budget travel los angeles

La-La Land for less: visiting Los Angeles on a budget

Feb 21, 2024 • 8 min read

Pack your own food and drink and make it a beach day – always a budget-friendly delight in LA © halbergman / Getty Images

Sunny, glitzy Los Angeles isn’t known as the most budget-friendly travel destination.

Yet with some careful planning, you can find a more economical side to this glamorous town, and get a taste for the magic that defines this world-famous place – for less. With endless options all over LA, there truly is something for everyone and every budget – as long as you know where to look.

From skipping the guided studio tours for a seat in a live studio audience to heading to West Hollywood for happy hour and experiencing the city’s diverse culinary scene through its many food trucks, LA on a budget is not only possible, it’s lots of fun, too.

Here’s our inside tips and tricks to help you save money on your next trip to LA.

Daily Costs

Hostel room: $20–60 per night
Basic room for two: $80–290 per night
Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $70–250+ per night
Public transport ticket: $1.75 (capped at $5 per day and $18 per week)
Coffee: $3–6 Sandwich: $8–18
Dinner for two: $50–80+
Beer/pint at a bar: $6–12
Average Daily Cost (three meals, accommodation and a small budget for activities) : $260–300+ per day

LAX isn’t the only airport in LA, but it’s likely to be the cheapest

In 2023, Airports Council International ranked Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as the sixth-busiest airport in the world. And while the crowds may tempt you to avoid LAX at all costs (I don’t blame you), this heavy traffic is great news for those on a budget. With approximately 700 flights per day, you can find great deals to and from the hub at any time of the year, especially on low-cost carriers.

If you’re staying outside of the city, however, it’s worth seeing if other airports like Burbank and Long Beach are better suited to your destination. The transport costs between LAX and outlying areas could outweigh any money you'd save.

Take free hotel shuttles to get out of LAX

There’s no sugar-coating it: getting out of LAX is painful. After a flight, the last thing you want to do is lug your bags onto a packed communal rideshare zone bus before waiting – sometimes for up to an hour – for a driver that charges triple the standard price.

If you’re staying relatively close to the airport, check to see if your hotel offers a shuttle service. Not only will the free transport save you a few dollars, it’s the most efficient way to get out, aside from a family member or friend picking you up.

Note that LA’s Metro is planning to open its long-planned expansion to LAX in late 2024. As you plan your trip, consider if mass transit could suit your travel needs.

People at tables at dusk at a rooftop bar, Los Angeles, California, USA

Capitalize on LA’s love of happy hours

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t try some of the best and highly raved-about eateries and bars in LA . This all-hours town is known for its love of happy hours, and spots all around the city offer great daily deals.

Some must-try local favorites include Mother Tongue in Hollywood, Gracias Madre in West Hollywood (a great all-vegan spot), The Waterfront in Venice and Everson Royce Bar in DTLA ’s Arts District (get the ERB burger and the $6 mystery shot).

Visit during shoulder seasons

Summer and winter holidays are considered peak seasons in LA, with prices to match. But things tend to settle down in the weeks following Labor Day, making this shoulder season an optimal time to visit. The weather is still pleasant and warm (this is LA, after all), only with fewer crowds and lower prices.

September to early November isn’t a popular travel time, since kids are back in school and it’s just before the peak holiday season. Do note the window for great deals is small, with prices again spiking mid-November ahead of Thanksgiving and staying consistent until after the New Year.

A woman hiking at sunset though Runyon Canyon, Los Angeles, California, USA

LA is a haven for nature lovers, so go explore

LA County is home to approximately 100 beaches , which are all free. With great weather most of the year, a day at the beach is a wonderful way to avoid unnecessary spending when visiting LA. Bring your own food and drinks and make a day of it.

Beyond sitting on the sand and wading in the water, seaside areas like Santa Monica , Venice, Malibu and Manhattan Beach all have great places to explore just steps from the promenade.

You might be surprised that famously populous LA is home to over 60 hiking trails . Step off the beaten path to check out some of the city’s best sights like the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory on foot.

If you’re from California, bring your library card

If you’re a California resident visiting LA, you’re eligible to get an LA County Library card – and the perks are much more than just checking out books. Thanks to the Discover & Go program , cardholders can get free and low-cost passes to museums, science centers, zoos, theaters, instrument and hiking gear rentals – even free beach parking. This is an easy and great way for Californians to save some money during their LA visit.

People queueing at a food truck in Los Angeles, California

Dine at food trucks and farmers markets

Sure, LA has some of the best celebrity-loved eateries in the country, like Rihanna’s favorite, Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. But if you’re trying to keep your spending in line, food trucks and farmers markets offer a great choice. These no-fuss, budget-friendly options allow you to experience the city’s diverse culinary scene and famous Californian produce while soaking in the vibrant street-food atmosphere.

If you’re looking for some of the best al pastor tacos in the city, pay a visit to Leo’s Taco Truck in Mid City. For a taste of the south, you can’t pass up Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen in Inglewood (get the Nashville hot fried chicken). And sweet-treat enthusiasts will love artisan donut tuck Hustle N Dough .

An LA Metro bus in front of The Broad Museum, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA

Choose public transport over car rentals

Transit users from, say, Chicago and New York City might find LA’s public-transport lacking. Yet with a bit of planning, it’s a great option for those on a budget. While cars are still king here, once you add in fuel prices and parking costs, they’re far from the most economical transport option.

The LA Metro consists of buses, which cover a wide range of routes, and the Metro Rail, which connects key areas of the city like downtown, Hollywood and Santa Monica. A loadable TAP card is used on both buses and the subway at a very affordable $1.75 per ride. And if you’re taking multiple trips, the city recently introduced caps of $5 per day and $18 for every seven days: once you hit those numbers, the rest of the rides are free. But do plan ahead, as some attractions and popular areas have little to no public-transport options.

Skip the guided tours

Guided tours are great for expert knowledge and in-depth information, yet if you’re on a budget, consider skipping them. Exploring on your own offers added freedom, flexibility and a personalized experience. If you’re a traveler who loves uncovering hidden gems and being able to make spontaneous detours, individual exploration is for you. Even if you prefer something more structured, going online and researching the area before visiting will still allow you to feel like you’re exploring with a plan.

Marchers at the LA Korean Festival Parade, Koreatown, Los Angeles, California, USA

Don’t stay in pricey areas like Beverly Hills and Malibu

Accommodation will take up a big chunk of any travel budget. In LA, you can save money by avoiding fabled areas like Beverly Hills and Malibu, favoring instead districts like Koreatown (located between Hollywood and Downtown), which offer a mix of budget-friendly hotels, hostels and guesthouses within a vibrant neighborhood. Hollywood, Silver Lake, Culver City and the outskirts of West Hollywood are other great options that will still leave you within reach of iconic areas and attractions.

Discount passes can help you save big

Discount passes are a smart and cost-effective way to explore multiple attractions, activities and experiences, allowing you to save money on the sum of individual admission fees. Los Angeles offers a range of passes that cater to different interests, including the Go Los Angeles Card and the Southern California CityPASS .

Passes also help with planning and deciding which attractions are most suitable for you and your family. Between flexibility, convenience and value, they’re a great way to maximize your budget while seeing the city’s most famous sights.

Attend a TV-show taping

In the global capital of entertainment, attending a TV-show taping is a unique experience that’s completely free. Many popular shows are filmed in studios throughout the city, and being part of the audience will give you a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into how the magic gets made. If the production is taping just one episode, you can expect to spend a half-day in the studio. But many shows – especially game shows like Jeopardy – will film several episodes back to back, keeping audiences around for a full day (and sometimes even providing a mid-taping meal). Planning is key as dates and spots book out well in advance; count on securing your tickets well before your trip.

A woman cycling along Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California, USA

Plan your itinerary beforehand

If there’s one thing you should take away from our tips, it’s to plan your itinerary efficiently, for LA’s sprawl and transit headaches often give first-time visitors a shock. Between the vast area and heavy traffic – particularly during peak hours – planning out your trip is a must. Start by determining the non-negotiable sites you’d like to visit and group them into areas. From there, sprinkle in other activities and explore by neighborhood.

More of our expert guidance to budget your trip to Los Angeles:

No pay LA: save these 7 free things to do in LA Wondering if Los Angeles is right for kids? Here’s our advice for families Ready to hit the beach? Here are our 9 favorites It’s not all city - these 8 hikes will show you LA’s natural beauty

This article was first published Sep 17, 2023 and updated Feb 21, 2024.

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Travel Planning Guide

Travel Budget for Los Angeles Visit Los Angeles on a Budget or Travel in Style

Los Angeles Costs

Los Angeles Hotel Prices
Best Luxury Hotels in Los Angeles
Best Party Hotels in Los Angeles
Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Los Angeles
Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Los Angeles
Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Los Angeles
Best Cheap Hotels in Los Angeles
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Los Angeles
Best Beach Hotels in Los Angeles
Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Los Angeles
Best Hotels for One Week in Los Angeles
Best Hotels for One Night in Los Angeles
Best Business Hotels in Los Angeles
Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Los Angeles
Is Los Angeles Expensive?
How much does a trip to Los Angeles cost?
Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting?
All Los Angeles Travel Guides
Cheap Universal Studios Tickets in Los Angeles
The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Los Angeles
The Best Cheap Food Tours in Los Angeles
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How much does it cost to travel to Los Angeles? (Average Daily Cost)
Los Angeles trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Los Angeles expensive to visit?

How much do I need for a trip to Los Angeles?
Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Los Angeles?

You should plan to spend around $258 per day on your vacation in Los Angeles. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

$60 on meals
$42 on local transportation
$280 on hotels

A one week trip to Los Angeles for two people costs, on average, $3,614 . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 258
One Week Per person $ 1,807
2 Weeks Per person $ 3,614
One Month Per person $ 7,744
One Week For a couple $ 3,614
2 Weeks For a couple $ 7,228
One Month For a couple $ 15,489

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Los Angeles cost?

A one week trip to Los Angeles usually costs around $1,807 for one person and $3,614 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Los Angeles on average costs around $3,614 for one person and $7,228 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Los Angeles will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Los Angeles on average costs around $7,744 for one person and $15,489 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Los Angeles has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Prices in Los Angeles are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Los Angeles is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Winnipeg or Houston.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Los Angeles Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Los Angeles?

The average Los Angeles trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Los Angeles travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Los Angeles

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Los Angeles is $140. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Los Angeles is $280. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 140
Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 280

Hotel Prices in Los Angeles

Looking for a hotel in Los Angeles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Los Angeles based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $169. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

The Metric - Los Angeles Downtown Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 172
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 449

Transportation Budget in Los Angeles

The cost of a taxi ride in Los Angeles is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $42 per person, per day, on local transportation in Los Angeles.

Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 42

Recommended Services

Los Angeles Private Transfer to or from Long Beach Viator $ 89
Los Angeles Private Transfer to or from South Orange County Viator $ 113

Flights to Los Angeles

Rental cars in los angeles, what did other people spend on transportation in los angeles.

Typical prices for Transportation in Los Angeles are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Los Angeles, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

Hotel Parking for a Day $ 22
Taxi to Airport $ 55

Food Budget in Los Angeles

While meal prices in Los Angeles can vary, the average cost of food in Los Angeles is $60 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Los Angeles should cost around $24 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Los Angeles is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

Food 2 Meals for one day $ 60

What did other people spend on Food in Los Angeles?

Typical prices for Food in Los Angeles are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Los Angeles, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

Mexican Dinner (family of 4) $ 32
Burritos for Two $ 15
Coffee and Danish $ 7.70

Entertainment Budget in Los Angeles

Entertainment and activities in Los Angeles typically cost an average of $82 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 82

The Go City Los Angeles Pass offers great discounts on attractions in Los Angeles. With the Go City Explorer pass, you can choose to visit specific sights and attractions at a discount. Or, you can visit as many included attractions as you like with a multi-day All-Inclusive Pass. The average visitor saves 30% off of the regular admission prices.

Recommended Activities

1-Hour Private Ferrari Driving Tour: Hollywood to Beverly Hills Viator $ 260
Pretty Gritty Arts District Bike Tour Viator $ 72

What did other people spend on Entertainment in Los Angeles?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Los Angeles are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Los Angeles, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4) $ 37
Bowling $ 13
Hollywood Tour for Two $ 30
Six Flags for 2 $ 96

Tips and Handouts Budget in Los Angeles

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Los Angeles is $2.14 per day. The usual amount for a tip in Los Angeles is 10% - 20% .

Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 2.14

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Los Angeles

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Los Angeles is $154, as reported by travelers.

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 154

Alcohol Budget in Los Angeles

The average person spends about $15 on alcoholic beverages in Los Angeles per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 15
LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Get Your Guide $ 40
Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting Get Your Guide $ 195

Water Budget in Los Angeles

On average, people spend $4.01 on bottled water in Los Angeles per day. The public water in Los Angeles is considered safe to drink.

Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 4.01

Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Los Angeles.

Why would you recommend Los Angeles to budget travelers? Or, why not?

The city is really diverse and you'll find stuff for all budgets. There are hostels around town, but we've never personally stayed at any. You can also pass your time hanging out on the beach, or visit any of the many sights around town.

I love the energy of this city. We found it to be an expensive city to get around because we really wanted to have a car, but there's a great restaurant scene with many casual and cheap eateries.

What makes Los Angeles a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

We save money in LA by staying a bit outside of the main touristy areas, away from the beaches.

There are so many food trucks and cheap eateries with amazing local and international dishes!

Are you an experienced traveler? Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. + Add Comment

Los angeles on a budget.

Neighborhoods

Food and dining, transportation, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Comprehensive Budget Travel Guide to Los Angeles from a Local

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Palm trees, sunny weather, and beautiful beaches – these are only some of the reasons travelers are drawn to Los Angeles. As amazing as the city is, it can be very expensive. I’m originally from Los Angeles and there’s a reason I moved across the country to Georgia. But, just because you are traveling there, doesn’t mean you can’t plan an inexpensive trip. In this budget-friendly travel guide to Los Angeles, I’m sharing exactly how to visit without spending your life savings including a list of free things to do in Los Angeles!

Comprehensive Budget Travel Guide to Los Angeles from a Local, Things to do in Los Angeles, Free things to do in Los Angeles, Los Angeles itinerary, travel guide USA destinations

How Much It Costs to Visit

$25 weekly for public transportation
$60 for one week budget accommodation
$30 daily food budget
assuming majority of activities are free
($750 estimated with a $155 cushion)

Best Time to Visit

Before I dive into the details, lets talk Los Angeles weather and crowds. I’m sure when you picture Los Angeles, you picture sunny skies all the time. While this is mostly true some months have more brutal weather than others. Let’s start in spring.

In February and March, the weather is pretty perfect. Then next three months we have some phenomena that are as follows: April showers, May gray, and June gloom. Basically, it can be surprisingly chilly and gloomy/rainy during April-June. It will start to heat up but don’t expect perfect weather the whole time. Every year that I’ve been in college (except this year…thanks ‘Rona), I’ve visited Los Angeles in May. It’s almost always gloomy and more chilly than I want it to be. BUT, chilly in Los Angeles is in the 60’s or low 70’s, so it’s not that bad. For crowds, February through May (minus spring break) are clear of crowds, as kids are in school at this time.

woman closing her eyes and smiling with a peace sign on her outstretched arm with a street lined with palm trees and the Hollywood Sign behind her

Summer months are crowded with tourists. This is peak season and also the hottest. Like I said, June can get gloomy, but it’ll still be crowded. Now, July through September (and often through early November) are the devil months. It’s HOT. In the low 100’s easily every day so if heat isn’t your thing, don’t come in the summer. It’s really not fun to sight-see in crowded areas, especially if you’re overheated. My one tip is that the beaches will be cooler than anywhere inland — although that sometimes can be the difference between 105 degrees and 95 degrees.

red building with silver wave metal pieces on the exterior

Fall is a better time to visit. The summer heat will finally cool off slightly, although it can stay disgustingly hot into November, but at least the crowds will have died down. Be on the lookout for Santa Ana winds when you are planning. These winds bring the heat in the fall…literally. So, it might get hotter than expected. While I’m talking about weather patterns here, I have to also mention El Niño, a torrential rainstorm that can happen between October and March. It doesn’t happen every year, but just something to consider when planning.

Winter in Los Angeles is mild. It’ll be chilly (by Los Angeles terms) from December to February. It can get to freezing overnight but the daytime temperatures are usually in the 50’s.

woman and her mother standing inside an infinity mirror art exhibit

I wasn’t expecting that to be so in depth but the main take away is that summer is hot, spring and fall can bring unexpected weather, and winter is a little chilly (not great for beach days) . Crowds will be most mild anytime other than summer (with the exception of spring break and the holiday season). I would visit in April or May if you want less scorching heat and fewer crowds, OR late October and early November. January and February are also good times to visit if you don’t care about it being beach weather. These months will also be less expensive than the summer months!

Read more >> Local’s 5 day LA itinerary

If you need to book flights, Los Angeles has a couple airports – LAX (which is most popular, and therefore most crowded), BUR (located in Burbank, closer to the mountains), and ONT (technically not in Los Angeles, but it’s by far the least crowded airport we have). For the cheapest flights, you’ll probably be stuck with LAX. It’s a nightmare and out of all my travels, still my least favorite airport I’ve ever been to. But, it will most likely be the cheapest. Sometimes you just have to commit.

Transportation – rental car or public transportation?

In order for me to discuss transportation, I need to show you a map of Los Angeles. It is incredibly widespread. Some of the best things to see are in Downtown, while others are along the coast or the mountains. However, you can manage to use public transportation depending on your itinerary. Let’s break it down. The cost of public transportation is on average $1.75 one way, $7 for a day pass, or $25 for a week pass, per person. If you are on a tight budget or traveling solo, I recommend public transportation.

If you can fit a car into your budget, I personally would do so. It gives you freedom to explore areas limited by public transportation like the Malibu beaches. It also prevents you from having to switch between multiple trains and buses. For example, to get to a viewing point for the Hollywood sign using public transportation you need to first take the Metro (train) to a specific stop, then the bus, then you can walk the rest of the way. It can be tedious and time consuming. Whereas with a car, you can drive to the closest viewing point and park on the street, sometimes for free depending on the area.

You can check out the full map of public transportation here.

It’s honestly up to your budget, itinerary, and group size. I recommend getting a car to maximize your time and the hassle, but if necessary, you can make public transportation work. Feel free to split up the time as well. Look into getting a rental car for one day if you’re dying to visit somewhere beyond the Metro’s reach.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] TL:DR; Public transportation works, especially for shorter trips and solo travel, but it can be time consuming and a headache. If possible, I recommend getting a rental car.

Where to Stay

Back to our map of Los Angeles: For cheaper areas to stay, you’ll probably end up moving farther away from downtown Los Angeles. Generally, you can find inexpensive Airbnb’s around $60 per night for a private room. Hotels will run you about $150 per night.

The key with finding lodging is honestly the area you want to be in. Remember Los Angeles is HUGE…4700 square miles. There are many cities within Los Angeles county, which is what everyone means when they say Los Angeles. Many cities are great to stay in. Less popular beach towns are Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach. Cities bordering the mountains include Pasadena, Altadena, Glendale, Monrovia, and Arcadia. There’s the valley, which is Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Northridge, and North Hollywood. These are just some of the cities in Los Angeles. My point is that when you are searching for lodging, it might help to expand your search to more cities than the actual city of Los Angeles, which places you right in downtown.

And, to give a little perspective. It takes about an hour to drive from the Valley (west Los Angeles) to the Eastern cities near the mountains. It’s also about an hour from the mountain towns to the beach cities. Basically no matter where you stay, you’ll probably end up spending part of your day getting from point A to B. Still, if you’re relying on public transportation consult the Metro map to make sure you aren’t stranding yourself somewhere. Everywhere I listed above can be accessed via the Metro system, whether it is a bus, train, or subway.

If I were booking a trip to Los Angeles, I would pick somewhere centered so I could get everywhere easily. I would probably choose Silver Lake, Burbank, Glendale, or Pasadena.

Tips for Maximizing Your Budget

My number one recommendation for saving money is to do a little research about what you want to add to your itinerary. Below, I’ll be discussing a bunch of free things to do plus what activities really are worth the money. Other things to consider are cooking some of your own meals and making sure you aren’t paying too much for parking, when possible. Keep reading for my tips on each of those!

Grocery Shopping

While I do think Los Angeles has the best food in the country (I might be biased), to maximize your budget, you’ll need to prioritize when you want to eat out. Perhaps you want to spend the whole day out and about, so lunch would be your most cost effective meal to eat out. Then you could eat dinner at your Airbnb. If you have no access to a kitchen, I recommend getting PB&J makings, granola bars, and other non-perishables you can form a breakfast and lunch with.

For your grocery shopping, here are the cheapest stores:

Smart & Final – sometimes a weird collection of goods, and more items in bulk – better for families

Ralphs – cheaper grocery store that has everything you’ll need (a Kroger/Safeway partner)

Walmart – I hate to say it, but Walmart has super cheap groceries, especially non-perishables

Trader Joes – It isn’t always the most budget-friendly option for everything, but if you have access to a microwave and fridge, they will have more high quality, yummy freezer meals for ~ $4 each.

Stores to avoid if you’re on a budget:

Whole Foods – A Los Angeles stereotype indeed. Just avoid it if you don’t want to pay ridiculous prices.

Sprouts – same deal as Whole Foods but they do have a lot of options for gluten free, vegan, and other diet restrictions

Validating Your Parking

Here’s the deal. In Los Angeles, parking can be rough. Often, there are parking lots or decks where when you enter, they give you a ticket. Take this ticket with you wherever you’re going because usually businesses will “validate” your parking ticket. They quite literally stamp it so that when you exit your parking deck, you can enter your ticket and prove that you visited the intended businesses. This will either lower your parking rate or extend the time that you can park in the deck or lot for free. You can only validate once, but once is all that is needed – meaning, you don’t need ask for validation in every store or restaurant you visit. Parking validation isn’t always available, needed, or accepted, but it never hurts to ask. For example, if you go to Universal CityWalk to see a movie, the theatre will validate your parking and give you a full refund for the $25 parking fee. For a full guide to CityWalk, click here!

Check Groupon for Deals

If you’re set on doing a tour or something in Los Angeles, check Groupon for deals! You can find a lot of discounted options there. Plus, if you use Rakuten (previously Ebates), you can earn some cash back on Groupon purchases.

Free Things To Do in Los Angeles

1. griffith observatory.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Griffith Observatory is the number one to do in Los Angeles in my opinion. It’s free, it’s educational, and it has the best views of LA and the Hollywood sign with some stellar Instagram photo ops . Parking can be a little tricky, so peep this helpful guide to Griffith .

Food nearby: There are a bunch of great restaurants on Hillhurst Ave., which you’ll find at the base of the mountain that Griffith sits upon. There is a café in the Observatory but it’s mostly packaged sandwiches, chips, etc. – kind of expensive for what it is. You can also pack a lunch to bring.

Interior of Griffith Observatory museum wide angle shot showing telescope on table in center with exhibits on the right and left of a rectangular room

2. Wander the La Brea Tar Pits

Yes, there is a paid museum but the grounds are free! You can walk around and see actual tar pits, archeological dig sites, and life size prehistoric animal statues. Plus, it’s also right next to LACMA so you can head over to see the free outdoor light post exhibit, called Urban Light. Click here for my full post on the Tar Pits.

Nearby food of interest: Pinks Hot Dogs , an iconic outdoor restaurant that’s been around since 1939!

Exterior view of Hancock Park where inside sits the La Brea Tar Pits with the museum in the back with fake woolly mammoths getting caught in the tar

3. California Science Center

Another great science museum that’s free is the California Science Center in downtown Los Angeles. This museum is full of interactive exhibits on the human body, aerospace, ecosystems, and more! Around the back is the free Rose Garden that I highly recommend as well.

Good food nearby: Jacks n Joe has the best breakfast and brunch with amazing pancakes like the Ruby Belle which has apples, pecans, and brown sugar butter! ( I have yet to remember to take a picture of my food before scarfing it down at ungodly speed ).

4. Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach

If you’re looking for iconic tourist spots in Los Angeles, I recommend walking Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier . While both of these attractions are free, they are tourist traps, so souvenirs are around every corner. I prefer Santa Monica because it’s more family friendly with an arcade, street performers, and amusement park.

Beautiful sunny view of the Santa Monica Pier

In Venice, you’ll want to walk along the “Speedway” which follows the beach. Venice is a little more PG-13 – there are artists and street performers, but you’ll definitely see some weird stuff. Let’s just say it’s an eclectic crowd – safe – but eclectic. For families, I would stick to the Santa Monica pier. You can read my full Los Angeles beach guide here .

Good food nearby: I’m a sucker for a good corn dog so my budget-friendly choice is Hot Dog on a Stick located below the Santa Monica Pier. In the city of Venice (not along the Speedway), I recommend Wanderlust Creamery for travel destination inspired ice cream!

5. Downtown Los Angeles

You can see a lot of downtown Los Angeles in one day for free including Chinatown, Olvera Street and the historic Avila Adobe , and the Last Bookstore. For that itinerary, click here . I’d also recommend Angel’s Flight, aka America’s shortest railway. Tickets are only ~$2 to ride!

bright orange archway with railway underneath climbing a hill in downtown Los Angeles

Good food nearby: My choice would be Grand Central Market because you can have your pick from over 20 food vendors and it’s within a block of a ton of fun activities! In Chinatown, my family’s personal favorite is Plum Tree Inn . Taquitos with an avocado sauce from Cielto Lindo on Olvera Stree t are also amazing! You really can’t go wrong.

Mexican vendor with bright colored lucha libre masks and other authentic Mexican merchandise

6. Museums!

Los Angeles has so many museums including free ones like the amazing Getty Museums shown below, and museums of various price ranges like the Peterson Automotive Museum, the Aquarium of the Pacific , Huntington Gardens, and more!

wide angle view of the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades with long Roman pool in the center, topiaries surrounding and long tiled hallways adjacent.

7. Walk Hollywood Boulevard

Okay, here’s the deal. In Los Angeles, Hollywood is for freaks and tourists. It’s just the truth. If you’ve never been and really want to find a specific person’s star on the Walk of Fame, do it. It’s free! But, there are so many other amazing things in Los Angeles that I would recommend over Hollywood. Seriously, ask any local and they would agree. If you’re short on time or not invested, just skip it.

If you are there, check out the old TCL Chinese Theatre and if you wander up the stairs to the right, you’ll end up in a shopping mall on Hollywood & Highland. Inside, check out Sweet! Hollywood , a candy store and confectionery where you can design your own chocolate bar and have them make it for you! It’s a fun little spot and makes for a cheap, edible souvenir – my favorite kind!

Food nearby: If you’re making this itinerary your tourist day, complete the package with In-N-Out Burger, located one street south of Hollywood Boulevard on Sunset. If you’re at the Chinese Theatre, walk down Orange Drive (across the street), and you’ll run into it when you hit Sunset.

Robin Williams' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame from above on a rainy day

8. Explore the caves of El Matador State Beach

This is one of my favorite beaches in Los Angeles because of all the beautiful rocks and caves to explore. Once you descend the stairs to the beach, keep walking right, down the beach. You’ll have to pass under a couple arches until finally you’ll reach this beautiful cave! For more beaches in Los Angeles, including the ones that are least crowded read this post !

El Matador State Beach, best beaches in Los Angeles, free things to do in Los Angeles

Food nearby: I would drive south on Pacific Coast Highway (aka Route 1, aka PCH to locals) into the heart of Malibu where you’ll find amazing seafood! There’s honestly a bunch. A family favorite is Duke’s Malibu because it is Hawaii themed. Click here for a map of more choices . These are going to be more expensive options, because many prices are based on the fish market price. For a cheaper option, try Lily’s Malibu , a Mexican restaurant with raving reviews for their breakfast burritos.

9. Visit the dead at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

This might sound like an odd choice, but it’s kind of a whacky once in a lifetime LA experience because many famous people in the entertainment industry (“the industry” to locals) were buried here. Notable celebrities include Chris Cornell, Judy Garland, Anton Yelchin, Johnny Ramone, Griffith J. Griffith, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, and more! The grounds are beautiful and it’s open to the public .

Ramones Cemetery, unique free things to do in Los Angeles, what to do in Los Angeles

Good food nearby: I would honestly make my way to the Original Farmer’s Market . It’s about 3 miles from the Hollywood Forever Cemetery but it’s worth it! By bus, it’s a 25 min trip and by car it’s only 10 minutes. Here you’ll find a mix of every food under the sun. My personal favorite is Nonna’s Empanadas . While you’re here, be sure to try a free sample of English toffee and grab a donut (or donut hole) for dessert from Bob’s Doughnuts. So many delicious choices!

Believe it or not, there are some beautiful hikes in Los Angeles many of which are very dog-friendly . For an easy hike that leads to a sometimes dry waterfall (thanks drought) I recommend Millard Falls . You can also camp there! For a longer hike that leads to some really neat ruins of an old mountain top hotel, I recommend Echo Mountain . It’s 5.4 miles. My family has done it a few times and we are not the best hikers, so it’s doable! At the top, you’ll find remnants of the old funicular, called Mount Lowe Railway, that used to bring guests to the hotel. There’s also a fun “echo phone” where when you holler into it, you can hear your echo from the mountains across! Super fun!

Waterfalls in Los Angeles include this one called Millard Falls

Food nearby: If you drive down Lincoln Ave, you’ll find Home State , which I highly recommend!

an old Echo Phone used to yell into toward the mountains across to hear your echo

Related read >> How to plan hiking itineraries

Things Worth the Money

Los Angeles is one of the best cities for food hands down. We have authentic everything. It is really worth it to allocate your budget to food because everything is AMAZING. In addition to all the food I listed above, here are some other less expensive popular choices:

Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles (8 locations in Los Angeles) – it’s just one of those LA things you have to try

Zankou Chicken (12 locations in Los Angeles) – super delicious Armenian and Mediterranean food. The secret’s in the sauce.

Din Tai Fung (7 Southern California locations – Arcadia, CA is the original location) – famous for dim sum

Street Tacos – Mexican food in Los Angeles is SO GOOD. Find a food truck or hole in the wall for the best street tacos. You can really find them everywhere!

2. The Huntington Botanical Gardens and Library

There are few places in Los Angeles that I return to regardless of the price, but this is one of them. If you have room in your budget to expand your itinerary, the Huntington in San Marino is worth the $29 admission price (maximum). You can make this a whole day event. The Huntington has extensive botanical gardens with beautiful Chinese (with a good café), Japanese, desert, herb, jungle, rose, Shakespeare, and California gardens! AND, there are art galleries that house The Blue Boy, and library collections that are home to one of the 12 original Gutenberg Bibles and Audubon’s Birds of America. That’s just a snippet. I seriously can’t recommend the Huntington enough if you can fit it in your budget.

White bridge with chinese architecture over a small lake with beautiful green trees surrounding

3. Aquarium of the Pacific

Like Griffith Observatory, the Aquarium of the Pacific is one of my favorite spots in Los Angeles (technically Long Beach). It really spoils you for any other aquarium because it is 100% the best. There many touching pools outside so you can enjoy the sunny weather. The jellyfish section is amazing! The tickets are hefty at $35 but you can get package tickets to see the Aquarium and the Queen Mary ship, Los Angeles Zoo, Natural History Museum, and/or the Battleship IOWA. There are sometimes discounts online and in person including student, military, AAA, and more!

4. Events in the City

Los Angeles is a super fun city because there are always events going on! If you have wiggle room in your budget, I would consider seeking out a unique event. Here some that I recommend:

Hollywood Bowl – These concerts are always spectacular. The Hollywood Bowl is beautiful and budget-friendly! You can bring in your own food and alcohol so you can make your own picnic or bring in take out! I once brought in In-N-Out, like a true Angeleno. Double check the website for more information on what’s restricted. And, ticket prices depending on the event are pretty cheap. You can see a concert for $30! I’ve seen a number of artists here (John Williams, Kings of Leon, Coldplay, and Genesis) and the venue is great. Highly recommend.

Sporting events – We have a number of Sports teams in Los Angeles (and Anaheim). Check out the Lakers, Clippers, and Sparks (womens) for basketball, Dodgers and Angels for baseball, Ducks and Kings for hockey, the Chargers and Rams for NFL, and finally the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins for college football.

626 Night Market – This is an Asian inspired outdoor food market that takes place in the summer! There are 250+ food, merchandise, art, entertainment, and music vendors and attractions. The original location is at Santa Anita Park but they have expanded to include the Orange County Fairgrounds and Alameda County Fairgrounds.

Rooftop Movie Screening – Catch a screening of one of your favorite movies from a rooftop in downtown Los Angeles. They’ve shown movies like The Big Lebowski, La La Land, Mean Girls, Cry Baby, and more!

Pantages Theatre – If you like plays and musicals, I highly recommend going to a show at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. The interior is beautifully ornate with art deco designs that honestly rival the show. The cheapest tickets are usually around $40.

Genesis concert, free things to do in Los Angeles

I hope you found this guide helpful and I’ve convinced you that Los Angeles can be a budget-friendly trip – if you get the right tips!

More Los Angeles guides:

How to spend a day in Los Angeles
5 day itinerary for Los Angeles
Best photo spots in LA
Unique things to do in Los Angeles
How to do Disneyland in a day
Guide to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Hollywood
Top museums in Los Angeles

View of Los Angeles skyline with snowy mountains in the background

My Travel Essentials

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Travel Card – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
Get Your Guide – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
Booking.com – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com , the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
Give the Gift of Travel – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
Staycation Idea – Check out Resort Pass , which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

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Local's Budget Travel Guide to Los Angeles, free things to do in Los Angeles, family travel Los Angeles

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures. I share detailed travel itineraries and guides that you can use to plan your trips -- complete with practical tips, estimated costs, navigation info, and everything else you need to spend more time traveling, and less time worrying.

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20 Comments

What gorgeous locations! I went to Cali a couple of years back but we only went to LA for Disneyland before driving up the coast and I fell in love si I’d love to come back and explore more of the city itself!

I hope you get a chance. Los Angeles has so much to offer! Disneyland is fantastic though 🙂

Great list of things to do in LA! I used to live in Orange County. I didn’t go to LA that often because the traffic is dreadful. But I have been to a few on your list – I love the views from Griffith Observatory!

The traffic is definitely not for the faint of heart. You do get used to it though. The views from Griffith are the best!

Never been to LA but this looks awesome! I had no idea there were so many free things to do. Love how you broke down the weather too, that’s actually super helpful. 🙂

Good, I’m so glad! The weather can be surprisingly fickle.

Great tips! We were going to visit LA this year to visit Disneyland. I realized that LA is SO expensive so I’ll definitely keep these tips handy!

Yes, it can definitely add up really fast, especially if you don’t have insider tips and tricks!

I wish I’d had this guide before I went a couple of years ago! I mostly did Uber shares around LA and it wasn’t too bad cost wise. I wasn’t really aware of the public transport system, people don’t seem to really talk about it like the New York Subway haha I’d love to go back again and check out some of the places you’ve listed!

Ride sharing is a good option in limitation. It’s not as widespread and useful as the New York (or London) subway system and most people have cars because public transportation only really takes you to the bigger hot spots (not deep within residential areas).

This is such an informative post! My husband lived in LA for a year (he loved it) and I want to visit so badly! Thanks for all the tips!

Of course! I hope you get to visit!

You make LA sound pretty great! I was there for three weeks for a summer program at USC, but I didn’t get out much. I do remember Pink’s though!

I think it’s such a great travel destination once you know how to do it without spending an arm and a leg! Pink’s is such a fun spot!

I have really been wanting to visit California! I am definitely saving this post for later! ☀️

I hope it helps and I hope you can visit! It’s a great state to visit — so much to do!

this was a great read!!! wonderful information! thank you!

Happy to share!!

Amazing list!! I am local to LA. I mostly love to visit historical and peaceful places. So, from your list, I already visited museums.

Los Angeles really does have some incredible museums! I’m glad you’ve visited some!

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Los Angeles on a budget: 7 travel hacks to save on your trip

The home of Hollywood , Los Angeles may not seem like an affordable place to visit. And it's true that there's really no amount of money you can't spend here. Home to some of the most exclusive restaurants, the most high-end shopping, and the most luxurious hotels in the United States, when you visit Los Angeles, you can expect to spend plenty of money.

But for all its glitz and glamour, LA is a real city where regular people live and work. There's much more to LA than Hollywood Boulevard and restaurants with fancy tasting menus where Hollywood powerbrokers meet and pitch the latest blockbuster ideas. LA is, above all, a town of contrasts, and the real life of the city exists all around the famous tourist attractions and the celebrity areas of the city.

That means if you're looking to save money on your Los Angeles trip, you're in luck. It is possible to visit Los Angeles on a budget, and you can still enjoy much of what the city offers without breaking the bank.

The first smart move to make is to drop off your unneeded bags at a luggage storage in Los Angeles . There's so much to see and do in downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding area that you want to make sure you travel light to see it all. Storing your bags safely makes it much easier to enjoy Los Angeles on a budget and get the best out of this pricey city.

Love discounts and traveling?

Cheap places to stay in Los Angeles

The average price of a hotel room in Los Angeles is $222 per night, which really isn't that bad considering what you could spend in the city. But bear in mind that this figure is the average for the year and includes the slower and cheaper winter season as well as the busy summer. Remember also that Los Angeles has tons of cheap hotels and motels that drag the average down, even as the luxury hotels where celebrities stay try to drag it back up again.

If you do your research, you'll find plenty of cheap places to stay on your Los Angeles trip. And while you may want to stay right on Hollywood Boulevard, it really isn't necessary. Los Angeles is a big and sprawling city, and you'll get some great deals if you're willing to stay in a suburb.

Los Angeles' public transportation network has come a long way in recent years, but it's still not all that it could be. This is still a city where the car reigns supreme, and you won't find a well-developed subway network like in New York, for instance. For that reason, it's important to think about the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles for your stay and ensure you stay somewhere that lets you get to wherever you want to go in the city. Here are some examples:

Crystal Palace Inn

If you want to stay in downtown Los Angeles on a budget, you won't be overwhelmed with options. However, this basic but convenient hotel is close to the downtown area, seven miles from LA Union Station and a good 20 miles from Santa Monica. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk, and it's close to some of the top attractions in the city, including the Natural History Museum, the California Science Center, and Grand Central Market. Plus, if you want to take a studio tour or see the iconic Hollywood sign, Lala land isn't far away.

In the height of the busy tourist season in August, a deluxe King room at this hotel will set you back around $120. That includes a private room with a massive super king-size bed and your own fully equipped bathroom. This room is actually the cheapest in the hotel at this time of year, but there are other options, including a double room that features two king-size beds for $140.

Samesun Hollywood

Heading north of downtown Los Angeles, you'll run into the world-famous neighborhood of Hollywood and attractions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts, the Griffith Observatory , and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Plus, you'll be closer to the beach and the famous Santa Monica Pier, as well as the Pacific Coast Highway, which can be your gateway to exploring the more natural side of California.

There are lots of great reasons to want to stay in this area when you visit Los Angeles. And while Hollywood can be expensive, it doesn't have to be. This bright and breezy hostel offers an affordable place to stay in the heart of Hollywood.

Located across the street from a Metro station, the Samesun makes it easy to get around via public transportation. Universal Studios is a single Metro stop away! There are both mixed-gender and single-sex dorms, plus a communal kitchen where you can make your own food, which is a great way to save money. Speaking of saving money, a bed in a six-room dorm will cost you only $50 during August, although there is no air conditioning in this particular dorm. Other dorms do have air conditioning and don't cost any more to book, so just be careful when you make your selection. Alternatively, you can also book a private room here with a shared bathroom for $140.

Of course, part of the draw of Los Angeles, especially in the summer, is its beaches. If you want to stay close to the legendary Venice Beach and Santa Monica, you could do a lot worse than this pleasant but affordable hotel. In the height of the August tourist season, a room here will cost around $200, which is a good deal considering what you get. This price is for a junior studio with a partial ocean view. You get a queen-size bed, air conditioning, a coffee maker, a microwave, and a dining area. And from the moment you step out of the front door of the hotel, you'll find yourself on the golden sands of Venice Beach and just a short walk from the legendary Santa Monica Pier and all the attractions it has to offer. That makes this a great deal if you want to enjoy the California beach lifestyle.

Cheap things to do in Los Angeles

Some of the top attractions in Los Angeles ( cough Universal Studios cough) can cost you an absolute fortune to visit. But although money talks in this city, that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune to enjoy what makes LA so popular. In fact, LA has some great free and low-cost attractions that can help you save money on any trip to the city. Consider some of these options:

Venice Beach

Along with Santa Monica, Venice Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city. In the summer, the beach gets packed with locals and visitors alike, but that's part of its appeal. There's no better place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere and culture of LA. Stretching out on the sand costs absolutely nothing, but if you want to go all out, you can rent a lounger and an umbrella for not very much money to really make the most of your day. Easily reached by public transportation, Venice Beach is a must-do while you're in Los Angeles, so it's just a bonus that happens to be completely free.

California Science Center

This fascinating science museum is the home of the space shuttle Endeavor, along with tons of other exhibits that help you explore space and the world we live in. Hands-on exhibits will explain ecology and biodiversity or get your heart racing by putting you in a room inside a burning building. It's free to visit the space shuttle and see most of the exhibits of the science center, but if you want to visit the IMAX theater, there is an additional charge. Still, it's a very affordable way to spend some time in Los Angeles.

La Brea Tar Pits

LA isn't usually known as a historical city, but long before anyone thought to build a town here, LA was home to a thriving ecosystem that you can explore at the famous La Brea Tar Pits. This museum explains the natural history of the region through the tar pits that preserve the remains of many local animals, including some ice age megafauna. This fascinating place to explore costs $14 for regular admission and is a highlight of any LA trip if you want to learn more about the prehistoric world.

Cheap places to eat in Los Angeles

There's no limit to how much you can spend on dinner in Los Angeles. But as well as having tons of high-end restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs, Los Angeles also has tons of cheap places to eat, too. Food trucks and hole-in-the-wall restaurants are a highlight of any budget traveler's guide to LA, and the best street food in LA will not only save you money but will also give you an insight into the most exciting aspects of the local culinary scene.

If you're looking for cheap things to eat in LA, you don't need to look far. Try some of these options:

It shouldn't surprise you to hear that LA has some excellent Mexican food. Just about everywhere you turn in this city, you'll find incredible tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and tamales on offer. El Cid, though, offers something different. The menu here is Spanish, as in Spain, so expect paella, gazpacho, and other tasty Iberian treats. They also host many different theme nights, including trivia nights and poetry nights, where you can rent a poetry whore for a private reading. Dinner entrées start at around $20, and you'll often get a flamenco show with your meal, making it a great bargain.

Canters Deli

You might not expect to find a New York deli in Los Angeles, but Canters has been operating since 1931. Enjoy an incredible range of breakfast dishes starting at around $12-$15, or try one of their signature sandwiches, most of which cost between $15 and $20 and are big enough to share between two people.

Little Dom's

Visit this restaurant at the start of the week to enjoy their Monday night supper for $25. Featuring three courses that change from one week to the next, this is a great way to enjoy excellent food at a very low price.

Cheap bars in Los Angeles

The days when legendary poet Charles Bukowski made the dive bars of LA his literary subject may be gone, but a part of that world still lives on to this day. LA offers drinking establishments of all kinds, from glamorous cocktail lounges fit only for celebrities to down-market bars that offer great places for cheap drinks.

Golden Road Brewing

This local microbrewery operates multiple locations, including one in downtown LA. With over 20 microbrews on tap, this is a great place to try some new and exciting beers, with pints costing around eight dollars.

This old-fashioned pub may look like it hasn't changed since the 70s, but you could almost say the same for the prices. Cocktails here go as low as four dollars, and there's also a menu of delicious but affordable Thai food to enjoy.

Mom's Bar

This unpretentious karaoke bar is known throughout the city for cheap drinks. Happy hour runs seven days a week from 4 PM to 8 PM and features six-dollar well drinks and bottles of beer for four dollars.

Bonus budget tips for Los Angeles

Visit free attractions: Los Angeles has many free attractions that are worth checking out, such as the Getty Center , the Griffith Observatory, and the California Science Center. You can also explore the city's neighborhoods and beaches, which are all free.

Look for deals: Many attractions offer discounts or free admission on certain days of the week or month. For example, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is free on certain days of the month. Check the websites of the attractions you want to visit for information on discounts and deals.

Eat at food trucks: Los Angeles is known for its food trucks, which offer various delicious and affordable food options. You can find food trucks throughout the city, and many of them are clustered in popular areas like Downtown and Venice Beach.

Los Angeles, in many ways, deserves its reputation as an expensive city to visit. But it doesn't have to be. As you can see from this guide, it's not hard to take advantage of the cheaper side of LA to make your dollars stretch further. With so many great free things to do in LA and cheap places to stay, eat, and drink, you can have a great time in the City of Angels without spending a fortune.

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Los Angeles on a Budget: 20 Free Things To Do

It’s no secret that Los Angeles is one of the most talked-about cities in the world. It is known for its amazing beaches, year-round sunny weather, and for being the city where all the biggest movies are brought to life. This city is truly remarkable.

With over 40 million visitors each year, Los Angeles is definitely a major hot spot for travelers around the world. Although visiting such an immense city can become quite expensive, the good news is that it doesn’t have to be.

After living in Los Angeles for two years, I guess you can say I learned a thing or two about the City of Angels. And with that information, I have put together for you, the perfect guide to Los Angeles on a budget.

Most people don’t know this but if done the right way, traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of free things to do in Los Angeles that won’t break your wallet. In this guide, I’ve listed a variety of awesome and free activities you will find in the LA area.

Los Angeles on a Budget

Check out the public beaches

It’s a known fact that you can never go wrong with a beach day. Los Angeles is home to many amazing beaches which are all free to access. Although parking in the beach parking lots isn’t free, a little secret I am going to let you in on (Shhh! Don’t tell anyone.), all the street parking, by the beaches, is completely free.

Make sure to get there early and grab a parking spot before they are all taken, that way you can save even more money on your Los Angeles trip . Here are some of LA’s most popular, free beaches for your trip to Los Angeles on a budget.

1. Venice Beach

The performers, street artists, shopping boutiques, live shows and the colorful murals which are some of the best street arts in California are some of the few reasons that Venice is one of LA’s most famous and enjoyable beaches. There is never a dull moment in Venice beach. Spend a day enjoying all its fantastic festivities as you relax by the majestic Pacific ocean.

2. Santa Monica Pier and Beach

Come to take a walk on the Santa Monica Pier. Located only 3 miles away from Venice, Santa Monica is another one of LA’s most famous beaches but this one, on the other hand, has a whole amusement park standing over the ocean.

Pacific Park has everything from rides, games, a rollercoaster, and a gigantic Ferris wheel, which over time became a city icon for Los Angeles. Entrance to the park is completely free and it’s so much fun to walk around.

After a fun day at the pier, end your day by laying out on the Beach or drop by one of these sweet rooftops bars in Santa Monica.

3. Malibu Beach

Malibu Beach is by far one of the fanciest LA beaches and it is also one of the many free things to do in Los Angeles. If you’re looking to get away from the craziness of the city, come relax in Malibu.

Malibu is known for its celebrity homes and sightings. And hey, you might even run into your favorite celeb at the beach.

4. Carbon Beach

Inside Malibu, you will find Carbon Beach, also known as Billionaire’s Beach. Why do they call it Billionaire’s Beach you ask? It gained its famous nickname since only the homes of the mega-rich are located around. And when I say mega-rich, I mean some of the richest humans on the planet.

The water is perfect to swim and go snorkeling in as the waves are mostly calm. The sand is as soft as silk, which makes it perfect to lay out all afternoon and catches the warm California sun.

5. El Matador State Beach

Also located inside Malibu, El Matador State Beach is a must! With gorgeous, natural rock formations, sea caves, and the vast ocean complimenting the sights, this beach is truly a natural wonder.

Spend your day at this one-of-a-kind beach. It has free public access and also some amazing photo ops! Some of these beaches are also a good base for the best whale-watching spots in California.

Take a Stroll Through Hollywood Boulevard

This one is a no-brainer that visiting Los Angeles without checking out Hollywood Boulevard should be criminal! Especially after this whole city is built on its famous show business industry.

Along the floor, you will find over 2600 stars with the biggest names in the business engraved in each. Come to take a photo with the star of your favorite celebrity!

Hollywood Boulevard also has a variety of different things to do – including a shopping mall, amazing food, and characters along the boulevard that livens up the atmosphere. While in Hollywood, you can also catch a movie at the TLC Chinese Theater.

Visit LA’s Fashion District

Don’t you get tired of the same old chain fashion stores? I know I definitely do. It seems that no matter what city you’re in, they all have the same clothes. BORING! LA though has something a bit different to offer you.

They have the fashion district located in downtown Los Angeles. With over 200 independently-owned stores, you will never find the same thing twice. The fashion district doesn’t cost anything and you can get some awesome outfit inspiration wandering around down there.

Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Amongst other things to do in Los Angeles for free, one of the most popular outdoor activities is hiking to the Hollywood Sign. The Hollywood sign is LA’s most famous landmark and rightfully so considering that for the most part, everything in LA somehow relates to showbusiness.

Seeing the Hollywood sign from far away is pretty rad but, seeing it up close… That’s a whole different level of cool. Great photo op too! To hike to the sign, it doesn’t cost a penny but be aware that there are no signs to direct you throughout the trail.

Watch Some of the Most Famous TV Shows LIVE

As I’ve mentioned before and it’s obviously a known fact that Los Angeles is known for the show business aspect of it. Something a lot of people don’t know though is that there are a ton of show tapings you can attend for free!

Which if you’re visiting Los Angeles on a budget, this is the perfect activity. Tickets usually are sold out extremely quickly so this is one activity that would have to be planned out in advance. Some of those shows include Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and so much more.

The Griffith Observatory

One of the best things to do if you’re visiting Los Angeles on a budget is to check out the Griffith Observatory. Admission is always free and there is an abundant amount of activities to do.

Those activities include views of the Hollywood Sign, some pretty neat exhibits, live shows, and some jaw-dropping views of Los Angeles. If you can, make sure to stay until sunset and watch the sunset over the city. That is a sight, my friend, that you will never forget.

Griffith Park

With over 4000 acres of land, Griffith Park is considered one of North America’s biggest parks. Even bigger than the ever-so-famous Central Park in New York City. All located inside Griffith Park you will find the Los Angeles Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, the Greek Theater, Travel Town Train Museum, and much more!

The park is so nicely kept up that taking a stroll through it or just spending your afternoon in Griffith Park could definitely be considered the perfect day.

Window Shop on Rodeo Drive

Located in one of LA’s most exclusive neighborhoods, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is an awesome place to check out on your trip to Los Angeles.

Although, Rodeo Drive is home to some of the most luxurious stores in the city where all the A-List celebrities are known to shop, window shopping and getting to explore the famous street is still worth your time and will not cost a dime. And hey, who knows, you might even run into your favorite celeb.

Pay Your Respects at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Pay your respects in LA’s most prominent cemetery. The most famous names in Hollywood have been buried here and to this day, their spirits live on forever. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of the most popular things to do in Los Angeles for free.

Explore China Town

What better way than to educate yourself on the Chinese culture than to submerge yourself in it? China Town in Los Angeles is a huge tourist destination. It is a jubilant part of Los Angeles that everyone should explore at least once.

It is a great place for some awesome shopping and dining (The Chinese food there is absolutely delicious!)

Check Out the Getty Museum

With millions of visitors a year, the Getty Museum is one of LA’s most famous landmarks. The Getty Museum is an art museum that has two locations in the city – The Getty Center and the Getty Villa.

And with free admission, it makes the list for one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles. It has everything from extravagant art pieces, sculptures, and gardens.

California Science Center

The California Science Center is one of the coolest activities you can do if you’re visiting Los Angeles on a budget. In this museum, everyone from adults to children can explore the world of science through hands-on exhibits and experiences.

What better way to learn than getting down and dirty and getting first-hand experience in your education, literally. The best part of this museum is that it is completely free to the public and it is open 7 days a week.

Cruise Down Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Coast Highway is LA’s most well-known road. With a stretch of over 600 miles, it is the longest road in California. It overlooks the California coast so as you drive you can get one of the best views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean right before your very own eyes. The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best things to do in California that you shouldn’t miss!

Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is another huge sight to see while visiting the one and only City of Angels. You have a choice of a self-guided audio tour and a guided tour – Which are both completely free.

Although the tours do not include the auditorium since it is constantly occupied for productions, you will be led through most of the interior and the gardens as you get to learn about the history of this magnificent establishment.

All in all, even though LA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, it is fairly easy to visit Los Angeles on a budget if you know where to look. Even though I don’t live in LA anymore, I always have an absolute blast when I come back for a vacation.

It has so much to offer – from the culture, the world-class restaurants in Los Angeles, the star-studded streets, and most of all the endless activities and sights that are nestled all over the city for you to experience.

Work out at Muscle Beach

Okay, so this one isn’t free but it is still a great activity if you’re visiting Los Angeles on a budget. Muscle Beach is a world-famous gym located right in Venice. Overlooking the ocean, you can work out right on the beach as you hear the ocean in the near distance and smell that delightful ocean breeze.

The best part you ask? For a day pass it’s only $10. If you are big into fitness like I am, this is the perfect activity.

Tip: Are you looking for accommodations in Los Angeles? Check out this list of the best places to stay in Los Angeles to give you more options and assist you in finding the perfect lodging for your needs.

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An Insider’s Guide to Los Angeles on a Budget

Tips on how to explore the best of the city for less.

the hollywood walk of fame in los angeles california

One of the most vibrant and diverse cultural capitals of the world, Los Angeles is more than just a city. In fact, there are 88 cities in L.A. County alone, representing an amazing diversity of cultures, styles, economics, climates and diversions — many overlapping in the sprawl that makes up the L.A. of public imagination. To experience it well (and affordably) requires savvy planning and a good map.

Getting around

Having a car is ideal, even if it means navigating the area’s famously clogged roadways. But if you don’t want to spring for a rental (or don’t drive), L.A. has a widespread light-rail system that is accessible for wheelchair users and connects with myriad buses. Between that and judicious use of ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft, you’ll be able to reach many key spots without breaking your budget.

santa monica beach in los angeles california

Things to do

Note: Due to the pandemic, museums and other venues mentioned here may require advance online ticketing, masks and/or proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Be sure to check current rules before visiting.

If you like to walk, strolling through L.A.’s neighborhoods is a fantastic way to get a taste of different parts of the city. Manhattan Beach offers one of my favorite shoreline walks, but lots of first-time visitors seek out the wilder scene at Venice Beach, with its drum circles, fortune-tellers and many flavors of California eccentricity. When you’ve had enough, head north; once the roller skates are replaced by baby carriages, you’re in the more serene Santa Monica.

And don’t forget L.A.’s world-class museums.

The original Getty Villa (17985 Pacific Coast Highway), featuring the art collection of oil-industry magnate J. Paul Getty, shows off classical Greek and Roman antiquities in a re-created Roman country home, with a garden and reflecting pool. About 14 miles away, off the 405 Freeway, the main Getty Center complex houses the museum’s European and American art collections, but the stunning architecture, grounds and 360-degree views are reason enough to visit. Both museums are free, although you still need to reserve timed-entry tickets online — and parking is $20.

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In the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood called Museum Row, near Beverly Hills, the impressive Los Angeles Country Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western U.S., showcasing more than 147,000 works from around the world. Check out its famous sculpture installation Urban Light , composed of 202 vintage streetlamps. Timed-entry tickets are released online on the last Thursday of the month: $25 for adults; $16 for adults 65 and up.

Around the corner, the 100,000-square-foot Petersen Automotive Museum (6060 Wilshire Blvd.) provides an apt tribute to L.A.’s car culture, and earned me high marks when I took my visiting nephew. Buy timed-entry tickets online: $17 for adults 61 and younger, $15 for those 62 and up.

Nearby, the La Brea Tar Pits (5801 Wilshire Blvd.) are a living reminder of California’s prehistoric origins, complete with actual tar bubbling from the ground — so don’t wear your best shoes. The outdoor spaces are free, but it’s worth paying the $15 admission ($12 for adults 62 and up) to see fossils of saber-toothed cats and mammoths from Ice Age L.A. Buy timed-entry tickets online.

New to the neighborhood is the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (6067 Wilshire Blvd.), a shrine to the art form housed in an old landmark building totally revamped by famed Italian architect Renzo Piano. You can see one of the five pairs of ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz , the tablets from The Ten Commandments and more. Buy timed-entry tickets online: $25 for adults 61 and younger, $19 for those 62 and up.

At some point during your trip, of course, you’ll also want to cruise Hollywood Boulevard to see the Walk of Fame stars and the historic TCL (formerly Grauman’s) Chinese Theatre.

Three or four miles to the south of Museum Row, near my own home base of Culver City, lies the uniquely bizarre Museum of Jurassic Technology , where trying to guess which exhibits are utterly invented or merely odd is part of the fun. While you’re there, it’s worth climbing a few extra stairs to get a cup of complimentary tea from the large samovar in the Tula Tea Room. Enjoy it in the rooftop garden, which is easy to miss if you don’t know to look for it. Buy timed-entry tickets online: $12 for adults 61 and younger, $10 for those 62 and up. Open Thursday through Sunday.

There’s plenty more here, if you like gardens. Check out the gorgeous 120-acre Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, which boasts 15,000 species, from delicate bonsai to gigantic eucalyptus. It’s pricey, but admission is free the first Thursday of the month, if you can get a ticket. Buy timed-entry tickets online: On weekends it’s $29 for adults 64 and younger, $24 for adults 65 and up; tickets are a few dollars less on weekdays.

a show in topanga canyon at will geers theatricum botanicum

Other budget fun

Enjoy the Bard. In the summer, you can catch Shakespeare performed at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum (1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.). General seating: $26 for adults; $15 for those 62 and older.

Visit the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena. If your trip is timed right, you can catch this awesome flea market , held the second Sunday of each month. Its 2,500 vendors sell crafts, vintage clothing, antiques and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Cash-only admission: $10 to $20.

Explore the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Stroll past the graves of legends like Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, Marion Davies and Tyrone Power.

Watch a TV show taping. Catch some of your favorite celebs live by joining a studio audience for programs such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank (see calendar online ). It’s free, but bear in mind that some shows book up months in advance. Others, including Wheel of Fortune , aren’t taping in front of a live audience due to the pandemic.

See SoFi. If the Super Bowl inspired you, tours of SoFi Stadium start at $30.

Where to stay

Airbnb rentals are available for less than $100 a night, though it may be worth paying more to stay near a Metro station. I’m biased, but I think Culver City, where I live, is a wonderful home base for visitors, as are Silver Lake and Larchmont Village (both closer to Hollywood).

Or, with a little effort, you can find nice, moderately priced hotels, such as Mayumi (5630 Sawtelle Blvd.), a boutique property on the edge of Culver City. Rates start at around $200 but vary during the year. There’s also the BLVD Hotel & Suites (2010 N. Highland Ave.) in Hollywood, where I found a mid-March rate of $179. The Hoxton Downtown LA, (1060 S. Broadway) has a rooftop pool and small but stylish rooms that start at about $200.

Where to eat

L.A.’s dining options are vast — and include plenty of trendy places that charge jaw-dropping prices for their elaborate dishes. You could actually spend your entire vacation budget on a single meal at the trippy Vespertine, a concept restaurant where dinner is “an immersive, multi-sensory event.” Fortunately, the metro area is also home to hundreds of affordable family-run eateries.

A few of my favorites:

Madre! (10426 National Blvd., plus other locations). OK, this one’s not exactly a budget option if you order its main dishes, but if you choose carefully, you can get away with $25 for a fantastic dinner. Try the carnitas or carne asada tacos with handmade corn tortillas (about $7 each), for instance, or a tamal de mole (banana-leaf-wrapped tamal with chicken and mole negro, for $12). The bar menu is even more affordable, and you can pair your food with a mezcal cocktail.

Jitlada (5233½ W. Sunset Blvd.). The family behind this Hollywood hot spot hails from southern Thailand, the inspiration for the delicious curries, spicy tom yum ($14) and literally hundreds of other unique dishes (think fresh New Zealand mussels in lemongrass broth and deep-fried shrimp with crispy tea leaves) on offer.

Saffron & Rose (1387 Westwood Blvd.). Don’t even consider ordering vanilla at this Persian ice cream shop, whose Middle Eastern flavors include saffron pistachio, orange blossom, lavender and jasmine.

If you have a kitchen and want to eat in or do your own cooking, there are loads of farmers’ markets that show off the bounty of SoCal’s extra-long growing season. The Original Farmers Market (6333 W. 3rd St.), near the CBS studio, is open daily and boasts tantalizing selections from both prepared-food and produce vendors. The same is true of downtown’s Grand Central Market (317 S. Broadway), where my favorite purveyor of local flavor, Valeria’s, will let you taste from its wide selection of dried chiles.

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Budget Travel Los Angeles: 10 Tips from Locals

Updated September 17, 2023

Los Angeles may be home to the rich and famous, but you don’t need a movie star’s bank account to have an incredible time! Locals in LA provided these 10 tips to keep your Los Angeles trip under budget.

#1: Eat like the locals do

When in Rome, right? Locals tell us you'll find plenty of cheap eats throughout this glitzy town. They suggest enjoying the incredible LA food truck scene and checking out the cheap eats in Chinatown, like the delicious Lao Tao .

Local tip : If you don't have In-N-Out at home, you've got to give it a try in LA. A cheeseburger is less than $3, so it's also a good budget stop.

#2: Take public transportation

Yes, you read that right: Los Angeles has public transit , and locals say it's actually pretty great! In fact, LA only ranks behind NY and SF when it comes to citizens using public transportation to get to work.

If you're looking to save money, skip the Uber: The metro and buses are cheap. Locals tell us that a single ticket is $1.75, a day pass is $7, and a 7-day pass is $25.

The locals note that you can buy a TAP card (aka a metro ticket) at any metro station—these can also be used to pay for the bus, as well as for the LA metro bike share .

#3: Spend a day on the beach

There are 30 miles of public beaches in Los Angeles . Spending a day lying in the sand is both budget-friendly and relaxing. If you take the train or an Uber, you won’t have to worry about finding/paying for parking.

Locals tell us that Santa Monica, Venice, and Manhattan Beach are all fantastic places to lie in the sun.

#4: Plan a trip for the offseason

To keep your Los Angeles trip under budget, consider visiting during the offseason.

You won’t be sacrificing much—weather in LA is almost always perfect , and even if it dips below 70 degrees (that sound you just heard was millions of southern Californians searching for scarves and hats), you’ll have plenty of options for indoor activities. Consider planning a trip in the winter or early spring!

#5: Visit the (free) museums

When it comes to LA travel prices, museums are by far the best deal: many of them are free!

So you can enjoy some of the most incredible art in the world—contemporary pieces at the Broad , classics at the Getty , and 6,000 years of art history at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art —without having to worry about your travel budget.

Local tip : Some places, like the Huntington Gardens , also have specific free days.

#6: Go on a hike

Los Angeles is known for movie stars and traffic, but the nature scene in LA is hard to beat. Partake in one of the best things to do in Los Angeles by exploring the city’s amazing walks. Hiking up to the Hollywood sign is a classic, and locals love Runyon Canyon because dogs are allowed to be off-leash. So when we say take a hike we mean it in the most encouraging, budget-friendly way possible.

#7: Instead of staying in Beverly Hills, find lodging in Koreatown

Beverly Hills has more name recognition, but you’ll get more bang for your buck by staying in a Los Angeles neighborhood like Koreatown. Not only is it one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles , but locals rave that it's central and full of activities (great Korean food and amazing karaoke). Plus, it’s easy to get from Koreatown to other parts of LA

#8: Learn about the best happy hours in town

Speaking of great deals involving food, locals have plenty to say about LA’s best happy hours. You can ask to the locals about the best places in LA to get cheap drinks—they’ll have better info than some random article you find on Google from three years ago.

#9: Explore LA’s art scene

It makes sense that LA has an incredible art scene— so many creatives flock to the city of angels! The best part is that most art activities are free . Locals tell us that the downtown Los Angeles art walk takes place the 2nd Thursday of every month, Venice hosts a “ first Friday ” walk that includes tons of food trucks, and Culver City also hosts an arts walk every 2nd Saturday of the month. All free! So much art!

Local tip : Los Angeles is safe, but if you’re going to be walking around at night remember that LA is a big city—use the same precautions you would anywhere else.

#10: Go to a studio taping

If you love television but don’t want to spend $60 on a studio tour, think about going to a live studio taping instead. Request tickets in advance for shows like The Voice, The Ellen DeGeneres Show , and CONAN.

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Los Angeles Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Los Angeles takes some getting used to. It’s a love/hate city for most people. When I first visited Los Angeles, I hated it . The city was too big, too vapid, and too expensive.

But, the more I came here, the more I saw that this isn’t a city for tourists — it’s a city for residents. With only a few tourist attractions spread out over a vast distance, it’s hard to “see” LA the way you can easily see NYC, Paris, or London, especially if you don’t rent a car. But this is a city where you come to enjoy life the way the locals do: eat healthy food, go to the beach, go for a run, see a concert, and relax. It’s a city for living .

Once you take the pressure of trying to fit Los Angeles into the tourist box, you see the magic of the city and easygoing lifestyle of the locals. That’s when you fall in love with LA.

This travel guide to Los Angeles will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this iconic destination.

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Stay
How to Get Around
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on Los Angeles

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Los Angeles

The white and sandy Venice beach in los Angeles, USA

1. Take a day trip to Disneyland

Visit the “Happiest Place on Earth” in nearby Anaheim. I love the rides — like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain — and just feeling like a kid. Don’t miss the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, with its popular Rise of the Resistance ride (it’s worth the price). Other popular rides include the Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Indiana Jones’ Adventure. It’s a magical place! A one-day/one-park ticket starts $104 USD.

2. See Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard has recently gone through some urban renewal and renovation. See the sidewalk street performers and enjoy the Walk of Fame (with over 2,700 celebrities’ handprints and footprints), Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (now known as TCL Chinese Theatre, which features one of the largest movie screens in the country), and much more. You can also hop on a tourist bus to see where the rich and famous live and work.

3. Tour the Getty Museum

The Getty Museum is amazing for four reasons: its impressive art collection, its dramatic Richard Meier architecture, its ever-changing gardens, and the sweeping views of the city. Opened in 1997, the museum focuses on pre-20th-century European art as well as and 19th- and 20th-century American and European photographs. It features work by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and other masters. Visiting here was a highlight of my time in LA. It’s one of the best spots in the city and, if you only see one museum, make it this one. It’s free to enter, however, you have to pay to park ($25 USD). It’s closed on Mondays.

4. Explore Griffith Park

This place is fantastic for hiking, picnics, and hanging around with friends. The hiking trails lead up to Mulholland Drive and provide great views of the city. Griffith Park has many activities, including the LA Zoo, the Autry Western Museum, pony rides, a golf course, a driving range, and an observatory. Think of it like Central Park in New York City but much larger (it spans 4,310 acres versus Central Park’s 843 acres) and much more rugged. There’s also plenty of wildlife here, including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and coyotes. Guided hikes are available too if you prefer to go with a group.

5. Relax at Venice Beach

Besides the sand and waves, Venice Beach has street performers, surfers, skaters, and intense basketball games (some of the best streetball players in the world can be found here). Wander around, take in the street art, and eat and drink at many of the restaurants that line the beach. Avoid the weekends if you’re heading to the beach as it gets crowded. It’s just one of the best places to hang out in the city.

Other Things to See and Do in Los Angeles

1. tour universal studios hollywood.

Universal Studios Hollywood is the only working movie studio and theme park in the world. Their studio tour lasts one hour and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood, including a visit to the plane crash scene from War of the Worlds, Peter Jackson’s King Kong, the Bates Hotel from Psycho, and cars from Fast & Furious (the tour is hosted by Jimmy Fallon on video). The theme park is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, The Simpsons ride, special effects shows, and a soon to open Nintendo World. A one-day ticket costs $109 USD while a two-day pass starts at $159 USD. Get your tickets in advance here.

2. Party on Sunset Boulevard

Perhaps one of the world’s most famous streets in the world, Sunset Blvd began as a route between the stars’ posh neighborhoods and the Hollywood studios. It runs from downtown to the ocean, passing through the “Sunset Strip” with its beaches and movie studios on its way. You’ll find a lot of high end clubs, restaurants, and bars here.

3. Explore Old Town Pasadena

Historic downtown Pasadena is located just ten minutes from Los Angeles. Its pedestrian-friendly zone is designated as a National Register Historic District and stretches for twenty-two blocks. It’s filled with boutique shops and restaurants and is also a popular nightspot for all of you party animals out there. It’s an eclectic area where people of all ages come to hang out. The Caltech campus is a nice place to explore with its turtle pond and lush gardens. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is nearby and you can learn about the native landscape, plants, and wildlife as you walk through more than 3.5 miles of trails.

4. Shop at the Farmers Market & The Grove

There’s a great farmer’s market here with loads of fresh bread, fruit, veggies, and a delicious food court. Nearby is an outdoor shopping area featuring all the major brands as well as a movie theater. It’s a nice place to spend an afternoon. You can also learn the history of the farmers market while sampling some of its food with Melting Pot Tours (tours are $89 USD). The tour is 2.5 hours and gives you a chance to sample food from nine different vendors.

5. Take a walk on the beach

Los Angeles beaches are a great place to go for a walk, people-watch, or just lounge in the sun. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are two of the most famous beaches. The Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, is also a fun way to spend an afternoon thanks to its carnival-like atmosphere right on the beach (it has several rides, greasy food stalls, and carnival games). Huntington Beach, Redondo Beach, and Playa del Rey are some of the other popular beaches around the city as well.

6. Visit the Huntington Library

This beautifully-designed library in nearby Pasadena includes a Chinese and Japanese garden. Additionally, the library has some incredibly rare and valuable books, including a copy of The Canterbury Tales from the 15th century and a 14th-century Gutenberg Bible (which you can see on display in the Main Exhibition Hall). It’s open 10am-5pm Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays) and tickets are $25 USD during the week and $29 USD on weekends.

7. Explore the California Science Center

This kid-friendly attraction has a variety of educational exhibits on topics ranging from ecosystems (complete with forest, river, and island habitats) to space and aviation. The biggest highlight is the American space shuttle, Endeavor, which ran 25 space missions between 1992-2011 for NASA. It’s free to visit but parking costs $15-18 USD and you have to pay extra for special exhibits and IMAX movies (usually $10-20 USD).

8. Go for a hike

Los Angeles has a lot of wonderful hiking and running trails, the most famous being Runyon Canyon. There are some well-marked routes, including a 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) loop and a 2.6-mile (4-kilometer) loop (with higher elevation gain). There’s also a more strenuous 3.3-mile (5-kilometer) hike to the top of the park too. Caballero Canyon (3.4 miles), Fryman Canyon Park (2.5 miles), and Los Liones Trail (3.5 miles) are three other easy trails around the city you can hike too.

9. See the iconic Hollywood Sign

You can hike up to the famous Hollywood sign using trails that are open from sunrise until sunset in Griffith Park. From the sign, you get a sweeping view of Hollywood (which is especially beautiful at sunset with the city lights spread out in front of you). The three trails to get here (from easiest to hardest) are the Mt Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Expect to spend at least a couple of hours hiking. If you’d rather go with a group, guided hikes from Get Your Guide last 2.5 hours and cost $25 USD.

10. Visit the Grammy Museum

With exhibits, interactive experiences, artifacts and costumes, and numerous films, this museum walks you through the entire music industry and its history as well as the careers of previous Grammy winners. One exhibition showcases some of the most outrageous outfits worn on the Grammy’s red carpet and another houses costumes worn by Michael Jackson. The museum also has regularly rotating special exhibitions about different genres of music and various artists in the industry. It’s not a highlight of the city, but if you’re a music aficionado, it’s one of the best things to do. Admission is $18 USD.

11. Browse The Last Bookstore

This is one of my favorite bookstores in the country (and one of the few remaining big independent ones). They sell books and music records, have art displays, and there’s a cool upstairs area too with books for as little as $1 USD. Located downtown, this space is huge, and you can get lost browsing the shelves for hours. Come here, get a coffee, and buy some books! It’s a must see.

12. Visit LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest museum in the western United States. It boasts a massive collection of artwork including works by Rembrandt, Cézanne, Ansel Adams, and Magritte. There’s also ancient artwork from around the world, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculptures. There’s modern art here too, including Michael Heizer’s 340-ton boulder which is wedged over a narrow walkway. Tickets are $28 USD.

13. See La Brea Tar Pits

These natural tar pits are in Hancock Park, where the tar has been trapping and fossilizing animals since the Ice Age. More than 3.5 million fossils have been found here, ranging from small honeybees to giant mammoths. This includes thousands of dire wolves! And scientists are still uncovering fossils here nearly every day of the year. It’s right next to LACMA too so you can do both together. Admission is $15 USD (closed Tuesdays).

14. Explore downtown

Downtown has experienced a complete revitalization in recent years, including a brand-new pedestrian center with museums, concert halls, theaters, and dining options. If you do just one thing here, visit the Grand Central Market. It’s home to 40+ of downtown’s best food vendors, including the original Eggslut. You can find literally any type of food here. I love it. Moreover, the Broad contemporary art museum is free and houses works from famous artists like Andy Warhol. Check out Pershing Square, a five-acre park with statues, monuments, fountains, and incredible views of the area’s architecture.

15. Walk Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Near Venice Beach, this boulevard is chock full of diverse shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. There are all kinds of quirky businesses to pop into and on First Friday (the first Friday of each month), the street gets taken over by live music and food trucks. This is one of the hippest spots in the city. There’s a ton of things going on here and it’s filled with locals at all hours of the day.

16. Visit the Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center

This center is one of the most successful literary arts incubators in the country, with alumni like Tom Waits and Wanda Coleman. It’s housed in Venice’s original city hall and was turned into an art center in 1958. The center is surrounded by a community garden that’s focused on providing an engaging outdoor space for the community. There’s also regular programming here like readings, workshops, and musical performances, as well as a bookstore and archive with over 40,000 books. If you’re a book nerd like me, you’ll love this place!

17. Hang out in Palisades Park

Palisades Park in Santa Monica is a eucalyptus-filled park between the beach area and Ocean Avenue, where you get scenic views over the ocean and of the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s a chill spot to relax and explore. Make sure you stop by the Camera Obscura, an antiquated camera that offers a unique view of the world outside. It’s free to visit and closed on Sundays.

18. Admire Greystone Mansion

Located in Beverly Hills, this is a Tudor Revival surrounded by landscaped English gardens. Also known as Doheny Mansion, the mansion was built in the 1900s as a gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son (the film There Will Be Blood is loosely based on Doheny). It eventually became a public park in the 1970s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The mansion has a whopping 55 rooms and cost around 70 million dollars (adjusted for inflation), making it the most expensive home in California at the time. The mansion is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month but the grounds are free to visit anytime. It’s a beautiful, relaxing place to go for a stroll or sit with a book when the sun is shining.

19. Enjoy Koreatown

This is one of the most fun spots to enjoy the city’s nightlife. There are tons of tasty BBQ restaurants, lively bars and clubs, and fun karaoke places. It’s a must for foodies though, with over 500 restaurants in the area. The neighborhood was established in the early 1900s by Korean immigrants and has grown into a vibrant part of town that spans over 150 blocks. Don’t miss Dawooljung, the first traditional Korean monument built in the city, and be sure to feast on mouth-watering Korean BBQ while you’re here.

20. Explore Silver Lake

This hip neighborhood is home to cool cafes, trendy shops, vegan restaurants, and boutique galleries. It’s essentially the Brooklyn of LA, named after the Silver Lake Reservoir, which offers a nice 2.25-mile loop where locals walk and jog. You’ll get incredible views of the San Gabriel Mountains along the way. It’s a laid-back spot that most people skip so you won’t be surrounded by tourists! There are live music venues, like Zebulon, where you can catch a show and Sunset Junction is a walkable area along Sunset Boulevard with plenty of interesting shops to check out.

21. Do a Studio Tour

Warner Bros., Universal, Sony, and Paramount all offer studio tours where you can see famous sound stages like the one used in The Wizard of Oz , props from hit movies (like the bench from Forrest Gump ), and so much more. Most tours last 1-2 hours and either involve walking or riding a tram/bus. Prices vary but start around $70 USD per person. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to book in advance. You can get tickets for Warner Bros. here and tickets for Universal here .

Los Angeles Travel Costs

Los Angeles at sunset, featuring towering buildings in the background and palms trees in the foreground

Hostel prices – Prices here vary widely depending on where you stay in the city, though the prices are fairly consistent year-round. Unfortunately, prices aren’t cheap. Dorm rooms start around $30-50 USD per night and go as high as $80 USD. A basic private room with an ensuite bathroom starts around $110 USD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Only a couple of hostels offer free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices Budget two-star hotels start around $110 USD per night, though most are closer to $150 USD. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, AC, TV, and a tea/coffee maker. Three-star hotels start around $135 USD but most comfortable, nice spots cost between $160-200 USD per night. These generally include free breakfast too.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Los Angeles. A private room starts around $100 USD per night (but averages double that) while entire homes/apartments start around $165 USD per night.

Food – Los Angeles has lots of food trucks and fast-food options for under $10-15 USD. It’s the city of food trucks and anything and everything can be found here. You can get a hearty crepe or sandwich for around $10-12 USD while tacos go for about $3-5 USD each.

At casual restaurants, most main dishes cost around $25 USD. If you want to splash out on a three-course meal, expect to pay at least $50-60 USD.

For fast food (think McDonald’s), a combo meal is around $12 USD. A large pizza starts around $10-15 USD while Chinese food is $11-13 USD.

Beer is around $8-$10 USD while a latte/cappuccino costs around $5.50 USD. Bottled water is $2 USD.

Some of my favorite places to eat are Jitlada, Cafe Los Feliz, The Butcher’s Daughter, Uzumaki Sushi, Frank & Musso’s, Dan Tana’s, Bay Cities Italian Deli, and Meals by Genet. For drinks, check out No Vacancy, Hotel Cafe, Roosterfish, Firestone Water Brewery, and Good Times at Davey Wayne’s.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay $50-75 USD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking Los Angeles Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Los Angeles, expect to spend around $75 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, using public transportation, cooking your own meals, and free attractions like the beaches and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add $10-20 USD more per day.

On a mid-range budget of $220 USD per day, you can stay in a private room, eat out for most of your meals, enjoy a couple drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting some museums or going to Disneyland for a day.

On a “luxury” budget of $410 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, rent a car to get around or take more taxis, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Los Angeles Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Los Angeles can be super expensive. After all, some of the country’s wealthiest people live here! But, thanks to all the food trucks and starving artists, you don’t have to be rich to visit. Here are some ways to save money in Los Angeles:

Purchase a Go City Los Angeles Card – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, this card provides discounts to 40 museums, tours, and attractions. It’s priced to save you money when compared to buying separate tickets. A two-day unlimited pass is $264 USD while the three-day unlimited pass is $309 USD. You can also build your own pass, with one-day/two-attraction passes starting at $104 USD.
Get a TAP card for public transit – The TAP card lets you get a one-day pass on the Metro and bus systems for $5 or a seven-day pass for $18. There are several ways to get a TAP card. You can download the app on your phone, get one from a TAP machine in the Metro stations, or buy one of the hundreds of TAP vendors around the city.
Avoid celebrity hangouts – Hollywood and Beverly Hills are the two areas you can see the most celebrities but also the two areas where you can spend the most money. While they’re fun to explore, avoid shopping and eating there!
Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in big cities like LA, where accommodation is expensive. If you have lots of points, use them here and get free rooms! Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car. This post has more information on how to get started with points and miles .
Stay with a local – There are plenty of Couchsurfing hosts throughout the city who can show you around and let you stay for free. In an expensive and ever-changing city like LA, having a local guide can be extremely helpful! Just make sure to send your requests early since it’s a popular destination.
Take a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. Free Tours By Foot has a few interesting walking tours that can show you what the city has to offer. Just make sure to tip your guide!
Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers the best savings.
Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your single-use plastic consumption. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Accommodation is expensive in Los Angeles. Since the city is so spread out, before you book, make sure you have a spot in the location where you want to spend most of your time. Otherwise, you’ll be driving a lot. Here are some recommended places to stay in Los Angeles:

Freehand Los Angeles
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica
Banana Bungalow Hollywood
Samesun Venice Beach

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Los Angeles.

How to Get Around Los Angeles

A palm-tree lined road in bustling Los Angeles, USA

Public Transportation – The Los Angeles Metro involves both rail and bus service. It’s the most accessible and affordable way to get around the city, with tickets costing just $1.75 USD each way.

Get a TAP Card (you can find them at TAP machines within bus or train stations) so you can load a preset cash value onto the card to be used on all buses and trains. You can get a day pass for $5 USD or a seven-day pass for $18 USD. The subway is kind of sketchy though but super convenient if you are staying downtown or in Hollywood. The line from downtown to Santa Monica takes as long as driving because of all the stops.

Flyaway buses go from LAX to downtown and Hollywood for $9.75 USD one-way.

Taxis – Taxis can be hard to flag down, but you can download the Curb app to request one in advance. Everything is meter-based, starting at $3.10 USD and then $2.97 USD per mile.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.

Bike rental – While I wouldn’t recommend renting a bike if you’re in the middle of the city (traffic is terrible), once you get out to the coast then renting a bike might be a fun way to explore. Expect to pay around $30 USD per day for a rental. There is also a bike share program called Metro Bike Share that offers $5 USD daily rentals as long as each ride is less than 30 minutes.

When to Go to Los Angeles

Summer is the peak season for tourism in LA, with temperatures soaring to 85°F (30°C). Everybody wants to be outside during this time so they head to the beaches, which can get very busy. Attractions get crowded during the summer, especially at family-friendly attractions like Disneyland. Accommodation prices increase, so be sure to book early. On the plus side, it hardly ever rains during the summer.

March-May and September-November (the shoulder seasons) are my favorite times to visit Los Angeles. It’s warm, but there’s no sticky heat and the crowds are less oppressive. Temperatures during these months are between 69-80°F (21-27°C), with very little rain. These are great times to get outside. There are plenty of hiking trails around the area, if you want to get out of the busy city.

December is the coldest month overall, but it’s much cheaper for accommodation if you want to save some cash. Just pack some rain gear if you’re coming in the winter. Expect daily highs around 68°F (21°C).

How to Stay Safe in Los Angeles

Overall, Los Angeles is a safe place to visit. If you stick to touristy areas like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills, you’ll be fine. There are some questionable areas downtown (like Skid Row) as well as nearby South Central, which should be avoided. Avoid Compton too.

Your biggest issue is going to petty crime, like theft and bag snatching. Petty crime has been on the rise over the last couple of years and it’s something you definitely want to watch out for. As a general rule, don’t wear flashy jewelry, wave around cash, and just keep your valuables secure and hidden when you are eating outside. Don’t bring anything valuable to the beach just in case as theft can occur.

Make sure to keep your personal items closed and near you at all times. Hold your purse or backpack in front of you or close to your body. If you’re out at night, keep to well-lit and well-traveled places. If you have a vehicle, keep it locked at all times and don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. There’s a lot of car break-ins around the city.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk around at night intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, I would read one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

Los Angeles also has some pretty unique scams. For example, if you’re approached by someone who says they’re a Hollywood producer, director, or casting agent, they could be legit. However, chances are they’re just trying to scam you into paying fees upfront. Ask for a business card and do your due diligence. Additionally, be wary of people offering Hollywood tours or discounts on open-air bus tours. Do your research and stick to well-known providers to avoid getting ripped off.

To avoid getting ripped off, read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Los Angeles Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Los Angeles Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chicago

The 5 Best Hotels in San Francisco

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

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24 Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles That Are Totally Free

Sure the City of Angels can be expensive, but it's easy to enjoy L.A. on a budget, too.

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Los Angeles? For many, it's the glitz and glamour, the stars and handprints on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, window shopping along Rodeo Drive, or catching a glimpse of a celebrity in the wild. And while you can come to L.A. for those things, there's so much more to see and do if you know where to look. Not only that, but there's plenty that's free in L.A., and you can genuinely enjoy the city on a budget.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

Hike the trails in Griffith Park and get a clear view of the Hollywood sign.
Get your 10,000 steps with L.A. Conservancy's self-guided walking tours to modern architecture in Venice and film locations in West L.A.
Snap a coveted photo inside Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms at the Broad.
Run up and down the city's 14 hidden staircases and skip paying for workout classes.
Browse a market of Mexican handicrafts and eat taquitos on Olvera Street.

To help keep costs low on your next trip, start with our list of the best free things to do in Los Angeles.

Hike with the Los Feliz crowd at Griffith Park.

Christian Hundley/Travel + Leisure

Griffith Park 's 4,210 acres of natural, chaparral-covered terrain make a great place to hike, picnic, and play. All the hiking tracks — including the Mount Hollywood Trail — are free, and so is the iconic Griffith Observatory, which appeared in the film, "La La Land." Note that parking is not free; avoid paying $10 per hour by taking the DASH Observatory shuttle , which runs from the Sunset/Vermont Metro station and costs 50 cents. At the base of Griffith Park is the lovely neighborhood of Los Feliz — the shuttle stops here, too — where you can roam the streets that feed directly into hip Silver Lake. Though the park is popular with tourists, this is also where many locals hang out in L.A.

Take a free self-guided walking tour.

Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure

The Los Angeles Conservancy blows apart the idea that no one walks in L.A. Its website offers plenty of maps for self-guided tours of the city, from history tours of the city's Chinatown and Koreatown neighborhoods to a closer look at Downtown L.A.'s historic side and eclectic modern architecture in Venice. There are also several self-guided walks dedicated to popular film locations in West L.A., Hollywood, Griffith Park, Downtown L.A., and the Valley.

Catch a free exhibition at The Broad.

The Broad makes art democratic by offering complimentary general admission to Eli and Edythe Broad's personal collection of nearly 2,000 pieces of contemporary art from the 1950s to the present. The Downtown L.A. museum also hosts ticketed exhibitions from big-name artists like William Kentridge, Mickalene Thomas, and Takashi Murakami. Its most popular exhibit is its two Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama ; these are free but require advance tickets. For a low-key and free thing to do in L.A. at night, come on Thursdays, when the museum is open until 8 p.m.

Sweat it out with a run up a hidden staircase.

pikappa / Getty Images

Angelenos love to climb the city's stairways — originally designed to connect steep-streeted communities in the 1920s — to fit in a workout. Sweat alongside the locals on one of the city's 14 hidden staircases , including the colorful Rainbow Staircase (also called the Micheltorena Stairs) in Silver Lake, Hollywood's picturesque Saroyan Stairs, and the steep and challenging Castellammare Stairs in Pacific Palisades. Running up and down these stairs is a fun free thing to do in L.A. with kids.

Celebrate the area's Mexican heritage on Olvera Street.

BENEDEK/GETTY

Get a dose of local Mexican-Angeleno culture and history at the Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument , near the site where settlers from Mexico established the city's roots. Browse artwork, jewelry, bags, hats, clothing, and other souvenirs at the Mexican Marketplace along Olvera Street, and join a free tour of the city's oldest house, Avila Adobe, which dates from 1818. There's always something fun and usually free going on, so check the calendar of events ; September 15th and 16th are huge festival days in celebration of Mexican Independence Day. For lunch or dinner, indulge in classic fare — like taquitos at Cielito Lindo — with all the money you've saved.

Get your culture fix at LACMA.

Buyenlarge / Contributor / Getty Images

Immerse yourself in the California art scene at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which is free for L.A. County residents every day after 3 p.m. (with a valid I.D.); for all visitors the second Tuesday of each month; and for Bank of America carholders the first full weekend of every month. Kids 17 and under who live in L.A. can sign up for a free NexGenLA membership to get complimentary entry at any time for themselves and one guest. Chris Burden's "Urban Light" installation in front of the museum is free to access daily.

Channel your inner Hermione Granger at DTLA's bookish hot spots.

Christian Hundley / Travel + Leisure

Pay a visit to the magnificent art deco Central Library in Downtown L.A. — a dream destination for any book and architecture lover. Also in DTLA, don't miss The Last Bookstore to see the ever-Instagrammable labyrinth of books. A few blocks away in Little Tokyo is Japanese book giant Kinokuniya , whose selection of manga- and anime-everything might spark some Halloween costume ideas. The art and design books can be pricey at Hennessey + Ingalls and ARTBOOK @ Hauser & Wirth , both in the neighboring Arts District, but flipping through them for inspo is completely free.

Check out the music scene by catching some free concerts.

Peathegee Inc / Getty Images

If you're visiting L.A. during summer, your ears will be happy and your wallet fuller, thanks to the many free concerts offered. From June to September, rock out at Grand Performances on Saturdays in Downtown L.A., the Summer Sounds Outdoor Concert Series on Sundays in West Hollywood, and Off The 405 on Saturdays at the Getty Center, among other seasonal free-to-attend events.

Hit the beach and bike along the Strand.

halbergman / Getty Images

Take in seaside views with a stroll or bike ride down a portion of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (also known as the Strand), a mostly flat, well-paved 22-mile beach path running along the Pacific from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance. Although L.A. has a good bike share system , rides are limited to 30 minutes; to really enjoy the Strand, rent a bike from Perry's ($45/whole day) or the handful of bike rental shops along the Strand itself.

Flex your yogi muscles at Runyon Canyon.

Angelenos love yoga, so join the fray by hitting up one of the many donation-based yoga classes you'll find around the city, like those at Runyon Canyon , where there's a class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. Note that there is a suggested donation of $5, but it's at your discretion. Keep the free fun going — and snap a picture in your cutest pair of leggings — on a hike around Runyon after the class.

Explore the Arts District in DTLA.

Make time to wander through L.A.'s Arts District, a section of Downtown that's bordered by the Los Angeles River on one side and Little Tokyo on the other. Check out dozens of colorful murals as well as galleries showcasing cutting-edge, local work. Among the most popular are the Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles , Over the Influence , and Art Share L.A ., all of which have free admission and a roster of ever-changing exhibitions.

Give back to the environment.

Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

You can help counteract the effects L.A.'s car culture has on the environment by volunteering and planting trees with the folks at TreePeople — no training necessary. Check the calendar on the volunteer page to see when tree planting and park restoration days are happening (often Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays). As a reward for your hard work, unwind in nature with a hike in Fryman Canyon Park , a lesser-known trail spot that's much more invigorating than being stuck on a star-seeking tour bus.

Soak up the quirky vibe in Venice.

Adrian Rudd / Travel + Leisure

Head to this oceanfront neighborhood to watch street performers on the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, stroll past the canals, and check out public art — the Giant Binoculars on Main Street are truly a sight to behold. For great budget eats, plan your visit to coincide with the monthly First Friday on Abbot Kinney . Come hungry — it's a major foodie event where you can sample bites from some of the best food trucks in L.A.

Admire L.A.'s iconic Watts Towers.

Ann Johansson / Corbis / Getty Images

Crane your neck at the historic Watts Towers , a series of 17 interconnected sculptural structures built over 33 years by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia. The tallest of the towers, which are made from ceramics, bottles, tiles, shells, and other salvaged materials and scraps, reaches a height of 99.5 feet. Guided 30-minute tours of the site and the Watts Towers Arts Center are offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and cost $7 for adults, and $3 for seniors and children over 13 (cash only). Even when there are no tours, you can still view the magnificent spires from outside the fence at no cost.

Check out the art in historic Union Station.

Indeed, the city isn't exactly known for its public transport, but the metro and buses do work to get around LA without a car. Better yet, each metro station is full of art; Union Station in particular is known for its extensive murals, impressive architecture, and digital installations. Recent works have focused on Chinatown's rich history and culture and how local artists have seen and experienced the city. Check the website to see what's on display when you're in town. If time allows, see if any Metro Art Tours are available during your trip so you can tour Union Station with a volunteer docent and learn more about the pieces you're viewing.

Learn About L.A.'s Japanese culture in Little Tokyo.

Westend61 / Getty Images

Take in the lantern-lined streets and alleyways of Little Tokyo, which has been known for its Japanese immigrant community since 1885. Today, you'll find a vibrant neighborhood full of restaurants, galleries, and indie clothing shops. While exploring the area, head to the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center , where you can go for a stroll in the James Irvine Japanese Garden, a peaceful oasis that's free and open to the public all year long.

Tour the striking Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Capitalize on the complimentary tours that take visitors through the interior spaces and gardens at the architecturally stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry. Choose from the 90-minute guided tour that includes all four of The Music Center's impressive theaters, or take a self-guided audio tour of just the Walt Disney Concert Hall, narrated by actor John Lithgow, which you can do at your own pace. In addition to free tours, there are occasional concerts and other events at no cost.

Gallery hop in Chinatown.

Take a self-guided tour of the up-and-coming galleries along Chinatown's Chung King Road — including the Charlie James Gallery , Noon Projects , and Sebastian Gladstone . If you can, time your visit with one of the monthly Chinatown First Fridays, which offer extended hours and a night market. Check the event's Instagram page for updates.

Nerd out over the Bradbury's architecture.

S. Greg Panosian / Getty Images

One of the city's most-filmed commercial sites is also one of its oldest. The Bradbury Building is recognizable by its open cage elevators, marble stairs, and ornate iron railings, all illuminated by the ample natural light that spills in from the skylights above. The best part? It's free to poke around. If you're really keen on the building's history and architecture, join a Saturday morning historic downtown walking tour ($18).

See the stars at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Dating from 1899, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the resting place for some of Hollywood's greatest legends, including Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, and Douglas Fairbanks. Punk rock fans can pay their respects to two members of the Ramones, Johnny and Dee Dee. Stroll through the grounds for free and admire the intricate headstones and mausoleums of these luminaries.

Visit The Original Farmers Market.

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

The sights and sounds of The Original Farmers Market , adjacent to The Grove shopping complex in West Hollywood, are a feast for the senses. Open since 1934, the site was a popular stop among Hollywood's elite, from Shirley Temple and Ava Gardner to Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Today, window shoppers can find a mix of merchants selling flowers, books, and fresh local produce as well as more mainstream stores like Kiehl's and Williams Sonoma among the more than 100 shops and eateries. And while entry is free, we can't guarantee you'll be able to resist forking over some dough for a couple of treats from the famed Nonna's Empanadas . Don't miss the vintage-style Streamline Modern gas station, inspired by the one that stood there in the 1930s.

See one of the West Coast's best impressionist collections.

With sweeping views of the city, the Getty Center is one of the most prized museums on the West Coast, boasting a world-class collection of European impressionist works, contemporary photographs, and decorative arts. Admission is entirely free, so you can peruse the museum (known as much for its architecture as the art within), its stunning gardens, and the tram up to the complex at no cost (though there's a charge for parking). There are more free visual delights at J. Paul Getty's stunning Pacific Palisades property, the Getty Villa Museum , which focuses on Greek and Roman art and doesn't charge admission.

Travel back to the Ice Age at the La Brea Tar Pits.

In central L.A., right next to LACMA, the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are home to the only actively excavated Ice Age fossil site found in an urban location in the world. Wandering the outdoor grounds and checking out the pools of sticky asphalt is free — it also makes a perfect stop before you check out LACMA's Urban Light installation (also free).

Discover local wildlife with the Audubon Society.

Michael H Spivak / Getty Images

Indulge your inner birder — and discover local woodlands, gardens, coastal scrubs, or wetlands — on a complimentary bird walk with the L.A. Audubon Society . Guided walks take place on the second or third Saturday of each month and explore beautiful areas like Topanga State Park and Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area.

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10 fabulous free things to do in los angeles on a budget.

It may seem intimidating to visit Los Angeles because there is a stereotype that it is an expensive city. While many things are pricey, there are also plenty of free things to do in Los Angeles as well. This city offers everything from amazing hikes and great beaches to museums and nightlife experiences. There’s something for everyone no matter what your interests are or your budget! If you’re planning a cheap Los Angeles vacation, then check out these top free things to do in LA and our Los Angeles budget travel tips.

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This is a guest post by Rasika from Bae Area and Beyond

How to Have an Epic (and Cheap) L.A. Trip

I love finding free things to do wherever I travel, and you can have an amazing time with a very limited budget. However, there are some things that might be worth paying for if you have the budget to do it. Perhaps by compromising and saving money on some things, you can afford to splurge a little on something you really want to do.

For example, you could save money by staying in cheap accommodation and doing lots of free activities in Los Angeles, and then treat yourself to a food tour or a surfing lesson , or a once-in-a-lifetime experience like visiting Universal Studios!

We’ve picked out some of the best cheap places to stay in Los Angeles plus a bunch of free LA activities so you can do just that – and if you have the budget to treat yourself a little bit, these are some of the most popular tours and activities in Los Angeles that you might be interested in:

Aquarium of the Pacific: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Admission

Universal Studios Hollywood: Ticket with Easy Cancellation

Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood Tour

Los Angeles: Hollywood & Celebrity Homes Tour

Cool things to do in LA don’t have to be expensive either – how about hiring a swan pedal boat on Echo Park Lake ?

Or you can browse more activities and tours in Los Angeles on GetYourGuide here . I use GetYourGuide to book tours and tickets as I love how you can choose from a variety of options to find the best for you, comparing prices and reading reviews.

Using GetYourGuide means you also get immediate confirmation once you’ve booked which is perfect for last-minute plans, and when you book in advance you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity in case your plans change. However, If you prefer to use Viator you can find tours on Viator here .

That said, no matter what budget you have, there is no need to pay for activities in L.A. if you don’t want to. You can still have an amazing Los Angeles vacation without spending a lot of money, and have some unique experiences you will remember forever!

FIND A TOUR IN LA

The Hollywood Sign - Free Things to do in Los Angeles

Cheap Places to Stay in Los Angeles on a Budget

Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or planning an extended vacation, there are many budget-friendly accommodations in Los Angeles. We recommend these top 3 options that are relatively low-priced but with great amenities:

The Rum i : This hostel is one of the most budget-friendly options with rates starting from $30 per night. Located in Koreatown, this place is surrounded by Korean restaurants and karaoke joints. It’s also within walking distance to grocery stores and cafes >>>CHECK PRICES

Location: 820 S Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Orange Drive Hostel : If you want to stay in Hollywood on a budget, choose this hostel. Starting from $43 per night, this place is near Hollywood attractions including the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This 1910 hostel also comes with its history: it was once a boarding house for many Hollywood celebrities between the 1920s and 1960s including Marilyn Monroe and Gary Cooper. >>>CHECK PRICES

Location: 1764 N Orange Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90028

HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica: Pricier than the above two options, this hostel is a great option if you want to stay in Santa Monica and close to the Los Angeles airport. Starting at $60 per night, this hostel is just a 9-minute walk from the Santa Monica Pier. Stay near the beach and explore Santa Monica throughout the day and night. >>> CHECK PRICES

Location: 1436 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

CHECK OUT ALL LA HOSTELS

10 of the Best Free Things to do in L.A.

Griffith park.

Without a doubt, one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles is to visit Griffith Park, the second largest park in California. It’s home to the Griffith Observatory, Autry Museum of the American West, and the Los Angeles Zoo.

At Griffith Park, hike through the many trails and get a closer look at the Hollywood sign, one of the major attractions in Los Angeles. There is a lot of rugged terrain in this park so make sure you add hiking shoes to your packing list ! Bring plenty of water and sunscreen for the hike too.

The Griffith Park Observatory is also free to visit. You’ll see an amazing view of Los Angeles and stay past sunset to see the beauty of the city at night.

Usually a paid attraction, the Autry National Center of the American West is free to go to on the second Tuesday of the month. Learn about the American West: its history, people and art.

Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The LA Skyline and Griffith Observatory - Free Things to do in Los Angeles

Santa Monica Pier

At Santa Monica Pier, from watching street performers to strolling along the beach while listening to the sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean, these experiences will help you understand why so many people love living in and visiting Los Angeles!

Stop by at the Chess Park to play a game of chess at the tables and check out the human chessboard. Also spend some time exploring Santa Monica and spot public art murals (there are more than 130 murals!).

Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice Beach Boardwalk is another great place to see street performers including jugglers, mime artists and musicians. This beach gets about 10 million visitors per year!

Check out the Venice Public Art Walls, painted by various graffiti artists. Work out at the free outdoor Muscle Beach Gym and use some of their free gymnastics’ equipment. The Muscle Beach Gym was once used by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Location: Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

Venice Beach Boardwalk in Los Angeles - Free Things to do in LA

Runyon Canyon Park

If you are looking for another park to do some hiking and enjoy the outdoors, then Runyon Canyon Park is a great option. Situated between Hollywood and Beverly Hills, this 160-acre park offers a variety of trails for all skill levels, as well as unbeatable views of downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the Pacific Ocean.

Location: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Tar Pits at La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

While there’s a fee to enter the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, you can still check out the tar pits outside the museum. Tar pits are pits of sticky asphalt that remained after mining and through rain and time, it collected to form a lake.

You can see it bubbling due to the oil field underneath. Under these sticky pits, scientists were able to find fossils of Ice Age wildlife.

Location: 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

A Model Mammoth Stuck in the Tar Pit at Brea Tar Pits - What to do in LA for Free

Public Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Photograph the popular “Urban Light” public art installation in front of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. You’ll see 202 cast-iron streetlamps, all solar-powered. Then take a walk to the “Levitated Mass” public art installation. Here, you can walk under and look up at a granite rock boulder that weighs 340 tons.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is also free to enter on the second Tuesday of the month. This renowned museum boasts an impressive collection of art from all over the world and throughout history.

The exhibits are always changing so there’s always something new to see. The collections range from ancient times to the present day, so you can really get a sense of how people have expressed themselves through different periods in history.

Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame can be found in and around Hollywood Boulevard. Each star costs $55,000 to produce and maintain, so it’s a bit surprising that the walk is free!

The stars are made of terrazzo and brass and were created in 1958. Over 2,700 celebrities have received the honor in film, television, radio, and music.

Location: Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - Free Activities in LA

Walk through Grand Park and stop by its fountain. The fountain’s splash pad is a blast all year long, but it gets particularly fun in the summer months when it turns into an interactive water playground.

Grand Park’s grassy lawn areas are perfect for picnics, and there are plenty of places to sit and eat in the park. There are also tables and chairs for picnics and food trucks if you decide to buy a snack instead.

Visit its farmer market every Tuesday between 10 am and 2 pm where you’ll find fresh produce and flowers from local vendors.

Location: 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Getty Museum

Visiting the Getty Museum has got to be one of the most beautiful free things to do in Los Angeles. The museum’s architecture and the gardens are stunning! The Getty Center is located in the mountains and there are incredible views of Los Angeles.

The museum focuses on European and American art. With so many different exhibits, you could spend an entire day at this museum!

Location: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049

A Joshua Tree in Joshua Tree National Park - A Day trip from Los Angeles

Road Trip to Joshua Tree National Park

It’s hard to believe that Joshua Tree National Park is just 2.5 hours of driving distance from the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles. When you’re there, it feels like you could be a million miles away from civilization.

Even though this national park has an entrance fee, they offer 5 free entrance fee days throughout the year, and if you have the America The Beautiful Pass entry is included with your pass. Stop by the Joshua Tree Visitor Center to learn more about the park and its Joshua trees.

Location: Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Conclusion: Free Things to do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a great place for both locals and tourists. One of the benefits of visiting a city as large and diverse as L.A. is that you have a never-ending list of things to do. With so many free things to do in Los Angeles, you could be out every day being entertained without having to spend lots of cash. Book your next trip to Los Angeles and have a fabulous time – even on a budget LA trip!

About the Author

Rasika is the owner of the travel blog Bae Area and Beyond . She is from the Bay Area and her blog covers California destinations. She hopes that her readers will fall in love with California, just like she did.

More US Budget Travel Tips

Getting There

Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to your destination.
Public buses are the cheapest ways to get to your accommodation from the airport, but a shared shuttle transfer is quicker and cheaper than a taxi - you can pre-book those on GetYourGuide or Viator
Try Omio for booking trains and Busbud for buses including Greyhound and Flixbus.

Where to Stay

For hotels, I use Booking.com to check reviews and find the best deals on hotels and apartments wherever I'm travelling to. Hotels.com is another good site.
If you're on a tight budget, use Hostelworld to find the best hostels all over the world

Get a quote for car hire with Discover Cars who compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip.

Book Tours and Activities

I use GetYourGuide or Viator to book everything from skip-the-line entry tickets to food tours as I can compare options from several companies and choose the best one for me
If you're staying in a hostel, check out their tours and activities which are usually free or very cheap - and a great way to meet people!

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I never leave home without travel insurance, so consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, stolen items, trip cancellation and more.
Get a quote for your trip from True Traveller if you're based in the UK, or World Nomads or SafetyWing which both offer travel insurance for backpackers and long-term travellers. Alternatively, use a comparison site like Travel Insurance Master to find the best cover for you.

Check Your Travel Documents

Don't forget to check the validity of your passport and any other documents for your trip. Use iVisa to check if you need a visa to visit your destination, and get up to date official travel advice from your government, for example on the Department of State website in the US or the UK government website .

Get Cheap Currency

When travelling abroad, using a travel bank account like Wise means you get great deals on foreign currency - including a fee-free transfer of up to £500 when you use this link to sign up .

Top Money Saving Tip for Backpackers

Work exchanges are a great way to travel for longer and extend your trip as you can save a ton of money on accommodation. Get an extra $10 discount on Worldpackers here or learn more about work exchanges .

Want More Cheap Travel Tips for the USA?

The Best Cheap Weekend Getaways for Couples
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Free Things to do in Miami Florida
Free Things to do in Seattle Washington
Free Things to do in Oahu Hawaii
Free Things to do in New Orleans
Free Things to do in Chicago Illinois
Free Things to do in Detroit, Michigan
The Cheapest Places to Travel in the USA
Free Things to do in Las Vegas
Free Things to do in New York City
Free Things to do in Boston Massachusetts
Free Things to do in Austin Texas
Free Things to do in Dallas Texas
Free Things to Do In Phoenix Arizona
Free Things to do in Los Angeles

Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

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Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

Plan Your Trip
Budget Travel

Los Angeles – Budget Travel – Less Than $25 A Day |Jessie On A Journey

Published: September 10, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Bev Tillery

Travel Tips
Jessie On A Journey
Los Angeles

Introduction

Welcome to the sunny city of Los Angeles, where dreams are made and adventure awaits! Exploring this vibrant and diverse city doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and insider knowledge, you can experience the best of Los Angeles on a budget of less than $25 a day. Whether you’re a budget traveler, a student, or simply looking to stretch your travel dollars, this guide will help you make the most of your trip without compromising on experiences.

Los Angeles is known for its glitz and glamour, but it also offers a wealth of affordable attractions, delicious street food, and budget-friendly accommodations. From soaking up the sun at its iconic beaches to exploring its vibrant neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone in the City of Angels.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to travel to Los Angeles on a budget, find affordable accommodation options, get around the city without breaking the bank, indulge in cheap eats, uncover free and low-cost attractions, enjoy outdoor activities, experience the budget-friendly nightlife scene, and share some money-saving tips to ensure your trip is both memorable and affordable.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame, strolling along the picturesque Venice Beach Boardwalk, or taking in the breathtaking views from Griffith Observatory, you’ll find plenty to see and do while sticking to a budget.

So, buckle up and get ready to explore Los Angeles like a savvy traveler, discovering hidden gems, local favorites, and budget-friendly experiences that will make your visit to the City of Angels an unforgettable one.

How to Get to Los Angeles on a Budget

Getting to Los Angeles on a budget is easier than you might think. With some careful planning and a few money-saving tips, you can reach this vibrant city without breaking the bank.

Firstly, consider your mode of transportation. If you’re located within driving distance, a road trip can be a budget-friendly option. You can save money on airfare and have the flexibility to explore surrounding areas as well.

If flying is your preferred choice, compare prices from different airlines and be flexible with your travel dates. Booking well in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals can help you secure affordable flights to Los Angeles.

Keep an eye out for budget airlines that fly to Los Angeles, as they often offer lower fares. It’s also worth considering alternative airports in the area, as they may have cheaper flights. For example, Burbank Airport is a less crowded and more budget-friendly option compared to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Once you arrive in Los Angeles, there are several transportation options to consider. One cost-effective choice is to utilize public transportation. The Los Angeles Metro system provides a network of buses and trains that can take you to various parts of the city. Purchase a TAP card for discounted fares and consider utilizing day passes if you plan on using public transportation frequently.

Another affordable option is ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft. These services often offer competitive fares, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Splitting the cost among friends can make ridesharing a budget-friendly way to get around the city.

If you’re comfortable biking, Los Angeles has an increasing number of bike lanes and a bike-sharing program called Metro Bikes. Renting a bike allows you to explore the city at your own pace and save money on transportation.

Lastly, consider walking as a means of transportation, especially for shorter distances. Los Angeles is a sprawling city, but many areas are pedestrian-friendly. Walking not only saves money but also allows you to soak in the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way.

By carefully choosing your mode of transportation and taking advantage of affordable options like public transportation, ridesharing, biking, and walking, you can travel to Los Angeles on a budget without compromising on convenience and accessibility.

Affordable Accommodation Options in Los Angeles

Finding affordable accommodation in Los Angeles is crucial for sticking to your budget. Luckily, the city offers a range of budget-friendly options that cater to different preferences and travel styles.

Hostels are a popular choice for budget travelers, providing affordable dormitory-style rooms or private rooms at lower rates compared to hotels. Many hostels in Los Angeles offer a social atmosphere, communal spaces, and organized activities, making them a great option for solo travelers or those looking to meet like-minded individuals.

If you prefer more privacy, consider booking a budget hotel or motel. These establishments often offer clean and comfortable rooms at reasonable prices. Look for accommodations in neighborhoods like Hollywood, Downtown, or Koreatown, where you can find affordable options that still provide convenient access to popular attractions.

For a unique and budget-friendly experience, consider booking an Airbnb. Many hosts in Los Angeles offer private rooms or entire apartments at competitive rates. Staying in an Airbnb allows you to immerse yourself in the local neighborhood and enjoy a more authentic experience.

If you’re traveling with a group or prefer more space and amenities, consider renting a vacation home or apartment. Websites like VRBO or HomeAway offer a wide range of rental options in Los Angeles, from cozy apartments to spacious houses. Splitting the cost with friends or family can make this option even more affordable.

Another budget-friendly option is to stay outside the main city center. Look for accommodations in nearby cities like Pasadena, Burbank, or Long Beach. These areas often offer cheaper rates while still providing easy access to Los Angeles attractions via public transportation or a short drive.

Lastly, consider house-sitting or pet-sitting as an alternative to traditional accommodation. Websites like Trusted Housesitters connect travelers with homeowners who need someone to look after their homes or pets while they are away. This can be a win-win situation, as you get free accommodation while providing a valuable service.

When searching for accommodation, be sure to compare prices, read reviews, and consider the location and amenities provided. It’s also worth noting that rates can vary depending on the season, so booking in advance or traveling during the off-peak periods can often result in better deals.

By exploring these affordable accommodation options and leveraging online platforms, you can find a comfortable place to stay in Los Angeles that suits your budget and enhances your overall travel experience.

Budget-Friendly Transportation in Los Angeles

Getting around Los Angeles doesn’t have to be expensive. With a variety of budget-friendly transportation options, you can navigate the city without breaking the bank.

One of the most affordable ways to get around is by utilizing the Los Angeles Metro system. The Metro offers an extensive network of buses and trains that can take you to popular attractions, neighborhoods, and landmarks throughout the city. Purchase a TAP card, which is a reusable smart card that allows you to load funds for discounted fares. Consider buying a day pass if you plan on using public transportation frequently, as it can save you money in the long run.

Another cost-effective option is ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. These services provide a convenient and affordable way to travel in Los Angeles, especially if you’re sharing the ride with others. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on distance and time of day, so it’s helpful to compare prices and choose the most cost-efficient option.

If you prefer a more active and eco-friendly mode of transportation, consider renting a bike. Los Angeles has an increasing number of bike lanes and bike-sharing programs like Metro Bikes. Renting a bike allows you to explore the city at your own pace and save money on transportation. Many rental shops offer hourly or daily rates, and some even provide guided bike tours for a unique way to see the sights.

Walking is another budget-friendly transportation option, especially for shorter distances. While Los Angeles is a sprawling city, many areas are pedestrian-friendly, particularly in popular neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Hollywood, or Downtown. Walking not only saves money but also allows you to soak in the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems that you might miss when using other modes of transportation.

When it comes to traveling between neighborhoods or attractions that are further apart, consider using public buses. The bus system in Los Angeles is extensive and can be a more affordable alternative to ridesharing services. You can easily plan your route using online resources or smartphone apps, and fares are usually lower than other transportation options.

Lastly, if you prefer the convenience of a car, but don’t want to incur the costs of renting or owning one, you can try car-sharing services like Zipcar. These services allow you to rent a car by the hour or day, and often include gas and insurance in the rental fee. Car-sharing can be a cost-effective option for day trips or exploring areas outside of the city.

By utilizing the budget-friendly transportation options available in Los Angeles, such as the Metro system, ridesharing services, biking, walking, public buses, and car-sharing, you can easily navigate the city without breaking the bank. Choose the option that best fits your preferences and budget, and get ready to explore all that Los Angeles has to offer.

Cheap Eats in Los Angeles

Exploring the culinary scene in Los Angeles doesn’t have to be expensive. The city is home to a diverse range of budget-friendly eateries that offer delicious and affordable options for every palate. From food trucks to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, here are some cheap eats in Los Angeles that won’t break the bank:

1. Food Trucks: Los Angeles is famous for its food truck culture. These mobile eateries offer a wide variety of cuisines at affordable prices. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, Korean BBQ, or gourmet burgers, you’ll find a food truck that satisfies your cravings. Popular food truck gatherings include Smorgasburg and the 626 Night Market.

2. Ethnic Neighborhoods: Explore the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles to discover affordable and authentic cuisine. From Little Tokyo to Koreatown, Thai Town to Boyle Heights, you’ll find an array of delicious and budget-friendly options. Try ethnic food markets and family-owned restaurants for an immersive and affordable dining experience.

3. Inexpensive Eateries: Los Angeles has its fair share of affordable dining options. From burger joints to taquerias and pizza places, you’ll find plenty of local spots that won’t empty your wallet. Look out for daily specials and happy hour deals to further save on your meals.

4. Farmers Markets: Visit one of the city’s farmers markets to enjoy fresh produce, artisanal products, and street food. Many farmers markets have food stalls that offer affordable and delicious meals made with local ingredients. The Hollywood Farmers Market and the Original Farmers Market are popular choices.

5. Fast Casual Chains: Los Angeles is home to various fast-casual chains that provide affordable and quality meals. From Mexican favorites like Chipotle to Mediterranean delights at Daphne’s, these chains offer a quick and budget-friendly dining experience.

6. Sandwich Shops: For a filling meal on a budget, head to a local sandwich shop. Whether it’s a classic deli-style sandwich or a Vietnamese Banh Mi, you’ll find numerous options at reasonable prices. Look for popular establishments like Bay Cities Italian Deli or Langer’s Deli.

7. Street Food: Los Angeles is known for its street food scene, offering a wide range of affordable and flavorful snacks. Indulge in street tacos, elote (Mexican grilled corn), hot dogs, or even fusion treats like Korean BBQ tacos. Street food vendors can be found in popular areas like Downtown LA or food truck gatherings.

Remember, when dining on a budget, it’s helpful to eat during non-peak hours or take advantage of happy hour deals. It’s also worth considering sharing dishes or opting for smaller portions to stretch your budget further. With these budget-friendly dining options, you can indulge in the diverse flavors of Los Angeles without breaking the bank.

Free and Low-Cost Attractions in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is filled with incredible attractions that won’t cost you a fortune. From beautiful beaches to cultural landmarks, the city offers a wide range of free and low-cost activities that allow you to explore and experience the best of LA without breaking the bank. Here are some must-visit attractions:

1. Griffith Observatory: Perched atop Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory offers stunning views of the city skyline and the stars above. Explore the exhibits, take a hike in the surrounding park, and enjoy free admission to the observatory and its telescopes. Don’t miss the chance to witness breathtaking sunsets from this iconic location.

2. The Getty Center: Discover art and culture at the Getty Center, a world-renowned museum that showcases European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum offers free admission, although parking is available for a fee. Explore the beautiful gardens, enjoy panoramic views of the city, and immerse yourself in the world of art.

3. Venice Beach: Experience the lively atmosphere of Venice Beach, known for its vibrant street performers, colorful murals, and iconic boardwalk. Take a stroll along the beach, watch skateboarders at the Venice Skate Park, or simply people-watch along the bustling Ocean Front Walk. It’s a great place to soak up the sun and the unique vibe of LA.

4. The Hollywood Walk of Fame: Take a walk along Hollywood Boulevard and search for the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This iconic sidewalk pays tribute to numerous celebrities from the entertainment industry. It’s a fun and free activity that allows you to immerse yourself in Hollywood’s glamorous past and present.

5. The Santa Monica Pier: Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Santa Monica Pier, a lively and historic landmark on the coast of Los Angeles. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel, play games at the arcade, or simply relax on the beach. While some attractions may require a fee, the atmosphere and stunning ocean views are absolutely free.

6. The California Science Center: Delve into the world of science at the California Science Center, located in Exposition Park. The center offers free admission to its permanent exhibits, including interactive displays, informative exhibits, and even the Space Shuttle Endeavour. It’s a great place to inspire curiosity and learning for visitors of all ages.

7. Olvera Street: Step back in time and explore Olvera Street, known as the birthplace of Los Angeles. This vibrant Mexican marketplace offers an array of shops, restaurants, and cultural events. Stroll through the colorful streets, sample authentic Mexican cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of the area.

Remember to check the websites of the attractions for any specific fees or restrictions, as some temporary exhibits or special events may have additional costs. By taking advantage of these free and low-cost attractions, you can fully experience the charm and diversity of Los Angeles without straining your budget.

Affordable Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is blessed with beautiful year-round weather and stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking to enjoy some fresh air, there are plenty of affordable outdoor activities to enjoy in Los Angeles. Here are some budget-friendly options:

1. Hiking: Los Angeles offers a plethora of hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels. Explore the scenic trails at Griffith Park, such as the iconic hike to the Hollywood Sign or the panoramic views from the Griffith Observatory. Other popular hiking destinations include Runyon Canyon, Eaton Canyon, and Will Rogers State Historic Park. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to discover the city’s natural beauty.

2. Beaches: With miles of coastline, Los Angeles is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in California. Spend a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean breeze at popular spots like Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Zuma Beach. Bring a picnic, go for a swim, or simply relax and people-watch on the sandy shores. Most beaches offer free access, and parking fees can vary, so consider carpooling or using public transportation to save money.

3. Parks and Gardens: Los Angeles boasts a multitude of parks and gardens where you can enjoy the outdoors for free or at a minimal cost. Visit the stunning Exposition Park Rose Garden, stroll through the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, or relax in the serene surroundings of Descanso Gardens. These green spaces provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city and are perfect for picnics or leisurely walks.

4. Outdoor Yoga and Fitness: Take advantage of the free or low-cost outdoor yoga and fitness classes offered throughout the city. Many parks and recreational areas host outdoor fitness sessions, including yoga, Pilates, and boot camps. Join a group class and get your workout in while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

5. Bike and Skateboard Parks: If you’re into cycling or skateboarding, Los Angeles has a variety of bike paths and skateboard parks to explore. From the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail along the beach to the world-famous Venice Skate Park, there are options for all skill levels. Some parks offer equipment rentals, or you can bring your own to save money.

6. Outdoor Film Screenings: During the summer months, various parks and outdoor venues in Los Angeles host free movie screenings. Pack a blanket and some snacks, and enjoy a movie under the stars. Look out for schedules and locations of these outdoor film events, as they offer a unique and budget-friendly way to experience cinema.

7. Scenic Drives: Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway or through the Santa Monica Mountains for breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding landscapes. Explore the winding Mulholland Drive for panoramic city views or cruise through the scenic Angeles Crest Highway. Enjoy the beauty of Los Angeles without spending a dime.

Remember to check the weather conditions, dress appropriately, and bring water and sunscreen for your outdoor adventures. By taking advantage of these affordable outdoor activities, you can experience the natural beauty of Los Angeles while staying within your budget.

Budget-Friendly Nightlife in Los Angeles

When the sun goes down, Los Angeles comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. From trendy bars to live music venues, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to enjoy an exciting night out in the City of Angels. Here are some tips for experiencing budget-friendly nightlife in Los Angeles:

1. Happy Hour Deals: Take advantage of happy hour specials offered at many bars and restaurants throughout the city. Typically occurring in the late afternoon or early evening, happy hours often feature discounted drinks and appetizers. Research local establishments and find the best happy hour deals in your area.

2. Dive Bars: Los Angeles is known for its eclectic dive bar scene. These laid-back establishments offer affordable drinks, often with a unique atmosphere or live music. From karaoke nights to pool tables, you can relax and enjoy the local nightlife without breaking the bank.

3. Live Music Venues: Los Angeles is a hub for live music, with a variety of venues that cater to different genres and budgets. Explore smaller, independent venues where local bands and up-and-coming artists often perform. Many venues offer low-cost or even free shows, especially on weekdays or during early sets.

4. Art and Cultural Events: Attend art gallery openings, street festivals, or cultural events happening around the city. These events often offer free or low-cost entry and provide a unique way to experience the local arts and entertainment scene. Keep an eye out for listings in local event calendars or online platforms.

5. Comedy Clubs: Laugh the night away at one of Los Angeles’ famous comedy clubs. Many clubs have discounted ticket prices for early shows or showcase nights featuring emerging comedians. Check the schedules and websites of comedy clubs like The Comedy Store or The Laugh Factory for affordable comedy shows.

6. Neighborhood Bazaars and Markets: Explore the night markets and neighborhood bazaars that pop up throughout Los Angeles. These events often feature food vendors, live performances, and local artisans selling their crafts. Admission is usually free, with affordable options for food and drinks to enjoy as you browse.

7. Beach Bonfires: Pack a picnic, grab some firewood, and head to one of the beach bonfire pits in Los Angeles. Dockweiler State Beach and Huntington Beach offer bonfire pits that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Gather your friends, roast marshmallows, and enjoy a cozy evening by the fire without spending much.

Remember, it’s essential to plan your transportation in advance if you’re going out at night. Utilize ridesharing services, public transportation, or carpool with friends to reduce costs and ensure a safe journey home.

By taking advantage of happy hour specials, exploring dive bars, attending live music venues, immersing yourself in art and cultural events, enjoying comedy shows, visiting neighborhood bazaars, and organizing beach bonfires, you can experience the vibrant nightlife of Los Angeles on a budget. Cheers to an unforgettable night out in the City of Angels!

Money-Saving Tips for Traveling in Los Angeles

Los Angeles may seem like an expensive city, but with some smart planning and budgeting, you can make your trip to LA more affordable. Here are some money-saving tips for traveling in Los Angeles:

1. Public Transportation: Utilize the Los Angeles Metro system to get around the city. Purchase a TAP card for discounted fares and consider buying a day pass if you’ll be using public transportation frequently. It’s a cost-effective option that allows you to explore Los Angeles without the expense of renting a car or relying entirely on ridesharing services.

2. Free and Low-Cost Attractions: Take advantage of the numerous free and low-cost attractions in Los Angeles. From exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame to visiting museums like the Getty Center or California Science Center, there are plenty of affordable options for entertainment. Research which attractions offer free admission or discounted days, and plan your itinerary accordingly.

3. Eating on a Budget: Look for affordable dining options like food trucks, ethnic eateries, and inexpensive restaurants. Enjoy the diverse street food scene, visit local markets, or pack picnics for your day trips. Take advantage of happy hour deals or early bird specials at restaurants to save on dining expenses.

4. Budget Accommodation: Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodation options like hostels, budget hotels, or Airbnb rentals. Look for accommodations outside the main city center to find better rates. Make use of online platforms to compare prices, read reviews, and find the best deals on accommodation.

5. Plan Your Activities: Research and plan your activities in advance to take advantage of discounts, promotions, or free events. Look for discounted tickets or special offers for attractions, shows, or tours. Check event calendars for free outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, or festivals happening during your visit.

6. Use Discount Cards and Passes: Consider purchasing discount cards or city passes that offer savings on attractions, dining, and transportation. The Go Los Angeles Card and CityPASS are just a few examples of passes that offer discounted access to popular attractions and activities.

7. Drink Smart: Alcoholic beverages can quickly add up to your overall expenses. To save money, opt for happy hour specials or enjoy a drink at your accommodation before heading out for the evening. Look for BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) restaurants where you can bring your own alcohol and avoid paying the inflated prices at bars.

8. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons: Traveling during off-peak seasons can result in lower prices for flights, accommodation, and attractions. Consider visiting Los Angeles during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded.

9. Share Transportation Costs: If you’re traveling with others, consider carpooling or splitting the cost of ridesharing services. Sharing transportation expenses can significantly reduce individual costs and provide a more affordable way to explore the city together.

10. Budget for Unexpected Expenses: Set aside a small budget for unexpected expenses, such as parking fees, tips, or souvenirs. Being prepared for additional costs will help you avoid overspending during your trip.

By implementing these money-saving tips, you can experience the best of Los Angeles without blowing your budget. With a little planning and savvy decision-making, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip while keeping your bank account intact.

Los Angeles is a vibrant city that offers a wealth of experiences and attractions for budget travelers. By taking advantage of the numerous budget-friendly options available, you can explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, indulge in delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture without breaking the bank.

From finding affordable accommodation options to utilizing public transportation, there are plenty of ways to save money on your trip to Los Angeles. Explore the city’s free and low-cost attractions, such as the Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, or the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, try street food, and embrace the energetic nightlife scene with budget-friendly options like happy hour deals and dive bars.

Remember to plan your activities in advance, research discounts and promotions, and consider purchasing city passes or discount cards to maximize your savings. Be mindful of eating on a budget, utilizing public transportation, and taking advantage of free events and live performances.

Traveling to Los Angeles on a budget does not mean compromising on experiences. With careful planning, creativity, and a sense of adventure, you can discover the hidden gems of the city, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, embrace your inner explorer, and get ready to experience the magic of Los Angeles without breaking the bank.

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Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget? Here’s what you need to know

Are you one of those who thinks that a glitzy getaway to Los Angeles requires a hefty price tag that only celebrities can afford? I am!

So today, I’ve got Tony from UnbelievableTrip.com, a travel blogger , world adventurer, and life lover to share how to visit travel Los Angeles on a budget.

Tony has been there twice this year and he has done so much there without breaking the bank.

So for today’s article, he will share with you money-saving tips when visiting Los Angeles on a budget. Let’s enhance the quality of your time in the City of Angels.

At A Glance

1. Know the efficient way to get around

2. know where to stay, 3. know where to eat, 4. purchase a go los angeles card, 5. make sure to see the free sights, the secret californian coastal town nobody knows about – cambria & san simeon, 8 best winter activities in anchorage, alaska, usa, unique stays in the usa: explore extraordinary hotels & vacation rentals, 5 best cities for sports fans & best time to get there, how to have some fun in & around las vegas, usa, discovering the world’s top foodie destinations, 50+ must-do things to do in downtown dallas, texas, usa, 14 best destinations to practice water sports, how to visit los angeles on a budget.

Metro_Rail_at_Los_Angeles_Union_Station budget

You can skip the expensive car rental fee and taxi fare by taking advantage of public transit. Alternatively, you can also rent an RV which solves the problem of accommodation and transport costs at one go. Outdoorsy is one brand that’s being increasingly recognized for RV rentals.

I highly recommend using the LA Metro Rail – it is the most economical to get around with service to a lot of hot spots like Universal Studios Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier and downtown L.A.

Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles

The fares are a whole lot cheaper compared to other major American transportation agencies.

For tourists, you must get a TAP card for $1 from vending machines and then pick which pass would suit you best: single ride, day pass, etc.

But take note that public transit will not always be the most efficient way to get around; it can often add to your travel time.

If you need a quick ride, Lyft Line is an affordable option. The app will give you an estimated fare before you can proceed with your ride request and there are always plenty of cars going around to pick you up.

Couchsurfing in Brussels, Belgium | Bel Around The World

Of course, Couchsurfing is still the best way you can save money on accommodation and you will find plenty of hosts all over the city that will let you stay for free. Some will even show you around. I must say this is the best way to meet people .

There are also plenty of affordable hostels you can choose from. The Banana Bungalow Hollywood Hostel , for example, is one of the reasons why I saved a lot on my recent trip. It is located in a pretty good location on Hollywood Boulevard, which is a pretty short walk from all the touristy goodness of Hollywood. Plus, you don’t have to walk far for the subway station and bus stops.

One way to save on lodging is to avoid visiting during the summer. Prices for hotel rooms are much higher during this particular season because that’s when the most tourist come.

You can plan your trip during winter, spring or fall. Make sure there will be no big events, such as the Oscars, happening during your dates.

Well, the food in Los Angeles is significantly more expensive compared to the national average, so you really have to spend time reading those menu prices.

But what’s great is that this place has an abundance of the budget culinary scene that is just as flavourful as the restaurants marked with four-dollar signs on Yelp.

You will find food trucks almost anywhere too. I purchased a burrito from a Taco truck worth $6 and it served as both my lunch and dinner.

There are also a lot of street vendors selling hotdogs or cups of fresh-cut fruit that only cost for a few dollars.

Hole-in-the-wall restaurants are also popular in LA that offers dishes that will only cost you about $6 to $8, from stir fry with rice to enchilada combo.

Are you in the mood for fast food? You can check out the area’s fast food icons like In-N-Out Burger and Tito’s Tacos ; I’m sure you will get obsessed with them as I did.

You can buy cheeseburgers for $2.40.

If you are planning to do a lot of sightseeing around LA and activities you would like to check off your LA bucket list, then you should consider purchasing a Go Los Angeles Card .

This will give you discounts to 40 top attractions, tours, and museums. It has been priced to save you money compared to purchasing individual tickets.

You can choose from one to seven-day cards that will only be activated on your first use.

You will be surprised to know that the best and most memorable attractions in LA are for free. This includes the Griffith Observatory when you can get amazing views of the city, including the celebrated Hollywood sign.

los angeles Venice Beach, 8 Fun Things to Do in LA Today

Venice Beach, Los Angeles

You can also check out Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Get your adrenaline pumping to by hiking the Runyon Canyon. This popular hiking spot is conveniently located in the heart of the city and offers priceless city views on a clear day. You can choose from easy to challenging trails and it is totally free.

You can even enjoy free outdoor yoga classes that take place several times each day.

Want to learn the history behind the places you are seeing? Want to avoid missing any must-see spots? I shared before about how you can hire a tour guide in a city for free .

You can take advantage of LA’s free walking tour . Free walking tours will show you what the city has to offer.

Wow! I believe we’ve saved a lot of money by now.

If you have some extra budget, you might want to pick one activity that is not for free like a studio tour or a beach activity like parasailing; whatever you think that will let you get most out of your trip.

Los Angeles is definitely not the cheapest place for a vacation, but as long as you know where to look, you can absolutely have a great time without emptying your wallet.

Have you been to Los Angeles? Do you have your own travel tips on how to stretch those dollars and travel LA on a budget? Please share it in the comment section below!

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Isabel Leong

Full-time travel blogger at Bel Around The World and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators and brands get the most out of their online presence by attracting organic leads/traffic and achieving financial freedom with her Skyrocket With SEO course. She's closely involved in and has been featured as a speaker in other travel & digital nomad networks & podcasts such as Traverse, Travel Massive, The Nomadic Network and Location Indie.

Hi! I'm Isabel, a full-time traveller and digital nomad from Singapore. In the past 10 years, I've lived in New Zealand , Japan , Kauai Hawaii , Mexico , Costa Rica and Bali , while traversing 55+ countries. Pulling from my travel adventures and life lessons, I share my tried and tested tips, so that I can get YOU to work LESS and enjoy MORE!

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Published June 1, 2021

A visit to the City of Angels can be both daunting and expensive — if you don’t have a proper plan. With our guide to visiting Los Angeles on a budget, you can make sense of the mind-boggling number of things to do.

If you’re headed to the Southern Californian hub on a tight budget, here are a few ideas to help you stretch those dollars.

Check out 5 day trip ideas from Los Angeles while you’re at it!

STAY IN A HOSTEL

Although Couchsurfing or Airbnbing a private UCLA bunkbed for $25 a night is always an option, staying in a shared room at a local hostel is a much more popular and affordable accommodation choice. Some of America’s most talked-about hostels are located in LA, including USA Hostels Hollywood off Hollywood Boulevard, Hostelling International in the Westside, and Samesun Venice Beach on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. When in doubt, peruse Hostelworld , and note that rates for shared dormitories typically range between $35 and $50 a night.

BRAVE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

We won’t lie to you — public transportation in LA is far from popular. But it does exist. MTA offers buses and subway trains , with $1.75 base fares and $7 day passes. Keep in mind, however, that even with a pass, you may be required to pay more if you travel between zones. To help navigate the city, utilize Metro Trip Planner . Also note that although public transit is the cheapest way to get around, it’s not the most efficient and can often add to your travel time. So, if you’re not into waiting, plan to spend a chunk of your budget on a rental car.

GET A GO CARD

If you’re rip-roaring to go and have a particular list of sites and activities you’d like to check off your LA bucket list, consider purchasing a GO card . You can choose from one- to seven-day cards that are activated on first use and good for free admission to dozens of attractions across the city. If you’re not sure if a GO card is worth the up-front cost, plan your ideal itinerary beforehand to determine if the investment will actually save you money.

EAT FOR CHEAP

Food in Los Angeles is significantly more expensive than the national average, so make sure you read those menu prices with care. To find cheap eats in the city, you have three main options: food trucks, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and fast-food icons. The gourmet food truck explosion in the city has led to some really exceptional food at lower price points (we’re talking $5 short rib sliders from the Kogi BBQ truck ). LA’s rich ethnic diversity has resulted in some of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurant choices anywhere — so whether you have a hankering for a stir fry with rice or an enchilada combo, most dishes will only cost you about $6 to $8. And lastly, be sure to check out the area’s fast-food icons, including In-N-Out Burger , Pink’s Hot Dogs , and Tito’s Tacos — there’s a reason Californians are obsessed with them.

HEAD TO THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

Meander along this 15-block stretch of sidewalk and spot the stars honoring your favorite celebrities. The Walk of Fame runs east to west on Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue and north to south on Vine Street from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard. Of the 2,600-plus stars, one of the most popular is Marilyn Monroe’s, while the most vandalized currently belongs to Donald Trump. Make of that what you will.

BE PART OF A LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE

Attend a taping of your favorite sitcom, game show, talk show, or reality show. It’s a fun (and free) way to cross off a few celebrity sightings. Certain shows may ask you to write-in or call for tickets, but most are represented by an audience company (like 1iota.com ) that makes tickets available online in advance. You can often find audience hunters in front of Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre distributing same-day tickets as well. So, if you’ve always dreamt of being on “the Price is Right,” “Conan,” or “the Ellen DeGeneres Show,” this might just be your chance.

WANDER THE VENICE BEACH BOARDWALK

Take a stroll down this famed beachside promenade and check out the street vendors, performers, bodybuilders, skaters, shops, eateries, and ocean views that the area is known for. Stretching about a mile and a half along the sandy shores of the Pacific, the boardwalk is free and open to the public — so no need to fret on the money front. If you do end up with a rental car, keep in mind that parking in the area ranges from $3 to $30 depending on the lot and time of year.

HIT THE BEACH

Going to the beach is one of the most popular free activities in LA, and with over 70 miles of sandy stretches to choose from, you can easily find a beach that suits your personality. If you’re not sure where to go, try the Annenberg Community Beach House at Santa Monica State Beach. This former private escape for the rich and famous is now open year-round and free to all who enter. Additionally, the house features easy beach access, showers, a swimming pool, changing rooms, and plenty of parking, among other perks.

GO FOR A HIKE

Located in the heart of the city, Runyon Canyon offers a popular, centrally located hiking spot that attracts locals and visitors alike. Hiking in the area is free, as is street parking, and on a clear day, the views of the LA Basin are second to none. There are several trails to choose from, but for an added bonus, check out Runyon’s free outdoor yoga classes that take place three to four times a day.

VISIT A MUSEUM

Los Angeles has a handful of free museums and many others that have at least one day a month, or one day a week, when they offer free admission. But, be aware that museums that usually charge for admission are significantly more crowded on free days. A few museums that are always free of cost are the Broad in Downtown Los Angeles, the Getty Museum in Brentwood, and Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park. Additionally, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Downtown Los Angeles is free every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.

CONSIDER LEAVING THE CITY

Although there’s plenty of things to do in the city, think about what’s nearby. You could drive up the California coast, explore Catalina Island, or escape to Joshua Tree National Park. If you have a few days to spare, try to spend at least one of them taking in the varied beauty that Southern California is known for.

Los Angeles: Planning Your Trip

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Weather & Climate
Los Angeles Airports
Neighborhoods to Know
Driving in Los Angeles
Public Transportation
48-Hour Itinerary
Day Trips From Los Angeles
Top Things to Do
Free Things to Do
Things to Do With Kids
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Top Museums
Theater Guide
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Skiing Near Los Angeles
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Most Iconic Restaurants
Nightlife in LA
Top Breweries

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La-La Land, City of Angels, Tinseltown, Southland—it’s fitting that a city as diverse, as exciting, as sprawling, as mercurial, and often as misunderstood and misjudged as Los Angeles has so many nicknames. (It’s also apt, given it’s home to Hollywood, that most of those monikers are also past film and TV titles.) It offers visitors movie magic and melting pot menus, pro sports and palm trees, rooftop bars and big city bluster, distilleries and dispensaries, shopping and self-care, fitness fanaticism and family fun, high-end hospitality and a hippie underbelly, and even nearby nature when you’re done nurturing your brain with architecture, history, and culture.

But for the uninitiated, it can also quickly become a beast based on its behemoth size, sometimes soul-crushing traffic and smog, confusing parking rules, and budget-busting prices. Read on for help planning your visit including where to stay, when to go, and what to eat, drink, and do.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time To Visit: Southern California’s Mediterranean climate results in mild winters, low humidity, and an abundance of sunshine so there isn’t really a bad time to visit, but spring brings super blooms and fresh strawberry donuts and warm autumns extend rosé and rooftop season.

• Language: English although Spanish is widely spoken

• Currency: US Dollar

• Getting Around: Home to the West's first freeway (now Highway 110, which has connected Pasadena to downtown since 1940), LA is and has always been a driving town. The easiest way to get around is to rent a car at the airport. (By 2023, LAX’s new consolidated rental car center and the people mover to get there should be completed.) If you choose to take the wheel, do as Angelenos do and accept traffic as your brutal bedfellow and know that almost all drive times are longer than the mileage would suggest and whatever you do, do not drive slow in the far left or carpool lanes. Read this for more tips on blending in when behind the wheel .

If you don’t want to deal with that anxiety, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available and reliable. And if your starting point and destination are near a light rail/subway stop, purchase a TAP card and go Metro. Read more about using public transportation here.

• Travel Tip: Unless seeing celebrities is your raison d’etre, avoid awards season (typically January through the beginning of March) as the best hotels and spas are taken by folks who will most definitely get better service than you, hot restaurants and clubs are rented out for private celebrations and company parties, and street closures make getting around complicated. Hotel prices near venues tend to be higher. They are bumped up on summer/holiday weekends as well especially if they're near the beach.

Things To Do

If you’re bored in LA, you aren’t trying hard enough. Because no matter what your ideal vacation day looks like—whether it consists of a taco crawl and an NBA game, photographing street art and buying designer clothes, going to the mountains and the beach in the same day, drinking a locally brewed beer and wandering around a Japanese garden, or riding roller coasters and attending a TV show taping—you can likely accomplish it here. Whatever you decide to do, don’t miss the following:

• As the Entertainment Capital Of The World, even casual fans will appreciate going behind the scenes on studio lot tours, attending a taping, taking selfies in front of cinema landmarks like the Walk Of Fame, celebrity homes, or real-life locations used in movie shoots like these as seen in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood , hiking to the Hollywood Sign, touring the famous graves , and seeing what’s playing in a historic movie palace like the TCL Chinese Theatre, downtown’s Million Dollar Theatre (the one from Blade Runner ), or Disney’s El Capitan.

• Fun fact: LA has more museums and performing arts venues than any other U.S. city . Peruse collections of high art (literally in the case of the hilltop Getty Center!), fast cars, dinosaur bones, photography, space race artifacts including an actual shuttle, neon, anti-psychiatry evidence, Wild West history, bunnies , and serial killers’ possessions . Add more culture to the calendar with plays, live music, galleries, libraries, street art tours, and poetry readings. There also always seems to be at least one experiential pop-up “museum” happening like Flutter or Sneakertopia .

• There are endless ways to enjoy LA’s 75 miles of coastline . Drive along scenic PCH. Walk Venice’s eclectic boardwalk with its iron pumpers and body piercers. Ride the world’s only solar-powered Ferris Wheel and go to free concerts on the pier in Santa Monica. Learn to surf in Malibu. Play volleyball in the sand in Manhattan Beach.

But wait, there’s more including winter sports , best hikes , and outdoor screenings .

What To Eat and Drink

If you came to eat, you came to the right place. LA has one of the world’s most dynamic food scenes as it runs the gamut from street vendors’ bacon-wrapped danger dogs to Michelin-starred restaurants. Always start with brunch , knowing that LA is both an early (before 10 a.m.) and all-day breakfast kind of town. Next, there’s the things the city’s known for that you need to check off the list: food trucks, tacos , In-N-Out burgers, avocado toast, French dip sammies, hard kombucha. Then, the rest of your meals should be spent sending your stomach around the U.S. and the world without checking out of your hotel. The pizza scene now gives New York and Italy a run for their money and co-opted Nashville hot chicken.

LA is made up of pocket neighborhoods defined by the majority ethnic group that lives there and, in cases like Thai Town and Koreatown, it’s the largest population living outside their respective motherlands. You’ll hear their native tongue, see cultural and religious festivals, can buy authentic ingredients in specialty markets, and be able to eat their regional delicacies. Do not miss Korean BBQ , fancy sushi , the growing Filipino food scene, Armenian bakeries in Glendale, Jewish delis in Fairfax or along Pico, Chinese in the San Gabriel Valley, or burn-your-face off Thai dishes ( Jitlada !). And if you have joined the growing movement to go meat-free, don’t fret. LA’s vegan and vegetarian options are just as globally inspired.

As is the drinking scene, with all genres of bars , from tiki rooms and hidden speakeasies to Bukowski–approved dives and alfresco patios, trying to lift your spirits. In the last five years, craft breweries, distilleries and even wineries have popped up all over town adding their tasting rooms to the night-out pool. There’s a growing mocktail movement and a strong café culture if you abstain from alcohol.

Where To Stay

The hotel scene is about as diverse as LA’s population in terms of luxury level, amenities, price, size, and style. There’s also a pretty wide selection of Airbnbs and rental properties. The best advice we can give is to pick the neighborhood where you need to be or would like to spend the most time in order to minimize commuting and maximize vacationing and then find lodging.

Downtown is undeniably having a moment with lots of new accommodations, often in old converted buildings. Many of the edgiest boutiques are transplants from other trend-setting cities like Nomad and The Hoxton. There's also high-end options like the Ritz-Carlton. Either way, you’re within walking distance of award-winning restaurants, stadiums and stages, bars, and museums.

Look into West Hollywood and Hollywood—places like The Kimpton Everly, Chateau Marmont, or The W—if you seek an immersion in cinematic history, have Hollywood Bowl or Pantages tickets, or want to lose yourself in the music or the moment in the Boys’ Town nightlife scene.

Beverly Hills properties like the Waldorf Astoria, the Peninsula, or the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons are about as posh as they come and offer decadent spas, silky sheets, superior service, and walkability to Rodeo Drive.

If it isn’t a vacation until you feel sand between your toes, limit your search to Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, or the South Bay cities.

Check out this neighborhood guide to narrow the field.

Getting There

While it’s a popular road trip from other parts of the Golden State, Arizona, or Las Vegas, most visitors arrive via airplane and that usually means your time in the Southland will start and end at Los Angeles International Airport , or as it’s commonly know, LAX. The fourth busiest passenger airport in the world generally offers the cheapest fairs and most flights, but it isn’t the only option. Other regional airports include:

• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): It’s small, the security line is a breeze, and is a better option if you’re staying in the valleys, on the Eastside, in Pasadena, or making your way to Ventura.

• John Wayne Airport (SNA): This option in Orange County is much closer to Disneyland, but a long slog to LA.

• Long Beach Airport (LGB): Another smaller, smoother airport that gets you closer to Disneyland and The OC. It is a perfect choice if you are headed out on a cruise from San Pedro.

More transportation options like taking Amtrak or Greyhound can be explored in this guide.

Money Saving Tips

• Cushion the blow of the final bill by scheduling your trip to coincide with dineL.A. Restaurant Week , which technically lasts a couple of weeks and happens twice a year. Fantastic three-course prix fixe feasts can be found all over town at much reduced rates.

• It’s easy to do the great outdoors on a budget. Try these 12 fantastic hikes . Select a beach for surfing, sunbathing, or sandcastle building from our comprehensive guide . And despite the enduring concrete jungle stigma, LA has quite a bit of green space within city limits, including the 4,200-acre Griffith Park, and many host free concert series, movie screenings, or theater when the weather is warm.

• While many of LA’s best museums like The Broad , Getty Villa , and the California Science Center are always free, others that charge admission offer select gratis days as well. Descanso Gardens offers free entry on the third Tuesday of every month. The Skirball Cultural Center is free every Thursday while Sundays are the day to pop into the Museum of Latin American Art . This comprehensive Discover LA list can help you determine when and where you can get cultured free of charge.

• See if you belong to a group that can score you discounts. Active AAA and Costco members have access to discounts with rental cars and attractions. Local warehouses have area-specific offers as well. Some attractions have profession-based freebies. For Instance, the Autry Museum of the American West is free for active military, veterans, peace officers, and park rangers with a current ID card.

• Go City and CityPASS offer multiple-day passes that give discounted entry or tickets to a variety of attractions, tours, and theme parks.

Learn more ways to have fun on the cheap by reading up on 25 awesome free things to do in LA.

California Coastal Commission. "Atlas of the Biodiversity of California: Climate and Topography."

National Park Service. "Arroyo Seco Parkway."

Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. "Facts About LA."

Airport Review. " The top 20 busiest airports in the world by aircraft movements ."

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The Ultimate Guide To Los Angeles On A Budget

It’s no secret that Los Angeles is one of the most talked about cities in the world. It is known for its amazing beaches, year-round sunny weather and for being the city where all the biggest movies are brought to life. This city is truly remarkable.

With over 40 million visitors each year, Los Angeles is definitely a major hot spot for travellers around the world. Although visiting such an immense city can become quite expensive, the good news is that it doesn’t have to be.

Los Angeles on a Budget

Beach day for days.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caresa Lamers (@caresalamers) on Jun 20, 2018 at 1:17pm PDT

Make sure to get there early and grab a parking spot before they are all taken, that way you can save even more money on your Los Angeles trip.

Los Angeles Beaches

Here are some of LA’s most popular, free beaches for your trip to Los Angeles on a budget.

Venice Beach

The colorful murals, performers, street artists, shopping boutiques and live shows are some of the few reasons that Venice is one of LA’s most famous and enjoyable beaches. There is never a dull moment in Venice beach. Spend a day enjoying all it’s fantastic festivities as you relax by the majestic Pacific ocean.

2. Santa Monica Pier and Beach

Pacific Park has everything from rides, games, a rollercoaster and a gigantic Ferris wheel, which over time became a city icon for Los Angeles. Entrance to the park is completely free and it’s so much fun to walk around.

After a fun day at the pier, end your day by laying out on the Beach or drop by one of these sweet rooftops bar in Santa Monica .

3. Malibu Beach

Malibu is known for its celebrity homes and sightings. And hey, you might even run into your favorite celeb at the beach.

4. Carbon Beach

Inside Malibu, you will find Carbon Beach, also known as Billionaire’s Beach. Why do they call it Billionaire’s Beach you ask? It gained it’s famous nickname since only the homes of the mega-rich are located around. And when I say mega-rich, I mean some of the richest humans on the planet.

The water is perfect to swim and go snorkeling in as the waves are mostly calm. The sand is as soft as silk, which makes it perfect to layout all afternoon and catches the warm California sun.

5. El Matador State Beach

Also located inside Malibu, El Matador State Beach is a must! With gorgeous, natural rock formations, sea caves and the vast ocean complimenting the sights, this beach is truly a natural wonder.

Spend your day at this one of a kind beach. It has free public access and also some amazing photo ops! Some of these beaches are also a good base for the best whale watching spots in California .

Take a Stroll Through Hollywood Boulevard

This one is a no-brainer that visiting Los Angeles without checking out Hollywood Boulevard should be criminal! Especially after this whole city is built on its famous show business industry.

Along the floor, you will find over 2600 stars with the biggest names in the business engraved in each. Come to take a photo with the star of your favorite celebrity!

Hollywood Boulevard also has a variety of different things to do – including a shopping mall, amazing food, and characters along the boulevard that livens up the atmosphere. While on Hollywood, you can also catch a movie at the TLC Chinese Theater.

Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Griffith Park

With over 4000 acres of land, Griffith Park is considered one of North America’s biggest park. Even bigger than the ever so famous Central Park in New York City . All located inside Griffith Park you will find the Los Angeles Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, the Greek Theater, Travel Town Train Museum and much more!

The park is so nicely kept up that taking a stroll through it or just spending your afternoon in Griffith Park could definitely be considered the perfect day.

The Griffith Observatory

One of the best things to do if you’re visiting Los Angeles on a budget is to check out the Griffith Observatory. Admission is always free and there is an abundant amount of activities to do.

Those activities include views of the Hollywood Sign, some pretty neat exhibits, live shows and some jaw-dropping views of Los Angeles. If you can, make sure to stay until sunset and watch the sunset over the city. That is a sight, my friend, that you will never forget.

Window Shop on Rodeo Drive

beverly hills rodeo drive los angeles on a budget

Located in one of LA’s most exclusive neighborhoods, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is an awesome place to check out on your trip to Los Angeles.

Although, Rodeo Drive is home to some of the most luxurious stores in the city where all the A-List celebrities are known to shop at, window shopping and getting to explore the famous street is still worth your time and will not cost a dime. And hey, who knows, you might even run into your favorite celeb.

Watch Some of the Most Famous TV Shows LIVE

Pay Your Respects at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Check Out the Getty Museum

With millions of visitors a year, the Getty Museum is one of LA’s most famous landmarks. The Getty Museum is an art museum which has two locations in the city – The Getty Center and the Getty Villa.

And with free admission, it makes the list for one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles. It has everything from extravagant art pieces, sculptures, and gardens.

Visit LA’s Fashion District

California Science Center

What better way to learn than getting down and dirty and getting the first-hand experience in your education, literally. The best part of this museum is that it is completely free to the public and it is open 7 days a week.

Explore China Town

It is a great place for some awesome shopping and dining (The Chinese food there is absolutely delicious!)

Cruise Down Pacific Coast Highway

Work out at Muscle Beach

The best part you ask? For a day pass it’s only $10. If you are big into fitness like I am, this is the perfect activity.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

It has so much to offer – from the culture, the world-class restaurants in Los Angeles , the star-studded streets and most of all the endless activities and sights that are nestled all over the city for you to experience.

And with that said, I hope you enjoyed my ultimate guide to Los Angeles on a budget. Have a safe trip, bon voyage!

If you like what you read, please share! And also follow us through our Facebook, Twitter , Instagram and Pinterest accounts for updates. Keep on travelling, y’all!

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Frugal Traveler

In Los Angeles, Ditching the Car for an Eco-Friendly Trip

By Lucas Peterson

April 19, 2016

Los Angeles may feature an abundance of holistic arts, yoga and macrobiotic diets, but it’s probably not the first city that comes to mind when you hear the term “eco-friendly.” You can largely thank the 900 miles of freeways and highways in Los Angeles County for that. Few would dispute that the city’s culture is a car-dominated one, with an obsessive focus on driving routes, smog alerts and the best times of day to avoid traffic. It’s an obsession that has been mocked on “ Saturday Night Live ,” captured in pop songs and recorded in academic essays.

It’s possible, though, to escape the routines of the typical visitor in the name of environmental friendliness. I set out to marry the city’s organic cuisine and healthy, active lifestyle with something that it isn’t widely associated with — leaving a small carbon footprint — by ditching the car and creature comforts of regular hotels.

I discovered that it’s possible to rely on the Metro , Los Angeles’s imperfect but quite functional public transportation system, which includes buses, a light rail system and, yes, even a subway. I was able to find a comfortable yurt — that’s right, the traditional Central Asian round tent — in a quiet, wooded part of the city accessible by light rail and just minutes from downtown. And all while saving some money in the process.

My girlfriend, Brette, and I rode the long escalator into the bowels of the subway station at Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue. “Wow,” she said, “I can’t believe this exists.” It does feel strange to ride the subway in Los Angeles because it dispels the one huge stereotype nearly everyone subscribes to: that you need a car to get around. “And it’s so quiet and clean,” she said, touching her Metro Tap card to the turnstile (subtracting the $1.75 fare) and going through.

The platform was mostly empty. The limitations of the subway quickly become apparent in that there are only two lines, purple and red, which basically cover the same route. The red line goes from downtown through Koreatown, into Hollywood, before terminating in North Hollywood. If you happen to live within walking distance of one of the 14 stations on the line, and your destination is also on that line, then the subway is supremely useful. But most of the approximately 500 square miles of the city remain unserved by the lines. Bus and light rail lines are more comprehensive and help pick up the slack.

Pershing Square, in the heart of downtown, is, however, one of the subway stops, and it deposits you just a block or so from one of the city’s major culinary destinations: Grand Central Market . It was founded as a large open-air arcade in 1917, and can still feel like a market at businesses like Torres Produce and Chiles Secos.

But in recent years it’s morphed into its current incarnation: a big, vibrant food hall peppered with a selection of popular restaurants. Opening a place or holding an event at Grand Central is an immediate notch in the belt of any Los Angeles chef. Food prices have naturally skyrocketed, but some good deals can be found.

One of the best is the Fast Burger from Belcampo ($5), built in the In-N-Out style: American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and a Thousand Island-style sauce. The quality of the grass-fed beef is what makes this burger a bargain; natural juices run immodestly from the freshly ground patty, perfectly complementing the vegetables.

The feel of downtown Los Angeles is unflinchingly urban — mere miles away, though, lies an entirely different world. We made our way to Union Station , the city’s rail hub and the largest railroad terminal in the Western United States. A gorgeous, soaring structure erected in the 1930s, its architecture mixes bits and pieces of Art Deco and Mission Revival styles.

We found the Metro Gold Line (also $1.75 on the same Tap card), one of the city’s four light rail lines. It was uncharacteristically drizzly, and those of us waiting for the Azusa-bound line squeezed under the shelter on the outdoor platform. The announcement board said the train would be arriving in four minutes. Four minutes passed, then another four. Then another four. The platform was becoming crowded. Finally, it arrived. About 15 minutes later, we stepped out in the Mount Washington neighborhood and began the 10-minute walk to our lodgings.

I found our yurt on Airbnb for $98 a night. It’s essentially a big, round tent with a front and back door; a latticelike structure braces the frame. Wooden ribs support the dome, and at the top is a covered translucent wheel, or crown, that acts like a circular skylight. It’s quite beautiful, and the luxuries — a proper queen-size bed, for example, as well as electricity — give the illusion of camping without any of the real down-and-dirty stuff. It turns out that while I find saying the word “glamping” to be slightly nauseating, the actual act is very pleasant.

The yurt is set on a raised platform in a quiet, hilly section of Mount Washington, a neighborhood in northeast Los Angeles known for its steep and winding streets. The owners left the keys and some lovely touches: tea and coffee, an electric kettle, a French press, even a bottle of inexpensive wine. There were travel books in the night stand, as well as a small portable heater. The back door led to the outdoor bathroom and shower area, with a dry composting toilet (and instructions for how to use it) as well as a sink and shower with a “gray water” system (it runs off and feeds the plants in the garden; the hosts provide all-natural soap).

Using the outdoor shower was one of the highlights of the stay: I was expecting to take a quick, freezing shower and immediately towel off and run back inside. But the water heater worked well, and I was able to take a relaxing, warm shower in the drizzly, 50-degree weather, right next to an enormous prickly pear cactus on the hillside.

While the city’s public transit system proved mostly reliable, I decided to try other transportation options. CicLAvia is an initiative that creates daylong open-streets events for biking, skating and walking. The aim is to get people to explore their neighborhoods by means other than cars by creating large, open public spaces out of Los Angeles’s streets.

“L.A. is mostly known for destination points — you go from point A to point B,” said Romel Pascual, executive director of CicLAvia. “You do that in a car and you miss everything in between. This makes you slow down and appreciate the in-between moments.”

My brother, Loren, in town for a visit, and I decided we would rent bikes and participate in the San Fernando Valley edition of CicLAvia. We met at Retro Xpress Bicycles on Victory Boulevard and asked for two day rentals. “Well,” the man behind the counter said, pursing his lips, “we don’t have many bikes left.” He stopped and pointed at two pink girls’ bikes that were way too small. “This is all we got left.” I couldn’t tell if he was just trolling me or if he was serious.

He was serious. We walked out with the two bright pink bikes and two helmets for $19.95 apiece. The ride up to the corner of Van Nuys and Roscoe, where the event began, was mostly uneventful — we did get a few honks, hoots and hollers from passing cars. Once we were in the confines of the four-mile stretch of CicLAvia, no one cared.

The entire boulevard was closed to traffic, and tents and food trucks were set up along the sidewalks. It was a giant street fair; there were lots of pets, children and residents of all ages. Many were biking, others conversing and getting to know one another. Mr. Pascual was right — it was enlightening to slow down and get an up-close perspective on the neighborhood, all while strengthening a sense of community.

I had covered four of the five major alternatives to cars in Los Angeles: foot, bike, subway, light rail. That left the bus. Brette and I embarked on an epic trip (Line 733) from downtown to Venice one afternoon — it was a good 80 to 90 minutes to make the 14.5-mile haul and reach the big roundabout near Main Street and Venice Way, just steps from the Venice Boardwalk.

Our destination was Seed Kitchen , a restaurant opened in 2008 by Eric Lechasseur and Sanae Suzuki that specializes in vegan, macrobiotic meals. I ordered a saisai doniburi macro bowl ($12.95), which contained kale, shiitake mushrooms, beans and Japanese pumpkin. I was surprised by how flavorful it was — the balsamic miso dressing certainly helped.

But why pay at all for your food when you can snack free on the plants and flowers that grow all around you? That’s the philosophy of Pascal Baudar, a Belgian-born forager and wild food consultant. He leads regular classes and excursions into Los Angeles’s forested areas in search of edible plants, mushrooms and flowers.

Brette and I paid $20 each to join him one morning close to the Tujunga Wash, near the Angeles National Forest in the far northern part of the city. Our group of six began a leisurely stroll through the forest, and Mr. Baudar stopped to point out dozens of plants that have culinary uses: bright yellow mustard flowers, elderberry, curling dock and watercress.

We spotted a couple of men carrying large bags of watercress they’d picked near the Wash. “Those guys,” Mr. Baudar said, “they make mistakes.” I asked him what he meant. He explained that we were at a horse crossing, and where plants grow in water, you want to pick plants upstream of any animal activity, to avoid possible bacteria. Mr. Baudar had other useful tips, including how to differentiate poison hemlock from edible hemlock look-alikes. (Cow parsley and Queen Anne’s lace, for example, have tiny hairs on their stems; poison hemlock has smooth stems.)

Later, we sipped on a homemade soda he had made from elderflowers and munched on our trove of wild plants. I was learning that Los Angeles’s sprawl and geographical diversity work for it in many ways. They yield an impressive breadth of eco-friendly activities, which, with a little work, can take place without spending one minute in a car.

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Top things to do in Los Angeles on a budget
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Comprehensive Budget Travel Guide to Los Angeles from a Local
How to Get a Cheap Travel Package to Los Angeles?
Top 10 Best Budget Hotels in Los Angeles That Will Save You Money

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Los Angeles on a budget
Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $70-250+ per night. Public transport ticket: $1.75 (capped at $5 per day and $18 per week) Coffee: $3-6 Sandwich: $8-18. Dinner for two: $50-80+. Beer/pint at a bar: $6-12. Average Daily Cost (three meals, accommodation and a small budget for activities): $260-300+ per day.
How to Visit Los Angeles on a Budget
The freeways are famous, but Southern California has built a very good mass transit system, too. MTA offers buses and trains that cut your dependence on those clogged highways. It's important to check your intended locations for access to MTA service. The base fare is $1.75 USD, but an all-day pass is only $7.
Travel Budget for Los Angeles Visit Los Angeles on a Budget or Travel
Food Budget in Los Angeles Average Daily Costs. Calculated from travelers like you. While meal prices in Los Angeles can vary, the average cost of food in Los Angeles is $60 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Los Angeles should cost around $24 per person.
How to Visit Los Angeles on a Budget (According to a Local)
A 3-day trip to Los Angeles costs roughly $450 - $750. Free attractions and budget motels put the cost at the lower end. Mid-range hotels and a single theme park day put the cost at the high end. How much is a reasonable budget for visiting Los Angeles? A reasonable budget for visiting Los Angeles is $200 per day.
Local's Budget Travel Guide to Los Angeles
2. The Huntington Botanical Gardens and Library. There are few places in Los Angeles that I return to regardless of the price, but this is one of them. If you have room in your budget to expand your itinerary, the Huntington in San Marino is worth the $29 admission price (maximum).
Los Angeles on a budget: 7 travel hacks to save on your trip
Canters Deli. You might not expect to find a New York deli in Los Angeles, but Canters has been operating since 1931. Enjoy an incredible range of breakfast dishes starting at around $12-$15, or try one of their signature sandwiches, most of which cost between $15 and $20 and are big enough to share between two people.
100 Cheap Things to Do in Los Angeles
100 Cheap Things to Do in Los Angeles. by Discover Los Angeles. Feb 1, 2021. "Urban Light" at LACMA. Been There. My Next Trip. Tours Family Friendly. Don't wait until pay day to go out on the town. Try one of L.A.'s best things to do for $20 or less.
Los Angeles on a Budget: 20 Free Things To Do
3. Malibu Beach. Malibu Beach is by far one of the fanciest LA beaches and it is also one of the many free things to do in Los Angeles. If you're looking to get away from the craziness of the city, come relax in Malibu. Malibu is known for its celebrity homes and sightings.
How to Visit Los Angeles on a Budget
Around the corner, the 100,000-square-foot Petersen Automotive Museum (6060 Wilshire Blvd.) provides an apt tribute to L.A.'s car culture, and earned me high marks when I took my visiting nephew. Buy timed-entry tickets online: $17 for adults 61 and younger, $15 for those 62 and up. Health & Wellness.
Budget Travel Los Angeles: 10 Tips from Locals
Updated September 17, 2023Los Angeles may be home to the rich and famous, but you don't need a movie star's bank account to have an incredible time! Locals in LA provided these 10 tips to keep your Los Angeles trip under budget. For personalized advice on how to keep your LA trip under budget (and where to snag the best tacos in town) work with a local to plan your trip. They'll create a ...
Los Angeles Travel Guide (Updated 2024)
Budget hotel prices Budget two-star hotels start around $110 USD per night, though most are closer to $150 USD. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, AC, TV, and a tea/coffee maker. Three-star hotels start around $135 USD but most comfortable, nice spots cost between $160-200 USD per night. ... Los Angeles Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources ...
3 Days of LA on a Budget
Day 1. Sand, sun, ocean air. Let's not waste any time getting to the beach. Venice, that is. Have breakfast, rent a bike and head to the Santa Monica Pier - yes, there are arcade games. Then, hike to an abandoned ranch, find peace at the Self-Realization Shrine, and nosh on beach bites at a favorite hangout of The Doors.
24 Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
Immerse yourself in the California art scene at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which is free for L.A. County residents every day after 3 p.m. (with a valid I.D.); for all visitors ...
10 Fabulous Free Things To Do In Los Angeles on a Budget
The Rum i: This hostel is one of the most budget-friendly options with rates starting from $30 per night. Located in Koreatown, this place is surrounded by Korean restaurants and karaoke joints. It's also within walking distance to grocery stores and cafes >>>CHECK PRICES. Location: 820 S Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005.
How to Do L.A. on a Budget
A favorite among locals and tourists alike, the restaurant's specialties include small bites and signature favorites like chorizo mac n cheese, turkey meatballs, and a chopped kale salad. The prices are as friendly as the staff, and range from $4 to $10. Select California wines by the glass, local beer, and cocktails are available starting at $5.
Los Angeles
In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to travel to Los Angeles on a budget, find affordable accommodation options, get around the city without breaking the bank, indulge in cheap eats, uncover free and low-cost attractions, enjoy outdoor activities, experience the budget-friendly nightlife scene, and share some money-saving tips to ...
Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget? Here's what you need to know
How to visit Los Angeles on a budget. 1. Know the efficient way to get around. You can skip the expensive car rental fee and taxi fare by taking advantage of public transit. Alternatively, you can also rent an RV which solves the problem of accommodation and transport costs at one go.
Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget
Budget Travel, California, Guides, North America, Travel Stories, United States. Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget. ... Los Angeles has a handful of free museums and many others that have at least one day a month, or one day a week, when they offer free admission. But, be aware that museums that usually charge for admission are significantly ...
Budget Travel
In 2018, the Los Angeles metropolitan area had a gross metropolitan product of over $1.0 trillion, making it the city with the third-largest GDP in the world, after Tokyo and New York City. Los Angeles hosted the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics and will host the 2028 Summer Olympics. Find more things to do, itinerary ideas, updated news and ...
Los Angeles: Planning Your Trip
Planning Your Trip. • Best Time To Visit: Southern California's Mediterranean climate results in mild winters, low humidity, and an abundance of sunshine so there isn't really a bad time to visit, but spring brings super blooms and fresh strawberry donuts and warm autumns extend rosé and rooftop season. • Language: English although ...
Budget Travel
10 amazing outdoor adventures near Los Angeles. By Danielle Bauter. May 17, 2021 ... But if you're craving something a little more lowkey (this is Budget Travel, after all), book a room at Miami's favorite hostel The Broken Shaker (starting under $30 a night for a shared room) or the Selina Miami (starting at $75) that's tucked away in ...
The Ultimate Guide To Los Angeles On A Budget
3. Malibu Beach. Malibu Beach is by far one of the fanciest LA beaches and it is also one of the many free things to do in Los Angeles. If you're looking to get away from the craziness of the city, come relax in Malibu. Malibu is known for its celebrity homes and sightings.
In Los Angeles, Ditching the Car for an Eco-Friendly Trip
April 19, 2016. Los Angeles may feature an abundance of holistic arts, yoga and macrobiotic diets, but it's probably not the first city that comes to mind when you hear the term "eco-friendly ...

La-La Land for less: visiting Los Angeles on a budget

Daily Costs

LAX isn’t the only airport in LA, but it’s likely to be the cheapest

Take free hotel shuttles to get out of LAX

Capitalize on LA’s love of happy hours

Visit during shoulder seasons

LA is a haven for nature lovers, so go explore

If you’re from California, bring your library card

Dine at food trucks and farmers markets

Choose public transport over car rentals

Skip the guided tours

Don’t stay in pricey areas like Beverly Hills and Malibu

Discount passes can help you save big

Attend a TV-show taping

Plan your itinerary beforehand

More of our expert guidance to budget your trip to Los Angeles:

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Free Things To Do in Los Angeles

2. Wander the La Brea Tar Pits

3. California Science Center

4. Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach

5. Downtown Los Angeles

6. Museums!

7. Walk Hollywood Boulevard

8. Explore the caves of El Matador State Beach

9. Visit the dead at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Things Worth the Money

2. The Huntington Botanical Gardens and Library

3. Aquarium of the Pacific

4. Events in the City

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