A fear of sticker shock is no reason to put off a getaway this fall. After all, there are lots of deals out there, providing you know where to find them. When planning any getaway in California, start at your destination’s tourism board website: You’re likely to find special offers that range from free nights to dining credits to wine-tasting specials.
What’s more, you can usually find great deals, and more last-minute opportunities, when you book a trip midweek. That’s especially true in wine regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Santa Ynez Valley, and Temecula Valley.
Read on for more deals, discounts, and freebies all over the Golden State.
$125 spa day pass, Palm Springs
September is the perfect time to enjoy the Spa at Séc-he in downtown Palm Springs, which is affiliated with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Book a $125 day pass on a weekday to enjoy a soak in a private hot-springs tub and then spend the day blissing out in the massage chairs, the salt-mist halotherapy room, steam room, sauna, and pools. (Day passes are $145 on Friday–Sunday.) Good through Sept. 29.
Extend your trip with deals from Visit Greater Palm Springs, such as the Fall Savings deal that offers up to 25 percent off at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Palm Desert (good through Dec. 31). Or get an easy 20 percent off stays at the new Thompson Palm Springs, a Hyatt property with a midcentury modern sensibility (book by Oct. 2, stay by April 30).
Boat and hotel packages, Catalina Island
Streamline your trip to Catalina Island—a one-hour boat ride from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point—by booking a package that includes your hotel plus your round-trip transportation on the Catalina Express. The lodging options include the Hotel Atwater and Pavilion Hotel, where the deals include a $20 credit for breakfast and 15 percent off activities. Good though Oct. 27. Keep tabs on Catalina’s Boat & Hotel Packages page for the Best of Winter deals, for stays after Nov. 5.
Cabernet getaway at Estate Yountville, Yountville
Book a stay at Estate Yountville, a 22-acre resort in Napa Valley, and enjoy some fine reds as Cabernet Season begins in wine country. The deal takes 15 percent off the rate and includes a $100 drink credit along with a welcome glass of Cab upon arrival, followed by evening tastings. Good through Oct. 31.
Third night free at Fairmont Sonoma, Sonoma
The hotel’s California Dreaming deal lets you plan your wine country getaway around the best prices. This 33 percent off deal—a great value for this luxury resort—lasts through Oct. 31.
Check the Sonoma Valley special offers and Sonoma County deals for more discounts, including 20 percent off at the El Pueblo Inn or 30 percent off at the Geyserville Inn.
15 percent off and a $100 gift card at Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach
With its Refuel and Reset deal, this waterfront resort in Newport Beach defines “refuel” quite literally: This deal gets you 15 percent off the rate as well as a $100 gas gift card and waived valet parking (book by Oct. 31 and stay by Nov. 5.). Or plan ahead and get the hotel’s Sunsets and Savings deal, which also takes 15 percent off the rate but adds resort credits from $150 (if you stay two nights) up to $500 (six nights). Must book 28 days ahead (ongoing).
$50 kids tickets and up to 25 percent off hotels at Disneyland, Anaheim
Book now for your family’s winter trip to Disneyland Resort. The 1-Day, 1-Park tickets bring kids’ admission prices down to as little as $50 per child per day when choosing from one-day, two-day, or three-day park tickets; good for ages 3 to 9. Book your hotel while you’re at it and enjoy up to 25 percent off stays at the three hotels at Disneyland Resort; good for stays of four nights or more. Both deals can be booked starting Oct. 22 for visits between Jan. 7 and March 20, 2025.
Want to come to the parks sooner? This fall you can take up to 15 percent off select stays at the Disneyland Hotel, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; good from Oct. 20 through Dec.19.
Veterans deals around the Golden State
Veterans Day falls on a Monday this year, offering both an easy three-day weekend and plenty of discounts for anyone who has served. In Temecula Valley, for instance, veterans get 15 percent off the best rate at Ponte Vineyard Inn (ongoing) and 50 percent off tastings during November at Peltzer Winery. At SeaWorld San Diego, both active duty military members and veterans—plus up to three family members—get one-time free admission (good through Dec.31), while LEGOLAND California offers up to 20 percent off lodgings for veterans and active military at its LEGOLAND Hotel.
In the mountains, Palisades Tahoe offers a 30 percent break on lift tickets for veterans and active military and in Sonoma County, the Charles M. Schulz Museum offers free admission to veterans on Nov. 11, and discounts for veterans and military members every other day of the year.
20 percent off lodging, Heavenly
Make the most of the time before ski season starts at Heavenly with the Endless Fall deal that is good on any stay of two nights or more in Heavenly Village (good through Nov. 15). Or start planning for winter with the Winter Non-Refundable deal, which takes 30 percent off your rate when you book at least 30 days ahead (good through April 30).
Want to enjoy Mammoth Lakes’ fall colors before its ski season begins in November? Book the Changing Seasons Special for up to 25 percent off lodging for at least two nights. Good through Nov. 13.
Harvest Mendocino Specials, Mendocino County
Late October and November are excellent times to visit Mendocino. Besides enjoying the autumnal vibes, you can take part in Harvest Mendocino (Oct. 25–Nov. 17), which features a long list of restaurant specials, winemaker dinners, and unique outings such as the Skunk Train’s special Mushroom, Whiskey & Wine Train (Nov. 2). Hotels and restaurants offer their own deals for the festival, like discounts of up to 20 percent on two nights or more at Fort Bragg inns including The Beachcomber Motel, Surf & Sand Lodge, and Harbor Lite Lodge. Good for stays through Nov. 17.
Free massage at Chateau de Sureau, Oakhurst
Book a three-night stay at this charming Madera County inn near the south gate of Yosemite National Park and enjoy a free massage or facial at the onsite spa. The inn has the added perk of being next door to longtime favorite Erna’s Elderberry House. Some blackout dates apply; good through Dec. 20.
$100 off RV rentals, Roadsurfer
Finish up 2024 with an epic RV trip through the Golden State. The Roadsurfer rental agency offers compact campervans that make this sort of adventure easy: Choose from four RV models, each equipped with bathrooms and kitchenettes; rentals include perks such as unlimited miles, a second free driver, and one-way options (dogs are welcome too). Use code VCXRSF2024 to take $100 off your rental, picking up in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Good through Dec. 31.
$250 spa credit at Shade Hotel, Manhattan Beach
Soak up autumn’s balmy beach days with this deal in Manhattan Beach: the best available rate combined with a $250 wellness credit that you can use at the neighboring day spa, plus a fruit plate and a bottle of bubby. If one massage isn’t enough, you can book a second for just $100. Good through Dec. 31.
24 percent off at the Grande Colonial, La Jolla
Bliss out in La Jolla with the Fall Advance Purchase deal at the Grande Colonial, located right in La Jolla’s “Cove” area near the beach, galleries, and restaurants (good through Dec. 31).
Browse the San Diego Tourism Authority site for more deals, like its midweek WeekYAY specials and Kids Free San Diego, when lots of theme parks, hotels, and attractions offer free admission and other perks for families during October.
Game days at the Hyatt Regency, San Francisco
The Home Advantage Package at this hotel on San Francisco’s Embarcadero appeals to both Giants and 49ers fans: It includes free parking, an automatic room upgrade, and—if the San Francisco team wins—a prize from the front desk and two house beers or glasses of wine. Fun fact: the hotel also boasts having the world's largest hotel lobby—15 stories high inside, and 42,000 square feet. Good through Dec. 30.
10 percent off plus breakfast at The Darling Hotel, Visalia
Autumn is a blissful time to enjoy the scenery in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Visalia makes a convenient home base for both parks. Stay at The Darling Hotel in downtown Visalia and get an easy 10 percent off your rate plus breakfast for two at the hotel’s Elderwood restaurant. Or stay on a weekday to score a $50 dining credit. Good through Feb. 5.
Third night free deals, Santa Barbara
With its blissful coastline, excellent cuisine, and oodles of small-city charm, Santa Barbara epitomizes the good life—and its tourist board website is a reliable source for great hotel deals. Choose from nearly 20 hotels and resorts, ranging from the family-friendly Best Western Plus to the luxurious Rosewood Miramar Beach—and look to score a third night free. Blackout dates vary by property, but most deals are good through Dec. 31. Some offers—like the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort—are good until June 2025.
$50 gift card with a two-night stay, Redding
Enjoy your choice of freebies in the Shasta Cascade when you use this deal from Choose Redding. Book at least two nights at a participating hotel—such as the Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge or the boutique-stye Oxford Suites Redding—and choose from a long list of $50 gift cards. These cards will let you sample the local cuisine at the Park Food Truck Hub, purchase fishing gear at The Fly Shop, or fuel up at Historic Jack’s Grill. Some add-ons are worth more than $50, like the three free tickets to Turtle Bay Exploration Park (worth $54) or two tickets to Lake Shasta Caverns (worth up to $80). Most cards are good through June 2025.
Meanwhile, you can get into Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and national parks for free on Sept. 28 (Public Lands Day) or Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.
31 percent off in Union Square, San Francisco
Make bustling Union Square your HQ on a San Francisco getaway, with its easy access to cable cars, shopping, and great neighborhoods. Browse the member hotels of the Union Square Alliance and you’ll find plenty of deals too. Book the Rebel Society deal at the counterculture-themed Zeppelin Hotel or 20 percent off at the family-owned Chancellor Hotel that dates back to 1915. Or check in at the Inn at Union Square, which offers 20 percent off the best rate plus a sweet $25 Ghirardelli Ice Cream gift card. Ongoing.
4th night free at Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel, Huntington Beach
Sunny surf days abound this time of year in Huntington Beach. This ongoing deal takes 25 percent off your rate when you stay for four nights and throws in a $50 dining credit. While you’re in town, enjoy a discount on paddlesport rentals, 20 percent off a scavenger hunt, or explore the city’s Barrel Trail of breweries and great watering holes. Ongoing.
Ski free on your birthday, Big Bear
Opening day will soon be announced for Big Bear Mountain, Snow Valley, and Snow Summit, and the season could last well into spring again. If your birthday falls anywhere in there, redeem a free lift ticket at the mountains’ ticket window on your special day. Have an early fall or summer birthday? You can get the freebie during the rest of the year too, cashing in for a lift ticket at the Bike Park or the Scenic Sky Chair; a ticket for the climbing wall at Snow Summit; or a free round of golf at Bear Mountain Golf Course. Ongoing.
Want to plan ahead? Score 20 percent off rentals when you book at least seven days beforehand. Ongoing.
Third night free at Carneros Resort & Spa, Napa
Autumn brings lovely fall foliage in Napa Valley, and it also presents opportunities for serious savings. Get your third night free at this Napa resort that offers standalone cottages, two pools, a spa, and an onsite tasting room. Foodies will love the Taste the Season special that offers a $250 dining credit when you stay at least two nights in a room, and a $500 dining credit percent off your rate for a two-night stay; you must book at least a week in advance. Ongoing.
25 percent off and $100 credit, Santa Monica
Getting either 25 percent off or a $100 resort credit at a hotel is nice, but this deal in Santa Monica offers both, and at two of the beach town’s most luxe resorts. Book a stay at either Casa del Mar or Shutters on the Beach and you can score up to 25 percent off on three-to-five-night stays. Can’t stay that long? Check out these Santa Monica hotel deals, with breaks such as free parking, dining credits, and easy discounts just for booking at least 14 days ahead of time. Ongoing.
$20 gift cards with hotel stay, Rancho Cordova
The Gold Country town of Rancho Cordova makes a comfortable launching pad for exploring Sacramento, experiencing the American River, or tasting your way along the town’s Barrel District.
Book your stay through the tourist board’s website—with participating hotels including Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova and the Hyatt Place Sacramento/Rancho Cordova—then choose from a variety of $20 gift cards to pair with your hotel, such as JJ Pfister Distillery or Mexican restaurant Casa Ramos. Ongoing.
