The Most Expensive Summer Destinations in California

Updated: July 17, 2025

Santa Barbara, a coastal city in Santa Barbara Country, is the most expensive 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 2025 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 $351 per night for the most affordable double room, Santa Barbara came out as the priciest destination. Carmeö by the Sea, a small beach city on the Monterey Peninsula, and Carlsbad, situated near San Diego, complete the podium with average rates of $342 and $324 per night, respectively.

Compared with 2023, the last time the survey was conducted, hotel rates in Santa Barbara have increased by more than 20%. In Carlsbad, they are up by more than 24% - the biggest increase among the 30 Californian destinations considered by the survey.

On average, hotel rates in California are up just 3% compared with two years ago, with some destinations now significantly more affordable such as Calistoga (-26%) and Long Beach (-15%). The least expensive summer destination is, once again in 2025, is San Francisco, where average nightly rates come in at just $124.

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, 2025 (including all taxes and fees).