Joshua Tree is probably a good mix of chill and beautiful, Palm Springs is very close. Gotta be some cheaper spots to stay?
Ramona, CA is a short drive from San Diego. They have a small tennis resort you could stay at.
Morro Bay. Gorgeous. Sleepy. Old people. Nature.
All the coastal goodness of CA.
Shiloh said:
Morro Bay. Gorgeous. Sleepy. Old people. Nature.
All the coastal goodness of CA.
But since we’re here… add on Cayucos and Los Osos. And stop by Taco Temple (MB) and High Street Deli (Osos).
@Ashton
Cambria too!
Maybe Tucson, Arizona? Generally warm—some mountains, good biking… Don’t speed or run red lights—they have camera enforcement. If you do go to Cali, mid-state is nice. Like Morrow Bay area. Or Temecula near San Diego. But don’t leave any valuables in your car in Cali—lots of car break-ins.
San Diego for sure is the option for you, it’s relatively cheap and has a lot of good spots. Even food.
Morro Bay and Paso Robles. Seafood, wine, and Route 1. Plus San Simeon.
Look for a 30-day rental. A lot of places by the night are going to be the price of a hotel. If you can find a monthly place it may be $2000, but that’s less than 20 days at $100/night.
I’d just say a room in a house (on Airbnb) can also be inexpensive.
I traveled all over CA with my family during COVID when everything was done on our laptops. I had traveled to all the places mentioned here for two full years. It’s all expensive (there were some good deals in 2020 but not for long). A place like Fresno or similar is indistinguishable from any armpit town in America, and the Airbnb/hotel prices are surprisingly higher than Europe. If not on a high budget, renting a room will be the only option. But that’s no relaxing vacay.
I suggest 1) look into the Southern states. 2) save up to enjoy the beautiful coast of CA—it’s breathtaking. 2-3 weeks are perfect.
There is no such thing as affordable in California. You would probably have to pay to stay in a homeless encampment there.
Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Long Beach, San Diego, Santa Barbara. Skip LA!
Salton Sea. Very affordable. 
Monterey, CA. You could do the Days Inn on Abrego. It’s not crazy hot though; average temp is in the 60s. I do a solo trip to Monterey every year; it is safe and boring, just how I like it 
But absolutely beautiful, especially if you drive down Highway 1 into Big Sur.
@Lennon
Ain’t the 60’s anymore; we’re freezing our flip-flops off in the 50’s!
Skid row is affordable.