How to Visit Los Angeles on a Budget (According to a Local)
👉 Jump to: Tips | Cheap & Free Things to Do | Where to Stay | Cheap Eats | Youtube Video | FAQ
Traveling to Los Angeles on a budget is totally doable. It just takes a little know-how and a few key considerations. As a longtime LA local, I’ve honed many helpful strategies for stretching a dollar.
This article overviews what to do, where to eat, and how to find deals on the best places to stay in Los Angeles. I’ve put my best money-saving tips and tricks together to help you plan the vacation of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Prefer a Youtube video? Check out my video version of this guide!
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8 Tips to Visit Los Angeles on a Budget
Spend on Lodging, Save on Transportation
Book a good hotel near the top LA attractions you want to visit on your trip. This will save you a bundle in rideshare fees. And using public transportation will save you the most.
Note added emphasis on a good hotel. The cheapest options in hubs like Hollywood and DTLA tend to lean hard towards seedy (at best). Try to book in advance to secure a decent rate at a highly-rated and customer-reviewed hotel.
Use the Cheapest Transportation: LA Metro
Public transportation is the least expensive way to get around LA. But it has some drawbacks.
The LA Metro rail system will get you within walking distance of nearly everywhere in downtown Los Angeles or Hollywood. Use it to reach most of the big hotspots like Universal Studios and downtown Santa Monica.
It’s a complicated and time-consuming bus system outside of these spots. You’re better off budgeting for rideshares or VIP tours when visiting Beverly Hills or West Hollywood.
Budget Time and $$ for Traffic
Map out routes between your must-do attractions and lodging ahead of time. Include the time of day you intend on going to account for traffic. Add 20 minutes if your route includes a freeway. Getting caught on the freeways can cost upwards of 30% of your time in LA!
Avoid Peak Season
Book your Los Angeles trip between October and May to save money on hotels. This will help you avoid the busy, tourist-heavy beach season in the summer! Keep in mind, however, that it will be more expensive to visit Los Angeles during winter holidays and spring break.
Take Advantage of Freebies
Many of LA’s top attractions are free to visit. All of the beaches are free, for example. Enjoy places like Runyon Canyon and Griffith Observatory without paying a cent. Not one of my top five favorite places has an entrance fee. Keep reading for the details on more cheap and free activities, including my #1 favorite spot in LA.
Stay Where You Play
Booking multiple hotels in different areas is one of the best ways to make the most of your time in LA. For example, you could stay two nights in Hollywood and two nights in Venice Beach or Hermosa Beach.
That may seem like a lot for some people, so another option is to book a budget-friendly hotel on the west side. This will put you close enough to the California coast to while away rush hour on one of LA’s best beaches.
Look into Local Deals
Many of the best restaurants in Los Angeles have happy hours. You can get 2 drinks and 3-4 small plates at a good restaurant for under $45 (including tip) at a really good happy hour.
This is a great way for foodies to try more while spending less. Hit up roadside vendors for the best local deals on everything from tacos to truly excellent gumbo.
Eat More Snacks Than Meals
A fruit salad or taco will cost $4-6 and will be delicious. But meals start at about $15, even for fast food.
So stick to snacks to save money. Bonus: More small meals mean you get to try more of LA’s fantastic foods! Keep scrolling — my best tips and spots for cheap eats are listed below.
12 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
The Getty Center
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 440-7300 | Website | Hours: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Closed Mondays | Entrance: Free ($25 p/car for parking)
The Getty Museum is a well-known art museum, architectural marvel, and film location. But some days I go to the Getty Center just to sit with a cup of coffee and people-watch. It’s also a great spot to sip white wine while looking out at the fabulous view.
The Getty Center is my favorite place in Los Angeles — an oasis simultaneously apart from the city and at the heart of it.
Olvera Street
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Store hours may vary | Entrance: Free
Olvera Street is located across from Union Station and is a vibrant shopping and dining area. It’s also a window into the history of downtown Los Angeles. Don’t miss the legendary taquitos at Cielito Lindo when you’re here. They’re hands-down one of the most delicious bargains anywhere in LA.
The Broad
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213) 232-6200 | Website | Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday; Closed Monday | Entrance: Free
The Broad Museum is among the best free museums in the country. It’s a popular attraction, and you will need to book in advance. Admission is free for the main galleries in this downtown Los Angeles institution.
Each gallery has a vast exhibit of contemporary work. Admire pieces ranging from awe-inspiring to mind-bending to gut-wrenching and everywhere in between. Some special exhibits are not free and will require a separate ticket.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213) 626-6222 | Website | Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Closed Monday | Free
The Museum of Contemporary Art is right across the street from the Broad Museum, and it’s another lauded free museum.
I find MoCa to be a little less hectic and a little more thought-provoking. Plus, it has a nice little cafe called Lemonade. Museum fans on a budget are in luck in this town because there are lots of great Los Angeles museums available for low or free admission.
La Brea Tar Pits
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213) 763-3499 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm, Closed first Tuesday of every month | Entrance: Free (Museum Tickets: $18 adults, seniors, & students; $7 children)
The iconic scene of mammoths is free to view at the La Brea Tar Pits. There are also several other small exhibits in the adjacent park. The pro move here is to grab some fresh mango from a vendor, then wander and enjoy.
Urban Light
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (323) 857-6000 | Website | Hours: 24/7 | Entrance: Free (Museum Tickets: $23 adults, $19 seniors & students, free 17 and under)
Urban Light is arguably the most famous artwork at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Luckily, no entrance fee is required to see this social media sensation. The solar-powered display is on view 24 hours a day.
Runyon Canyon
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (818) 243-1145 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to Sunset | Entrance: Free
Runyon Canyon is one of Hollywood’s hidden gems. This popular hiking area is mere steps from the heart of Hollywood.
The trail is moderately easy and there’s a lovely view of the city at the top. It’s relatively rare to spot movie stars around Hollywood unless there’s a red carpet nearby. But you might spot a reality star or series regular getting a workout in Runyon Canyon.
Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Forecourt of the Stars, & TCL Chinese Theatre
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (323) 469-8311 | Website | 24 Hours | Entrance: Free
The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood Boulevard area is about as touristy as a place gets. While famous for the famed, this site is also weird in a very fun way: It’s a veritable gold mine for cheap things.
Some of the tour salespeople on Hollywood Boulevard aren’t doing much for the industry’s reputation. But I recommend personal experiences like this Ultimate LA & Hollywood Photo Tour. They’re an affordable, efficient way to get some great shots of the Hollywood Sign. You’ll see many of the most iconic spots and a few low-key LA hits along the way.
Exposition Park
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213) 744-2294 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily (Museum hours may vary) | Entrance: Free
Exposition Park is home to some of the most unique, engaging museums in Los Angeles, all of which are free.
California Science Center and Los Angeles Natural History Museum are interactive, family-friendly favorites. Exposition Park also spotlights diversity and culture in the California African American Museum.
Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213) 473-0800 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 10 pm Saturday & Sunday, Closed Mondays | Entrance: Free
Griffith Observatory is another LA icon that’s worth the hype. It gets pretty crowded in the summer months. But there are more than enough hiking trails in the surrounding wilderness to get some solitude.
Try to visit on a weekday to avoid a barrage of people, or mid-day at the very least. Sunset crowds on the weekend are a headache.
Santa Monica Pier
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 458-8900 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: Free
Santa Monica Pier is not inherently cheap. But families will find the price of a Pacific Park day pass pales in comparison to other theme parks.
Bring a few dollars in cash for a churro, play a couple of carnival games, ride the Ferris wheel, and enjoy the view. You’re good to go for around $30 per/person. Bring a picnic and enjoy the gorgeous Santa Monica State Beach to make a day of it.
Beverly Gardens Park
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 288-2220 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 9:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Beverly Gardens Park is the go-to spot for budget-conscious travelers who want to see the notoriously bougie Beverly Hills. By all means, snag a photo of the must-post fountain. But make sure to take time for the flower gardens and sculptures as well.
I recommend people-watching at nearby Rodeo Drive for a fascinating look at one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Don’t actually shop there, though, because those stores are next-level expensive.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles on a Budget
The key to knowing where to stay in Los Angeles is location, location, location. We’ll look at the best budget hotels in a few key areas. I also put together a separate guide to give you the full rundown of Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Hollywood
👉 Best Area For Famous Attractions | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Hollywood Historic Hotel
Hollywood has numerous attractions within walking distance of one another. Stay here if the Hollywood Walk of Fame and seeing the Hollywood Sign are at the top of your list. You’ll find plenty of bargains and easy access to public transit if you book a hotel here.
However, keep in mind that Hollywood does get pretty grimy after dark. And the lowest-budget options are often riskier in ways more costly than money.
South Bay
👉 Best Area For Budget Beaches | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: ITH Hermosa Beach Surf Hostel
The beach cities in South Bay offer better room rates than Santa Monica and Venice Beach. You’ll also find better quality and variety in reasonably priced bars and restaurants in these areas.
Hermosa and Redondo Beach are your best bets on bargains. Or you can go bougie on a slightly larger budget in Manhattan Beach.
Downtown Los Angeles
👉 Best Area For Public Transportation | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: citizenM Downtown Los Angeles
The best deals and train stations are mostly concentrated in downtown Los Angeles. Book a stay here for great food, numerous hotels, and many of the city’s best free attractions.
However, DTLA is also the most dangerous neighborhood on this list. Check out the street view of all potential lodgings and steer clear of Skid Row at all costs.
West Hollywood
👉 Best Area For Nightlife and Entertainment | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Beverly Laurel Hotel
The headliner in West Hollywood… is the headliners. You can catch world-class talent in comedy clubs and live music venues on Sunset Boulevard for very reasonable cover charges. And there are loads of bars on Santa Monica Blvd.
Pricier hotels and restaurants make West Hollywood a mildly controversial choice for budget travel suggestions. But those rideshare fees rack up even more quickly when you’re drinking. I’ve lived in WeHo for over a decade on a tight budget, so I can assure you there are tons of awesome things to do in West Hollywood on the cheap.
Cheap Eats in Los Angeles
The diverse, farm-fresh LA food scene is one of the city’s high points. It can also easily eat up a lot of your budget. This section will cover some key strategies on how to eat as cheaply as possible while in this Southern California food mecca.
My first tip: Check out the mom-and-pop shops in any given neighborhood! I’ll highlight a few specific restaurants here, but discovering hidden gems is part of the fun.
Mama Shelter
Happy hour – elevated bar food.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (323) 785-6600 | Website | Happy Hours: Wednesday – Sunday from 4-7 p.m. | Price Range: $ – $$
⚠️ Closure Note: This restaurant is temporarily closed.
Mama Shelter offers $3 oysters paired with drink specials you can afford to toast with. Treat your special someone to a bougie-on-a-budget moment by heading up to the rooftop. Finish your visit with a luscious piece of chocolate cake served with a view of the iconic Hollywood Sign ($18 including tip — well worth it).
Gracias Madre
Happy hour – vegan.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (323) 978-2170 | Website | Happy Hours: Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. | Price Range: $ – $$
Gracias Madre does cheap drinks. The most expensive is a margarita for $9. Nachos and chipotle fries are among the $7 bites. And everything is both vegan and delicious.
Birdie G’s
Happy hour – high-end traditional American.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 310-3616 | Website | Happy Hours: 5-6 p.m. daily | Price Range: $ – $$
Birdie G’s rewards effective time management skills (you just have to catch that sunset) with great deals on sumptuous treats. Indulge in an egg yolk Caesar salad topped with bottarga, and sip good wines and quality cocktails.
Cielito Lindo
My favorite Mexican spot.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: $ – $$
The taquitos at Cielito Lindo are so good I’m mentioning this again. Also, I forgot to tell you to get extra green sauce.
In case you missed my first mention, this Olvera Street gem is high on the list of must-dos in downtown Los Angeles. Everything on the menu is delicious and bargain-priced. The taquitos are legendary for a lot of good reasons.
Grand Central Marketplace
International cuisine.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (213) 359-6007 | Website | Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Daily | Price Range: $ – $$
Grand Central Market is an LA classic that offers a variety of cuisines from around the world. It’s located near popular free museums including MoCA and The Broad. The market gets plenty busy and prices vary from place to place. You’ll find something for everyone and possibly a few things you never knew existed.
Happy Hours
📍 Multiple Locations | Price Range: $ – $$
Want the best deals on any LA restaurant you want to try? Check to see if they have a happy hour. West Hollywood, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach are some of the best neighborhoods to hang around from roughly 3-7 pm to find these deals.
Mother Tongue is a great option in West Hollywood. Or go to vegan hotspot Gracias Madre (hint: Happy Madre Meal, $10).
Fig at 5 is in Santa Monica’s Fairmont Hotel, and it has one of the best HHs around, offering 50% off the full menu. The Misfit, also in Santa Monica, features one of LA’s longest happy hours — every day from opening to 7 pm.
Bottomless Brunches
📍 Multiple Locations | Price Range: $ – $$
Bottomless brunches with never-ending mimosas or Bloody Marys are a cost-effective way to throw a few back early in the day. This one’s for groups and couples looking to turn things up on the weekend.
Rockefeller in Hermosa Beach and The Den in West Hollywood are longstanding go-tos. Both are conveniently located in areas where you can have a lovely afternoon on foot. The Misfit is another great spot within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier.
👉 Pro tip: Bottomless brunch promos aren’t always advertised and are subject to change, but are relatively common. Ask a server and bartender on a Friday night out to get a tip on the best one nearby on any given weekend.
Food Trucks
📍 Multiple Locations | Price Range: $ – $$
LA’s food truck game is strong. Some food trucks serve up bargain-priced basics. But most aim for restaurant-quality specialty items following a cheeky theme. Food trucks are great for trying exciting new flavors but can get pricey for a full meal.
Spontaneity is key here. See a truck? Check it out! First Friday on Abbot Kinney is a great food truck gathering in Venice Beach on the first Friday of each month. You’ll often find a few trucks near any given farmers market.
Fruit Carts
📍 Multiple Locations | Price Range: $
Keep an eye out for the umbrellas of vendors selling fresh fruit. Get it chopped to order for a very fair price if you’re looking for a sweet, healthy snack. Add chili and lime to taste at no extra charge. You’ll see these all over the place, and I’ve yet to encounter a bad one!
Farmers Markets
📍 Multiple Locations | Price Range: $ – $$
Farmers markets are a quintessential California activity. They’re the perfect opportunity to pick up some shelf-stable produce and snacks. The Santa Monica Farmers Market is legit one of the best things to do in Santa Monica.
The most popular California farmers market is the Original Farmers Market at Fairfax & 3rd. It’s particularly charming during the holidays, though largely priced to match its tourist trap reputation.
That said, the Brazilian BBQ place at the Original Farmers Market is fantastic. Enter to the right of the gas station man, and it’s on the right just before you hit the tables.
Watch My Youtube Video – How to Do LA on a Budget
FAQs About Los Angeles On a Budget
Can you do LA on budget?
You can do LA on a budget with a bit of planning and locally sourced tips. Stay in lodgings you’re happy to spend time in or near, use public transit where possible, and seek out some free admission gems. These are all ways to have the most budget-friendly trip.
What should I do on a budget in Los Angeles?
You should spend time on the beaches and at Santa Monica Pier if you’re on a budget in Los Angeles. Griffith Observatory, Olvera Street, and The Broad are also budget-friendly LA activities.
How much money should I save to go to Los Angeles?
Save between $150-$250 per day to go to Los Angeles. This amount accounts for food, lodging, and transportation around the city.
How much does a 3-day trip to LA cost?
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.
How expensive is accommodation in Los Angeles?
Accommodation in Los Angeles is quite expensive. Budget lodging is likely to cost $100 or more per night.
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That’s about it! I hope these tips on how to visit LA on a budget are useful on your next trip. You can also make the most of your visit with my money-saving tips on day trips near Los Angeles.
