OK, here’s the thing: The economy is not so tip-top, the state of California needs money, you don’t have a lot and the cost of fuel is — well, downright painful.

So what to do about a summer vacation?

Don’t cancel; do go with a plan.

First: Stay in California. You’ll support our economy and those pesky taxes will at least go into our coffers.

Second: Buddy-up. Share the cost of gas and a car.

Third: Do deals.

That’s what we did the third week of June when we drove up the coast.

We left North County on the crest of a heat wave. Driving through the San Fernando Valley, the thermometer screamed 113 degrees. By the time we reached Morro Bay and Monterey, the temps had descended 50 degrees.

Before we reached Monterey, though, I badgered my husband, Jerry, into stopping in downtown Ventura. We had lunch in the lovely shaded patio-with-fountain at Nona’s, a block off Main Street, then walked to the Mission San Buenaventura. Founded in 1782, its colorful garden and giant pines provide a respite from the town’s bustling sidewalks.

It was a glorious 74 degrees when we pulled into the Inn at Morro Bay. We loved the spacious room with fireplace and the private balcony spa. A complementary bottle of wine and rapturous chocolate truffles, made by the hotel’s chef, soon arrived. Later, it was dinner in the seaside dining room — the perfect vantage point for the fiery sunset.

The next morning, we enjoyed a generous, hot buffet breakfast, included in the “Rock, Romance and Relaxation” package for $189 (Sunday through Thursday; through Sept. 15. Call 800-321-9566).

Before leaving, we hiked up Black Hill (trailhead across the street). Our timing was right; the air was clear and from our summit perch, we reveled in the 360-degree view of Morro Rock, the bay and the sweeping countryside to the east.

Our plan to take Highway 1 to Monterey was scuttled by the fires raging near Big Sur, so we drove north to Cambria, east on Highway 46 to Paso Robles, then north on Highway 101. The thermometer climbed from 72 degrees to 102 degrees in 10 minutes.

Just 10 miles north of Paso Robles is the Mission San Miguel, built in 1797, the 16th of 21 missions. The historic site has fallen on hard times; the 2003 earthquake caused extensive damage (no wonder; it sits on the San Andreas Fault), and the church is wrapped in scaffolding. This tiny parish of modest means is working hard to retrofit all of the buildings and is partially on their way, but it’s slow, expensive work. We were able to tour the beautiful grounds and parts of the old living quarters.

The temperature again plummeted 40 degrees as we pulled into the Monterey Bay Inn, where $309 will get you two nights (Sunday through Thursday), a full day of kayaking on the bay and another full-day bike rental. The hotel sits on the marine sanctuary and we watched the seals, otters and dolphins play right before us, thanks to the binoculars provided by the hotel. This was just one of many nice touches — cookies and apples in the lobby, a frig and microwave, DVD player, large bathroom and high-end toiletries.

Kayaking with Adventures by the Sea, just across the street, was the highlight of the trip. We chose a tandem kayak, and although the rule is that landlubbers are to get no closer than 50 feet to the wildlife, the wildlife sometimes pops up a lot closer.

Since the inn sits on the north end of Cannery Row, there are many attractions within a 10-minute walk — restaurants, shops, Imax movies, the pier, great walking and biking trails. We took the car down the spectacular 17-Mile Drive and spent the afternoon in the town of Carmel and its splendid mission.

After taking a small detour east from Monterey to see Mission San Juan Bautista in the delightful historic town of the same name, we headed south on the 101. We spent the last night in Paso Robles and the next day touring four of the 200-some wineries in the valley.

In all, we clocked about 1,200 miles and tallied a $200 gas bill in a Toyota Camry. Divide that amount by two and take advantage of some real deals, and you’ve got an affordable five-day California road trip.

More one-night deals (rates are per room):

“Vacation Stimulus” package at Pacific Palms Resort. Sits on a hilltop against the San Gabriel Mountains 25 minutes outside Los Angeles Pacific near Highway 60. $139. Includes one night deluxe room; breakfast for two (room service or Cima Restaurant); free golf clinic, parking and wireless Internet. Eligible for generous discounts on golf (four-star course) and spa. Through Sept. 1. www.pacificpalmsresort.com or (626) 810-4455.

“One Night Stand” at Hotel Angeleno in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles. Features 209 redesigned guestrooms and public spaces, and penthouse-level with panoramic views of the city. $199.

Includes his ‘n’ her Hotel Angeleno T-shirts, toiletry kit and free valet parking. Through Sept. 30.www.hotelangeleno. com or 866-ANGELENO.

“California Dreamin’” at SeaVenture Resort, on the sand at Pismo Beach. $249. Includes room with featherbed, fireplace, private balcony with hot tub; $10 gift certificate for gift shop; “Beach Boys Greatest Hits” CD; two beach towels, Frisbee and beach bag; gift cards for clam chowder bread bowls and cinnamon rolls; continental breakfast delivered. Through Oct. 16. www.seaventure.com or (800) 760-0664.

“Get out of Town” package at the historic Mission Inn in Riverside. $265. Includes $50 Chevron gas card; $75 gift card for restaurants or spa; champagne and chocolate covered strawberries; free valet parking. Through Sept. 1. www.missioninn.com or (951) 784-0300.