The Most Expensive Summer Destinations in California

Updated: July 10, 2023

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small beach city on the Monterey Peninsula, is the priciest summer destination in California for hotel stays this year, according to a survey by Cheaphotels.org.

The survey compared the cost of accommodation across 30 popular California destinations. For each destination, the average price for the cheapest available double room during July and August 2023 was established. Only hotels located close to a beach or in the city/town center, and with 3 or more stars, were considered for the survey.

With an average rate of $305 per night for the most affordable double room, Carmel-by-the-Sea came out as the priciest destination. Only slightly more affordable are Santa Monica and Pismo Beach, with average rates of $287 and $280, respectively.

Compared with 2019, the last time the survey was conducted, hotel rates in Carmel-by-the-Sea have increased by more than 30%. The only destination where a similar increase can be seen is La Jolla, an upscale seaside village near San Diego. On average, rates in California are up by only about 5% compared with four years ago.

With an average rate of just $115 per night, San Francisco in northern California emerged as the cheapest destination recorded in the survey – a 30% decrease compared with 2019.

The following table compares 30 destinations for accommodation in California this summer. Prices shown reflect the average rate for each destination's cheapest available double room for the period July 1 to August 31, 2023.