6 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Southern California

Recently I had the chance to spend a long weekend in beautiful, southern California. It was a whirlwind trip for a family wedding, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Spending a few days in the warm California sun after shoveling mounds of snow during the January blizzard was the perfect family getaway. Unlike most of our trips, we had no big plans, other than to enjoy the wedding with family, walk on the sand and watch the sunset. It’s these same type of laid back activities that I always find myself coming back to whenever I visit, including a recent visit in 2022. So here are my 6 free (or really cheap) things to do in southern California.  
*This post was updated March, 2022

1.  Dine at In-N-Out Burger. Do In-N-Out Burgers taste better when you don’t live in California? I’m not sure of the answer, but it was our first stop after leaving the airport.  Yes, it’s fast food, but the burgers are fresh and the fries are made by hand. It’s a must do in California, especially since you can find locations throughout the state.  Eat like a local and order from the Not-So-Secret-Menu.  

2.   Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway. How many times do you have the opportunity to drive next to the beach? Roll down the car windows and take a cruise from one beach town to another. Even better, rent a convertible and enjoy the wind in your hair. 

3. Enjoy a Milkshake With a Beach View. Follow the Pacific Coast Highway south just past Newport Beach to find Crystal Cove Shake Shack. On a busy day, you might have a short wait to get into the small parking lot, but it's worth it to enjoy a shake overlooking the beach at Crystal Cove State Park. Park in one of the nearby state park lots if you plan to take a stroll along the beach or check out the Crystal Cove Historic District afterwards.​​

4.  Hang Out and Watch the Surfers. No matter the month, you’ll always find surfers in the ocean looking for the perfect wave. Grab a blanket and find a spot on the beach, or take in the view from the pier. The Pier at Huntington Beach is a perfect spot.   ​

5. Search for Street Art in Long Beach. If you are a lover of street art, take some time to roam the streets of Long Beach. The public art community is strong, and murals can be found all over the city. Explore the map and create your own walking tour. You can search by artist or neighborhood, or find a public tour. 

6.  Watch the Sunset on the Beach. There’s no excuse not to catch a beautiful sunset on the beach when you are on the west coast. We hit the beach at Huntington Beach at the perfect time, and were rewarded with beautiful views of the setting sun. ​​