It's actually shockingly cheap to rent a vacation house out there (at least for California prices). This picture is from Sea Ranch, CA. This house in particular was nicer than what we usually rent; 3bd/2ba right on the coast with hot tub; I think it was about $600 for 3 nights. Sort of expensive but not too bad once you consider we split it with my cousin and how gorgeous it was. Go up into the woods (also gorgeous) and prices drop even further. DH & I will go out there just the 2 of us and the dogs (some of the houses allow dogs) and get a small house for around $100-$150 a night, and MOST of the houses have a deal where the 3rd night is free. Makes for a nice cheap vacation!