Staying Local for Labor Day or Hitting the Road?

Are you jetting off or packing up the car for a road trip during the long weekend? Are you taking this opportunity to relax at the neighborhood pool or at home?

If you are staying closer to home, you are not alone. More Californians are expected to stay local this Labor Day weekend, than in recent years. The California State Automobile Association says increased gas prices, and a lagging economy will contribute to the decline in travel.

The association predicts just 3.7 million Californians will travel more than 50 miles this holiday weekend — a 2.6 percent decrease from last year.

Here are some facts about Labor Day travel from the association:

• 3 million people in California will travel by car, an increase of 0.9 percent from last year.
• 453,000 people will fly, a drop of 1.5 percent from a year ago.
• 230,000 will travel by train, boat or other means of transportation. That's a decline of 33 percent.

Overall, air fares are up 13 percent from a year ago and hotel rates are up 6 percent.

Gas prices have also risen the past week.

In California, the average price is $3.81 for a gallon of regular unleaded. That's up 8 cents from last week, according to the CSAA website that tracks gas prices.

In the East Bay, a gallon of unleaded regular costs an average of $3.82, up 9 cents from a week ago. Find the cheapest gas near you at gasbuddy.com.

CSAA officials say Californians who stay close to home will shop, visit friends, dine out and go on bike rides to enjoy the holiday weekend.

Ideas for fun close to home:

Walnut Creek Family Fest, Saturday to Monday. This event for the whole family will have arts and crafts booths, a food court and nearly 20 rides, including a Ferris wheel and pony rides. .

Danville Antique and Art Faire, Monday. Shop at over 30 artisans and antique merchants, listen to live music and sample local food in downtown Danville. Get the details and read more about it.

Harvest Wine celebration in Livermore, Sunday and Monday. Taste wines, listen to live music, sample foods and browse local art at wineries in Livermore. .