I’ve been thinking about where I could go with a lot of vacation attractions, but will be sensitive to my tight budget. You might put a Southern California vacation on your list. SoCal offers beaches, amusement parks, Hollywood and many other attractions.

Hawaii would be another option. It’s hard to beat the beautiful warm ocean water, but it does not offer as much overall variety as Southern California. Here is an article that discusses the differences between Hawaiian vacations and Southern California vacations. Keep in mind that there are way fewer underwater rocks to worry about in the California surf, and the humidity and sun intensity are a little easier to handle in the summer. The water temperature is higher in the Aloha state, but in the middle of summer, the cooler water can be more refreshing.

Hawaii does have an advantage with such beautiful natural countryside and vegetation, enhanced by the local Polynesian culture. However, the California coastline, mountains and desert are quite beautiful as well, and the place is a melting pot of cultural diversity.

Southern California offers much more than great beaches. You could spend a week checking out the seven top-notch theme parks between San Diego and Los Angeles County. For lovers of roller coasters, Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain are definitely places to visit if possible. Both offer many coasters and other fun rides. Disneyland has a few attractions that would be considered thrill rides, but not nearly as many as those other two parks.

Hawaii does not offer roller coasters, but does offer surfing on the North Shore of Oahu in the wintertime. It may be that California offers more ways to trim the budget, but sometimes there are great Hawaii vacation packages to be found on the internet or in the newspaper Travel section.

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