The Most Expensive Summer Destination in California

Huntington Beach, located in Orange County, is the most expensive summer destination in California, according to a recent survey conducted by LosAngelesHotels.org.

The survey compared all notable destinations in The Golden State based on cost of lodging during July and August 2020. Only such hotels rated at least 3 stars and located near a beach or city center were considered.

The survey found that Huntington Beach hotels are charging an average nightly rate of $261 for their most affordable room over July and August. This makes Huntington Beach the most expensive destination in California for the two months. The second-priciest destination is Pismo Beach, slightly north, where the least expensive rooms start at $224 per night.

COVID-19 travel restrictions and traveler precautions have certainly impacted summer hotel rates in California, the survey also discovered. Beach towns along the state’s coast are offering hotel rates approximately 15% lower than last year’s rates for the same rooms during the same weeks. Urban destinations are hit harder: rooms in San Jose and Los Angeles are about 35% more affordable than they were last summer, with average rates starting at $127 and $120, respectively.

The most dramatic year-over-year room rate decreases can be found in San Diego and San Francisco, where room rates have dropped 40 and 50%, respectively. Travelers can currently find rooms starting at $98 per night in San Diego, and at $85 per night in San Francisco, at some of those analyzed, 3-star or above, centrally-located properties.

The following table shows the 20 most expensive summer destinations in California. The prices shown reflect the average rate for each destination’s cheapest available double room (minimum 3-star hotel) for the period spanning July 1 through August 31, 2020.