San Francisco to San Diego

I am going to drive down the coast alone to see all the cities in California, because I am dying too, as I am a New Yorker and eager to move out west soon. Planning on flying into SF and taking about a week to get down to San Diego.

I am trying to find reasonable "backpacker-esque" accomodations, but I fear this is non-existent. Does anyone have some advice on how this 23 year old female could find some cheap accomodations along the way?

I am excited to see this Big Sur everyone is raving about.

Thank you for your help,

Samantha

Greetings Samantha, and welcome aboard!

I'm not certain on specifics, but I can assuredly tell you that the least expensive accommodations for any traveler are campgrounds. Whether you decide to pitch a pup-tent or just lean the seat back is up to you, but some state parks do have shower accommodations for the required de-funkification process. This will definitely save money on having to rent a motel every night, however, I would plan on staying in a motel once or twice along the way to allow yourself to get a good nights sleep in a bed and have a real shower.

You may also find private campgrounds with these amenities as well, such as KOA, but these are more expensive.

I don't know of too many hostels in California, but check out this wonderful thread for some additional information.

Hope this helps!

-Brad

Brad did mention it briefly, but I would think that hostels could be a perfect fit for you. I know there are at least in San Diego (I've stayed at the one near the gaslamp) and there are a couple in the LA area. I suspect Hostels could also be an option between SF and LA, although I can't say for certain.

The thread Brad linked to does info about a website with a list and review of hostels, so if there are more along the coast, that site should point you in the right direction.