The Most Expensive Summer Destinations in California 2023

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.

Average Hotel Rates – Summer 2023

Update: Taxes and Fees have been added to the rates

Carmel-by-the-Sea	$342
Santa Monica	$327
Pismo Beach	$321
La Jolla	$319
Santa Barbara	$292
Laguna Beach	$271
Monterey	$268
Calistoga	$265
Palo Alto	$263
Carlsbad	$260
Cambria	$247
Napa	$236
Santa Cruz	$235
West Hollywood	$231
San Luis Obispo	$205
Long Beach	$198
Santa Rosa	$198
South Lake Tahoe	$195
San Diego	$184
Eureka	$180
Los Angeles	$178
Paso Robles	$177
Mammoth Lakes	$177
San Jose	$176
Sacramento	$176
Oakland	$172
Sunnyvale	$154
Palm Springs	$137
Anaheim	$132
San Francisco	$130

About the Methodology

The survey considered 30 popular destinations in California with at least 20 hotels or inns. For each destination, the average price for the cheapest available double room was established for the period spanning July 1 to August 31, 2023. Only hotels rated at least three stars and located close to the beach or city centre were considered for the survey. Rates were established in late June based on prices shown on leading hotel booking sites.

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