How to Plan a Long Beach Staycation Under $200

Staycations have surged in popularity as travelers seek affordable, low-stress alternatives to traditional vacations. For residents of Southern California, Long Beach offers a perfect blend of coastal charm, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation—all within reach without the need for airfare, hotel bookings, or long drives. Planning a Long Beach staycation under $200 is not only possible; it’s an intelligent way to recharge without draining your budget. This guide walks you through every step of designing a memorable, budget-friendly escape that feels like a real vacation, even if you never leave the city limits.

Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your backyard or a newcomer seeking to explore Long Beach without overspending, this tutorial delivers actionable strategies, insider tips, and real-world examples to help you maximize value. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to stretch every dollar—from free beach access and public transit to hidden-gem eateries and low-cost attractions—while still enjoying the full Long Beach experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Staycation Goals

Before spending a single dollar, ask yourself: What do I want to get out of this staycation? Are you seeking relaxation, adventure, culture, or food? Your goals will determine how you allocate your $200 budget. For example:

• If relaxation is your priority, focus on beach time, parks, and quiet cafes.
• If you crave adventure, plan hikes, bike rides, and waterfront walks.
• If culture excites you, prioritize museums, galleries, and historic sites.

Setting clear intentions helps you avoid impulse spending and ensures every dollar serves your purpose. Write down your top three goals and refer back to them as you plan each activity.

Step 2: Choose Your Accommodation (Or Skip It)

One of the biggest budget savers in a staycation is skipping the hotel. If you already have a home in or near Long Beach, you’re already ahead. If not, consider borrowing a friend’s guest room, staying with family, or even camping at one of Long Beach’s public parks.

For those who prefer a change of scenery, consider a budget-friendly overnight option:

• Long Beach RV Park – Rates start at $45/night for a basic site with hookups. Bring your own gear or rent a tent for under $30.
• Hostels – The Long Beach Hostel offers dorm beds from $35/night. Perfect for solo travelers or couples willing to share space.
• Airbnb Private Rooms – Look for private rooms in neighborhoods like Belmont Shore or Naples starting at $60/night.

Pro Tip: Book your overnight stay for Friday night to maximize your weekend. This gives you Saturday and Sunday to explore without rushing.

Step 3: Plan Free and Low-Cost Attractions

Long Beach is packed with attractions that cost nothing—or very little. Here’s a curated list of top free and under-$10 experiences:

• Long Beach Boardwalk and Beach – Free access 24/7. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a book. Rent a bike for $10/hour or $25/day at local shops like Long Beach Bike Rentals.
• Shoreline Village – Free to walk around. Enjoy ocean views, street performers, and photo ops at the iconic lighthouse. Grab a $5 ice cream cone or a $3 coffee at one of the waterfront kiosks.
• El Dorado Nature Center – Free admission. A 50-acre urban oasis with walking trails, birdwatching, and educational exhibits. Perfect for a peaceful morning.
• California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Campus – Free to explore. The campus features modern architecture, art installations, and the beautiful University Library courtyard.
• Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden – Located on Santa Catalina Island, but you can view it for free from the Long Beach Ferry Terminal. The ferry itself costs $55 round-trip, so skip it for this budget. Instead, enjoy the view and plan a future trip.
• Long Beach Museum of Art – Free admission on the first Sunday of every month. Otherwise, entry is $10. If your staycation falls on a first Sunday, this is a must-visit.
• St. Vincent’s Park – Free entry. Features picnic areas, walking paths, and panoramic views of the harbor and downtown skyline.

Build your itinerary around 2–3 of these spots per day. Prioritize locations that are close to each other to minimize transportation costs.

Step 4: Use Public Transit to Save on Transportation

Renting a car can easily eat up $50–$100 of your budget. Long Beach is highly walkable, and public transit is efficient and affordable.

• Long Beach Transit – A single ride costs $1.25. Purchase a day pass for $5, which allows unlimited rides for 24 hours.
• LA Metro – Connects Long Beach to neighboring cities. A day pass is $7.
• Bikeshare – The city offers a bike-sharing program called BCycle. A 24-hour pass is $10, with the first 30 minutes free per ride.
• Walking – Many key spots (Boardwalk, Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor) are within a 2-mile radius. Use Google Maps to plot walking routes.

Plan your day around a walking loop: Start at Shoreline Village, walk to the Aquarium, then head to the Boardwalk, and end at the Long Beach Museum of Art. You’ll cover 5+ miles of scenic coastline—without spending a dime on gas or parking.

Step 5: Eat Like a Local on a Budget

Dining out doesn’t have to break the bank. Long Beach is known for its diverse, affordable food scene. Here’s how to eat well under $50 for two people:

• Breakfast – Head to Donut Man in Gardena (15-minute drive or $2 bus ride). Their famous blueberry donut is $3.50. Or try El Charro in downtown Long Beach for $6 breakfast burritos.
• Lunch – Visit Los Cucos Taqueria for authentic tacos: $2.50 each. Get two with a drink for under $10. Or grab a $7 sandwich from Chili’s Pizza on 4th Street.
• Dinner – Try Thai Basil in the Belmont Shore area. Their $12 pad Thai is generous and flavorful. Share an appetizer to keep costs low.
• Snacks and Drinks – Buy bottled water and fruit from a local grocery store like Trader Joe’s or 99 Ranch Market. A bottle of water is $1.50 instead of $5 at tourist spots.
• Bring Your Own – Pack a picnic for the beach. Buy a loaf of bread, cheese, and fruit for $10 and enjoy it under the sun.

Total food cost for two people over two days: ~$45–$55. That leaves room for a treat—like a $8 gelato from Wink & Nod or a $5 churro from Shoreline Village.

Step 6: Include One Affordable “Splurge” Experience

A true staycation feels special. Allocate $20–$30 for one memorable experience that elevates your trip:

• Harbor Cruise – The Long Beach Harbor Cruise offers a 90-minute tour for $25/person. See the Queen Mary, cruise ships, and marine wildlife from the water.
• Comedy Show – Check out Long Beach Improv for $15–$20 tickets. Often includes food and drink specials.
• Bookstore Visit + Coffee – Browse Book Soup or The Last Bookstore (in downtown LA, 30-min bus ride). Buy one used book for $5 and enjoy coffee for $4.
• Art Walk – Attend the monthly Long Beach Art Walk (first Friday of the month). Free entry to galleries, live music, and local artists. If your staycation doesn’t align, skip it.

Choose one that matches your interests. This small splurge makes your staycation feel indulgent—not cheap.

Step 7: Track Your Spending in Real Time

Use a simple spreadsheet or your phone’s notes app to log every expense as you go. Create categories:

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Food & Drinks
• Activities
• Extras (souvenirs, snacks)

Set a daily cap of $100. If you spend $80 on day one, you have $20 to play with on day two. This prevents overspending and keeps your total under $200.

Example Budget Breakdown:

• Accommodation: $45 (RV Park)
• Transportation: $10 (2-day transit pass + bike rental)
• Food: $50 (groceries + 3 meals + snacks)
• Activities: $45 (Harbor Cruise + Museum Entry)
• Extras: $5 (ice cream, postcard)
• Total: $155

You’ve saved $45! Use it for a sunset cocktail, extra gelato, or save it for next time.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Experiences Over Things

The most memorable parts of any trip are the moments—not the souvenirs. Instead of buying a $25 keychain, take a photo of you at the Long Beach Pier. Collect seashells from the beach. Write a postcard to yourself. These are free, meaningful keepsakes that last longer than plastic trinkets.

2. Go Off-Peak for Better Deals

Weekends in Long Beach are crowded and prices rise. If you can, plan your staycation for a weekday. Museums are quieter, restaurants have fewer lines, and parking is easier. Even better: Visit during the shoulder seasons (April–May or September–October). The weather is still perfect, but tourist crowds have thinned.

3. Pack Smart

Bring your own:

• Reusable water bottle
• Sunscreen and hat
• Beach towel and blanket
• Snacks and lunch
• Portable charger
• Walking shoes

These items eliminate the need to buy replacements on-site. A $12 sunscreen at the beach is avoidable with a $7 bottle from Target.

4. Embrace the Slow Pace

A staycation isn’t a checklist. Don’t try to cram in every attraction. Leave room for spontaneity: sit on the sand, watch the sunset, read a book under a palm tree. These quiet moments are often the most restorative.

5. Use Cash or a Dedicated Budget Card

When you use a credit card, spending feels abstract. Withdraw $200 in cash at the start of your staycation. Put it in an envelope labeled “Long Beach Escape.” When it’s gone, your trip is done. This creates psychological boundaries that prevent overspending.

6. Involve Friends or Family

Sharing a staycation reduces costs and deepens connections. Split a rental bike, share meals, or plan a group beach picnic. You’ll save money and create shared memories.

7. Unplug for Maximum Relaxation

Turn off work emails, mute social media notifications, and set your phone to “Do Not Disturb.” A true escape means disconnecting from daily stress—not just location. Use your phone only for navigation and photos.

Tools and Resources

Free Apps to Enhance Your Staycation

• Google Maps – Plan walking routes, check transit times, and find nearby free attractions.
• Yelp – Filter by “free entry,” “under $10,” or “outdoor seating.” Read reviews from locals.
• Meetup – Find free community events like beach cleanups, art walks, or outdoor yoga.
• AllTrails – Discover short, scenic walking trails in Long Beach parks. Filter by difficulty and length.
• City of Long Beach Events Calendar – Official site: longbeach.gov/events. Lists free concerts, festivals, and exhibits.
• Long Beach Transit App – Real-time bus tracking and fare payment. Download before you go.

Free Resources for Local Insights

• Long Beach Post – Local news site with guides on hidden gems, pop-up events, and seasonal happenings.
• Visit Long Beach – Official tourism site: visitlongbeach.com. Download their free PDF guide: “Budget-Friendly Long Beach.”
• Reddit: r/LongBeach – Active community. Search “free things to do” or “best cheap eats.” Real locals give honest advice.
• Library Passes – Many public libraries offer free or discounted passes to museums and attractions. Check if your local library partners with the Long Beach Museum of Art or Aquarium of the Pacific.

Where to Find Discounted Tickets

Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still get deals:

• CityPASS – Not applicable here, but check for local promos.
• Goldstar – Offers discounted tickets to shows, museums, and events. Often $10–$15 for admission that normally costs $20+.
• GroupOn – Search “Long Beach free admission” or “beach activities.” Look for deals on bike rentals or harbor tours.
• Library Discounts – As mentioned, many libraries offer free or half-price passes. Ask at your local branch.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Solo Explorer

Name: Maria, 28, works in downtown LA

Budget: $195

Itinerary:

• Friday Night: Stay at Long Beach Hostel ($35)
• Saturday: Walk from Shoreline Village to the Aquarium (free view), bike rental ($25), lunch at Los Cucos ($8), free visit to El Dorado Nature Center, dinner at Thai Basil ($12), gelato ($5)
• Sunday: Free admission to Long Beach Museum of Art (first Sunday), walk along the Boardwalk, picnic lunch from Trader Joe’s ($10), bus ride back to LA ($1.25)
• Total: $35 + $25 + $8 + $12 + $5 + $10 + $1.25 = $96.25

Wait—she only spent $96? Maria saved $100 by bringing her own snacks, using a hostel, and timing her museum visit for free day. She used the extra $100 to buy a journal and write about her trip. She now calls it her “rebirth weekend.”

Example 2: The Couple on a Budget

Name: David and Lena, 35, Long Beach residents

Budget: $198

Itinerary:

• Friday Night: Stay at home. Cook a pasta dinner ($8)
• Saturday: Bike ride along the Strand ($20), picnic at St. Vincent’s Park ($12 for fruit, cheese, bread), Harbor Cruise ($50 for two), sunset drinks at Shoreline ($15)
• Sunday: Free visit to CSULB campus, coffee at a local café ($8), lunch at 99 Ranch Market ($10), walk along the beach
• Total: $8 + $20 + $12 + $50 + $15 + $8 + $10 = $123

They saved $77 by staying home Friday night and skipping hotel costs. They used the extra money to buy a new beach towel and a local artist’s painting ($75) as a memento. Their staycation felt luxurious—even though they spent less than half of what they’d spend on a weekend getaway to Palm Springs.

Example 3: The Family of Three

Name: The Parkers, 42, 38, 8

Budget: $195

Itinerary:

• Friday Night: Camp at El Dorado Nature Center ($45 for tent site)
• Saturday: Free beach day (bring own gear), lunch at Donut Man ($10), free visit to the Long Beach Children’s Museum ($5 for child, free for adults), dinner at taco truck ($15)
• Sunday: Walk to Shoreline Village, rent a tandem bike ($25), ice cream ($6), bus ride home ($3.75)
• Total: $45 + $10 + $5 + $15 + $25 + $6 + $3.75 = $109.75

The Parkers saved $85 by camping instead of booking a hotel. Their 8-year-old still talks about the “taco day” and the “bike that two people ride.” They plan to repeat this every summer.

FAQs

Can I really enjoy a Long Beach staycation under $200?

Absolutely. Thousands of locals do it every year. The key is avoiding tourist traps, using free attractions, and cooking your own meals. With smart planning, $200 is more than enough for a full 48-hour escape.

Is Long Beach safe for a solo staycation?

Yes. Areas like Shoreline Village, the Boardwalk, Belmont Shore, and the Aquarium are well-lit, frequently patrolled, and popular with families and tourists. Avoid isolated areas at night, but daytime exploration is perfectly safe.

What’s the best time of year for a budget staycation?

April–May and September–October offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Summer (June–August) is busier and more expensive. Winter is mild and quiet—perfect for a peaceful escape.

Do I need a car for a Long Beach staycation?

No. Long Beach is highly walkable and well-served by public transit. Biking and walking are not only cheaper—they’re more enjoyable. You’ll see more details on foot than you would from a car.

Are there free parking options in Long Beach?

Yes. Many streets offer free 2-hour parking with a permit or time limit. Look for signs. Street parking near Shoreline Village and the Boardwalk is often free on weekends after 6 PM. Avoid metered spots during peak hours.

Can I bring my dog on a Long Beach staycation?

Yes! Many beaches (like Rosie’s Dog Beach) are dog-friendly. Parks like El Dorado and St. Vincent’s welcome leashed pets. Just bring water, a leash, and poop bags.

What if I want to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific?

It’s $35 per adult. If you’re on a tight budget, skip it. You can view the aquarium’s exterior and marine life from the harbor walkway for free. Or, wait for a free admission day (sometimes offered through libraries or community events).

How do I avoid overspending on food?

Buy groceries from 99 Ranch Market or Trader Joe’s. Eat at local taquerias and food trucks. Avoid sit-down restaurants with ocean views—they charge premium prices. Pack snacks and water.

Can I do this staycation with kids?

Definitely. Long Beach is one of the most family-friendly cities in Southern California. Free attractions like the beach, parks, and nature centers are perfect for children. Bring sand toys, a picnic blanket, and a favorite book.

What if I don’t have a tent or bike?

Rent them. Many local shops offer affordable rentals: tents for $20/day, bikes for $10–$25/day. You can also borrow from friends or use a community sharing program.

Conclusion

Planning a Long Beach staycation under $200 isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about choosing what truly matters. It’s about trading expensive flights and crowded resorts for quiet sunrises on the Strand, the smell of salt air, the taste of a $2.50 taco, and the sound of waves as you read a book under a palm tree. It’s about rediscovering the beauty of your own backyard without the stress of planning, packing, or overspending.

This guide has shown you how to turn $200 into a meaningful, restorative experience. From free museums and scenic walks to affordable eats and budget-friendly overnight stays, every element is within reach. You don’t need to travel far to feel far away. Long Beach offers all the elements of a true getaway—just at a fraction of the cost.

So grab your towel, pack your snacks, and hit the coast. Your perfect, affordable escape is waiting—right outside your door.