7 Most cost-effective Airports to Fly into California

Planning to take an inexpensive flight to California this 12 months? The Golden State earned its nickname for a great purpose, however that doesn’t imply visiting there has to price you a fortune. Individuals ask me on a regular basis “what are the most affordable airports to fly into California?” To reply that query, I’ve scoured dozens of journey reserving websites and used my very own private expertise. Maintain studying to be taught extra!

Lots of people dream about sometime visiting California. For these on the East Coast, particularly, it looks like a paradise of palm bushes, sandy seashores, and film stars. Even with the sheer variety of instances I’ve visited the Gold State personally, it nonetheless retains a sure magic. That’s why San Diego made the listing of my prime 50 journey locations.

If you happen to’ve been California dreamin’, it’s time to get up and go there for actual. Although residence to a few of the wealthiest celebrities within the US, there are literally many low cost airports in California. In truth, a few of the greatest cities are among the many most cost-effective locations to fly into California. Whether or not you’ve been there earlier than otherwise you’re planning your very journey, there are numerous enjoyable issues to do in California, even while you’re on a price range!

Listed here are the most affordable cities to fly to California in 2023.

#1 tip for locating the most affordable airports to fly into California

How will you discover inexpensive airfare wherever on the earth? As a serial traveler, that’s one thing I get requested so much. So, earlier than I break down my listing of seven cities with the most affordable airports to fly into California, first I’d prefer to share a fast tip on how to save cash on airfare.

For the previous two years, I’ve been utilizing Going to attain low cost airplane tickets to California, and it’s saved me a bundle. It’s really easy to make use of, anybody can do it. Merely kind within the identify of your departure airport, then select your vacation spot, and voila! They’ll ship mistake fares and different additional low cost flight offers on to your inbox for FREE!

In 2022, Going’s electronic mail alerts helped me save hundreds of {dollars} on airfare– together with most just lately, a $96 roundtrip flight from Boston to Los Angeles. With Going, I usually save round $300-500 roundtrip on chosen flight routes. I saved much more once I turned a premium member, an improve that prices simply $49 a month.

Wish to lower your expenses on airfare? Use my low cost code Jon20 to avoid wasting 20%!

Issues for locating the most affordable locations to fly into California

For somebody like myself, who travels internationally so much, it’s straightforward to take as a right how low cost and simple it’s to get across the continental US. That stated, there are nonetheless some issues you might have to remember. Although low cost flights to California can be found, while you journey and the place you’re touring from each play a serious position in ticket costs.

To economize, attempt to keep away from touring through the peak vacationer seasons: summer time and winter. Spring and autumn often have much less demand, which implies the price of flying to California can be decrease. Fortunately, the Golden State’s famously Mediterranean-esque local weather means which you can stay up for gentle temperatures year-round.

One other consideration is understanding when and the place to spend your cash. There are tons of low cost locations to go to in California, however there are additionally simply as many costly ones. It’s straightforward to be dazzled by the stylish boutiques and enticing vacationer traps. Earlier than you already know it, you’ve already blown by your entire trip price range on the primary day!

Within the listing beneath, I made it some extent to suggest a number of sights that price little to nothing to get pleasure from. That manner you’ll be able to benefit from your journey. I additionally suggest staying at one of many many Airbnbs in California. They’re typically cheaper than inns, they usually include higher facilities, too!

Most cost-effective cities to go to in California in 2023: Greatest locations to seek out low cost flights to California

California could be identified for its glitz and glamor, however that doesn’t imply you need to break the financial institution to trip there. Beneath is an inventory of seven of the most affordable locations to fly into California from different components of the US and different locations all over the world: 

1. Los Angeles

The place higher to begin our listing than one of the vital widespread cities to not go to, not simply in California, however on the earth? Los Angeles is widespread for a large number of causes and is residence to many historic monuments. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a trip vacation spot the place you’ll be able to really feel like a celeb, there’s no higher choose than LA.

The Hollywood signal is essentially the most well-known of the town’s icons. You’ll be able to see it from virtually all over the place whereas in LA, however the most effective locations to catch a glimpse is Griffith Observatory. Right here, vacationers with an amazing view of the Hollywood signal, the unfold of Los Angeles, and the night time sky. California is actually residence to the celebs, in additional methods than one!

There’s a lot to see and do in LA, it’s arduous to know the place to begin. Must you seize a meal at one of many tasty, fashionable eating places that appear to be opening up on a regular basis? How about taking a fossil-finding tour to the La Brea Tar Pits? If you’re considering vehicles, the Petersen Automotive Museum is packed wall-to-wall with uncommon and fascinating autos, together with the unique DeLorean utilized in Again to The Future. 

All that is greater than sufficient to make LA a vacationer hotspot. However what makes it inexpensive? That may be the low worth of airfare by Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX). LAX is the busiest and largest worldwide airport on the West Coast. Extra importantly for us, it’s additionally one of many most cost-effective airports to fly into California!

2. San Francisco

San Francisco is a metropolis that might by no means be confused with anyplace else. With its steep hills and quite a few iconic landmarks and sights, it units itself other than all different trip locations within the Golden State. It does this not simply by way of enjoyability, but in addition in affordability.

Proper behind LAX, San Francisco Worldwide Airport (SFO) is likely one of the greatest and busiest airports within the area, and likewise one of many most cost-effective. That’s acceptable, as San Francisco is itself one of many most cost-effective locations to go to in California. If you happen to actually need to lower your expenses, you don’t need to pay a dime to see the town’s finest sights. Most of them are free!

Probably the most well-known free sightseeing vacation spot is the Golden Gate Bridge. This one-mile-wide suspension bridge connects the scenic San Francisco Bay with the huge blue magnificence that’s the Pacific Ocean. Not distant is one other free attraction, the aptly named Golden Gate Park, extensively thought of to be the “Central Park of San Francisco.” It’s truly 20% bigger than its East Coast cousin. Take that, NYC!

On the lookout for a style of true-crime journey? In San Francisco, vacationers can take a guided tour of Alcatraz, the historic island jail. This maximum-security penitentiary housed a few of America’s most infamous gangsters, together with Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and was well-known for being inescapable. There’s additionally the Palace of Tremendous Arts, an architectural marvel styled after historic Rome, and the USS Pampanito, a decommissioned WWII submarine. No matter your curiosity, San Francisco has one thing to seize the creativeness.

3. San Diego

Even in a state famend for its lovely seashores and sunny climate, San Diego is very idyllic. Perched on the very fringe of the US-Mexico border, it presents beautiful waterfront views of the Pacific Ocean and serves as a various melting pot of distinctive cultural heritages. For these causes and extra, San Diego is considered one of my private favourite low cost locations to go to in California.

While you arrive through San Diego Worldwide Airport (SAN), one of many first belongings you’ll need to do is head to San Diego Bay. Thought of the most effective pure deep harbors on the West Coast, is a spot the place pure magnificence and human ingenuity commingle.

Subsequent to crystal blue waters, the Port of San Diego is a hive of exercise. It’s additionally an amazing place to catch a cruise should you’re trying to journey by sea. Be sure that to cease by USS Halfway Museum earlier than you allow. This decommissioned plane provider displays many distinctive plane each on its flight deck and beneath decks, making it a can’t-miss for naval historical past buffs.

For a jaw-dropping view of your complete bay, journey to Level Loma, the southern tip of the Loma Peninsula and residential to the Cabrillo Nationwide Monument. Throughout whale migration season, guests can generally spy Humpback and Grey whales from the cliffs. In any other case, get your wildlife-watching repair on the world-famous San Diego Zoo, at Torrey Pines State Pure Reserve, or at SeaWorld San Diego. From large pandas to bottlenose dolphins, San Diego is a paradise for animal lovers.

4. Sacramento is among the many most cost-effective cities to fly to in CA

Pop quiz: what’s the capital metropolis of California? If you happen to stated Los Angeles or San Francisco, guess once more. Whereas these two cities are typically essentially the most well-known, it’s Sacramento that serves because the Golden State’s coronary heart and soul. The capitol constructing itself is tribute to the state’s storied historical past, doubling because the California State Capitol Museum. The place higher to begin your trip?

Different historic sights embrace the Crocker Artwork Museum, the California State Railroad Museum, the California Vehicle Museum, and Sutter’s Fort, a construction so outdated it predates the 1848 Gold Rush. If you happen to actually need to journey again in time, don’t skip Outdated Sacramento. This blast-from-the-past neighborhood is filled with buildings relationship again to the 1800s!

Along with being a hotbed for historical past, Sacramento is maybe the most affordable metropolis to go to in California. That is thanks partly to Sacramento Worldwide Airport (SMF) being a super place to guide low cost flights to California. The truth that so a lot of Sacramento’s greatest sights may be loved for little to no price doesn’t damage both.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Sacramento on a price range, I like to recommend spending a day at McKinley Park. Constructed by the Sacramento Avenue Railway Firm in 1871, the park is 32 acres in dimension. Throughout these acres, you’ll discover tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, a lovingly manicured rose backyard, and extra. One in every of my favourite issues to do in Sacramento is stroll across the park. It’s an amazing place to take in some solar, breathe within the contemporary air, and benefit from the sights and sounds of the town.

5. San José

From haunted homes to Silicon Valley improvements, San José is likely one of the Golden State’s most eclectic locations to go to. It makes a great impression proper off the bat, with San José Mineta Worldwide Airport (SJC) being the most effective airports in California. SAJ presents low charges whereas additionally serving as a world level of entry.

When you’ve received your self located, you’re spoiled for alternative in relation to enjoyable sights. One of the crucial well-known is the Winchester Thriller Home. This early Twentieth-century Victorian Gothic-style manor was as soon as the house of Sarah Winchester, widow of firearms producer William Winchester. Believing that she was haunted by the ghosts of these slain by Winchester rifles, Sarah turned the property into an unlimited maze of dead-ends and doorways to nowhere.

What should you’re extra sooner or later than the previous? In that case, The Tech Initiative is simply the factor. An enormous science heart, The Tech Initiative presents hands-on actions and interactive displays showcasing state-of-the-art developments in pc know-how. Alternatively, if you wish to discover the native tradition, Santana Row’s cluster of family-owned companies presents loads of attraction.

In the meantime, the Rose Backyard District within the downtown space is residence to 189 completely different types of roses. This makes it an unimaginable draw for each plant lovers and hopeless romantics. You can even try the Japanese Friendship Gardens in Kelley Park. There, amongst lovely shows of conventional Japanese structure, you’ll discover a pond of koi fish initially introduced right here in 1966. They favored San José sufficient to stay round. I predict you’ll, too!

6. Fresno

Though everything of the Golden State is beloved for its pure landscapes, one metropolis has an edge over all the remainder. Fresno is residence to not one, not two, however three of essentially the most well-known nationwide parks in America. If you happen to prefer to go climbing or are desirous about dabbling in panorama pictures, be sure a ticket to Fresno Yosemite Nationwide Airport (FAT) is in your playing cards.

Because the airport’s identify implies, one of many greatest attracts right here is Yosemite Nationwide Park. One of many largest nationwide parks within the US, Yosemite is so widespread that visitors generally need to make reservations resulting from excessive demand. Maintain that in thoughts should you plan to be in Fresno throughout peak vacationer season.

Then once more, you could possibly all the time spend the day at Sequoia Nationwide Park, residence to Normal Sherman, the world’s largest tree. After that, go to Sherman’s little brother, Normal Grant, the second largest tree, at Kings Canyon Nationwide Park. The truth that these two record-setting goliaths are situated only a quick drive from one another is a testomony to Fresno’s pure marvel.

Relying on what time of 12 months you go to, you could be fortunate sufficient to catch Fresno within the midst of considered one of its many annual occasions. Highlights embrace the Tower District Mardi Gras Parade, the Reel Delight movie competition, and the Rogue Pageant, a six-day extravaganza of stay music, comedy, dance, theater, and extra.

7. Palm Springs is likely one of the most cost-effective locations to fly into CA

Sandwiched between San Diego and Los Angeles, Palm Springs is typically neglected by vacationers who flock to these different two metropolises. Nevertheless, this resort metropolis is second to none. If what you actually need is to get away from the hustle and bustle and unwind in a lap of luxurious, there’s no higher place to do it.

Luckily, Palm Springs Worldwide Airport (PSP) is the right place to show while you want an inexpensive flight to Southern California. Step outdoors the terminal, and also you’re only a stone’s throw away from enjoyable within the solar. For that purpose, Palm Springs isn’t only a booming retirement vacation spot. It’s additionally widespread cease for snowbirds trying to escape the chilly winter. Boasting streets lined with palm bushes, it really is a tropical getaway year-round.

There are greater than sufficient golf programs, buying districts, and fine-dining eating places right here to fill your time. That stated, should you’re within the temper for one thing a bit extra distinctive, hunt down the Cabazon Dinosaurs. Well-known for his or her look within the film Pee-Wee’s Huge Journey, these monumental steel-and-concrete dinosaurs are considered one of America’s most cherished roadside sights. They’re kitschy, they’re cool, they usually make an ideal backdrop for selfies.

Having stated all this, it’s essential to keep in mind that Palm Springs’ inhabitants truly triples through the winter. Which means that costs on every little thing go up, together with flights, sights, and lodge rooms. If Palm Springs is a bucket listing vacation spot for you, contemplate going throughout spring, summer time, or fall as an alternative.

Often requested questions (FAQ) concerning the most cost-effective airports to fly into California

Earlier than reserving an inexpensive flight to California, it helps to do your analysis. Listed here are some widespread questions and solutions relating to low cost airports in California:

When is the most affordable time to fly to California?

As I famous earlier on this weblog, when you journey is simply as essential as the place you journey. The height vacationer seasons for even essentially the most cheap cities in California are typically summer time and winter. Which means that the most effective time to fly to California if you wish to lower your expenses is spring and fall.

Let’s get extra particular. What month is the most affordable to fly to California? That relies on your vacation spot. Usually, should you’re planning a visit to San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego, the most affordable time to go to California is in April. For a lot of different airports in California, nonetheless, the most affordable month is March.

What are the most affordable airways in California providing direct flights?

The next airways at the moment supply direct flights to California:

• Southwest Airways
• American Airways
• SkyWest Airways
• United
• Alaska Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Delta
• LATAM Airways
• WestJet
• Air New Zealand

Is it all the time cheaper to fly to California continuous?

Whereas taking a continuous flight is commonly the quickest and most handy choice, it’s not all the time the most affordable solution to get to California. If you happen to’re extra involved together with your price range than something, there’s nothing flawed with taking a connecting flight.

That stated, flights that require layovers should not routinely cheaper both. There is no such thing as a arduous and quick rule for selecting one over the opposite. I like to recommend researching each everytime you begin planning any journey. Then you’ll be able to examine and distinction ticket costs, and discover the one which finest meets your wants of price vs. comfort.

How far prematurely ought to I guide to get low cost airfare to California?

When planning any journey, whether or not it’s home or worldwide, I like to recommend reserving as far prematurely as doable. Whereas it’s true that last-minute cancellations can assist you land unimaginable reductions, there’s no assure that can occur each time.

Often, should you guide prematurely, you’re capable of get a greater worth since you’re “beating the frenzy.” Because the departure date will get nearer, increasingly individuals will attempt to guide the identical flight. This will increase demand, thus elevating the value.

Why it is best to fly to California in 2023

With its sunny local weather, beautiful surroundings, and quirky sights, California typically feels extra like one other nation than simply one other American state. For East Coasters used to chilly temperatures and cramped city cities, it’s a breath of contemporary air. Even at their busiest, California’s cities appear much less claustrophobic and much more colourful.

An enormous purpose for that’s due to how various California is. Due to its proximity each to Mexico and Asia, the inhabitants of California immediately is extremely distinctive. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and different low cost cities to go to in California supply vacationers an opportunity to discover a variety of culinary, inventive, and historic legacies.

What’s extra, California is a serious heart for each the leisure and tech industries. This offers it a freshness and vitality that you just gained’t discover wherever else. It doesn’t matter what you love to do for enjoyable, there are sights completely suited to your tastes. Music venues, superb eating eating places, trendy boutiques, amusement parks, historic websites: the listing goes on and on.

I hope this weblog concerning the most cost-effective airports to fly into California has impressed you. Get on the market and provides the Golden State a better look. Touring the world is a superb privilege that we should always all get to get pleasure from. Even should you’re on a price range, you are able to do it, too!

For extra journey suggestions (and inspiration), comply with my adventures on Instagram: @World.Viewpoint. Blissful Travels! -Jon