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 this same type of laid-back activities that I always find myself coming back to whenever I visit, including a recent visit in 2026.
Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that make you happy and enjoying the California sunshine whenever I get the chance is one of mine. So, here is my short list of 6 free or cheap things to do in southern California.
(Updated February, 2026)
Table of Contents
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. Another option is a ride on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, with ocean views just outside your window on parts of the route. We enjoyed this recently on a trip from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano.
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. Take In the View from a Bicycle
Hop on a bike to explore the coast from two wheels! Dedicated and shared bike trails adjacent to the water can be found all around Southern California, including trails on Coronado Island, the 22-mile Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail in LA county, and the Huntington Beach Bike path. Rentals can often be found close to the start of the bike trails.
Related post: Take a Fun Weekend Getaway in Southern California
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. Read more about why Long Beach is not to be missed for street art.
6. Watch the Sunset on the Beach
There’s no excuse not to catch a beautiful California sunset 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. No matter which beach town you visit in Southern California, mother nature always puts on a show!
