamirnoPedrorena, La Casa de Bandini, La Casa de Estudillo, and the Mason Street School, San Diego’s first one-room schoolhouse. Don’t miss Heritage Park, where several of San Diego’s oldest Victorian homes have been restored to their original condition. Take a stroll down San Diego Avenue to see the Whaley House, an officially recognized haunted house, or visit the Little Adobe Chapel on Conde Street, the first church in Old Town San Diego. For a spooky experience, take a trolley tour to El Campo Santo on San Diego Avenue, an 1850 Catholic Cemetery. There are plenty of free things to do and see in Old Town San Diego.
Griffith Observatory and Planetarium
The Griffith Observatory and Planetarium is a must-see attraction in Southern California. Located in Griffith Park, it offers breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline and Hollywood sign. The observatory features a state-of-the-art planetarium with eight shows per day, each one taking you on a unique journey through the cosmos. Don’t miss the chance to view the sun through the historic Zeiss telescope during the day or gaze at the stars during the free public star parties hosted by the observatory on select evenings. Best of all, admission to the observatory and planetarium is completely free!
Don’t miss out on this incredible experience during your visit to California.
