Budget-Friendly Guide to Visiting Los Angeles

Los Angeles is vast, both in population and square mileage. A visit here can be quite daunting—however, with proper planning, it can also be an affordable and enjoyable experience. This travel guide for Los Angeles provides money-saving tips to enhance the quality of your time in L.A.

When to Visit L.A.

Crowds are huge for the annual Rose Parade and bowl game on New Year’s Day; nevertheless, the spectacle and warm weather attract many visitors. Moreover, the mild weather in spring and autumn makes these seasons excellent choices for a visit. Extreme cold is rare, with extreme heat being a more significant concern.

Where to Eat in L.A.

Los Angeles Magazine provides an extensive online guide to restaurants organized by price, cuisine, and more. The city’s rich ethnic diversity results in some of the best food choices anywhere; therefore, be open to trying options that may not be available in your hometown, as these splurges are worth it.

Where to Stay

It really pays to shop for hotel bargains prior to your trip. Beyond the chain hotels, some of America’s most popular hostels are here as well. For example, the Orbit Hotel (formerly Banana Bungalow) is situated on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, while the Venice Beach Samesun hostel offers additional budget-friendly lodging.

On weekends, consider checking El Segundo hotels (south of LAX) that cater to business travelers during the week, as they frequently offer deals to fill rooms. Furthermore, four-star accommodations, such as The Standard Hotel, sometimes have discount rates paired with their great locations.

Important: Weigh price and location carefully in Los Angeles. Travel times can be extensive, so a distant bargain might end up costing more than it saves.

Getting Around L.A.

If your itinerary is complex or influenced by business commitments, shop for car rentals judiciously. While the freeways are notorious, Southern California boasts a commendable mass transit system. MTA offers buses and trains, significantly cutting your dependence on congested highways. It’s critical to check if your intended destinations have MTA service access. The base fare is $1.75 USD, whereas an all-day pass costs only $7; however, additional fares may apply for travel between zones.

Los Angeles and the Coast

Here, you’ll discover attractions that have captivated audiences on screen for decades: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice Beach, to name a few. The Getty Museum is an incredible destination where you could easily spend an entire day, and admission is free! If your schedule allows a few days, plan to devote some time to engage in various outdoor activities, which are plentiful and captivating. Airports, including the heavily trafficked Los Angeles International (LAX) and the less known Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, serve major airlines, while San Diego International could be a viable alternative along the coast.

Orange County

If you’re headed to Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, or other Orange County attractions, keep in mind that they are quite a distance—in both time and mileage—from Los Angeles and the coast. Therefore, consider either staying nearby or structuring your itinerary so that you only need to visit the area once. John Wayne Airport and Ontario International (serving the eastern sectors of Los Angeles and San Bernardino) are also options for flights.

More Los Angeles Money-Saving Tips

• Get a GO Card. Purchase this card before your trip and activate it on first use. You can choose from one- to seven-day cards (cost range: $92-$360 as of 2019) that grant free admission to dozens of local attractions. Design your itinerary beforehand to determine if the GO Card will save you money on admissions. Additionally, a GO San Diego Card is available, offering free access to several parks, tours, museums, and historical sites.
• Additional passes can also save you money. Consider acquiring a Southern California CityPass for complimentary access to numerous attractions, including those connected with the motion picture industry. Nevertheless, keep in mind that passes are not suitable for everyone; evaluate how essential these attractions are to your travel plans.
• Many of the best L.A. experiences are free. The Getty Museum qualifies, as do leisurely walks along Venice Beach or the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Don’t feel pressured into expensive tours. You’ll likely come back home with at least one free attraction ranking among your most memorable experiences. Stay vigilant for various discounts for popular Los Angeles attractions.
• Airport choices are vital. Opt from up to six airports, as some will be more accessible than others. This variety allows you to seek out the best airfare for your trip.
• Avoid the 405. This refers to Interstate 405, frequently depicted in films and photos to signify gridlock. Preserving your time and sanity is essential, so consider alternative routes if possible.
• Consider venturing beyond the city. This advice applies to any large urban area, and Los Angeles is no exception; explore nearby options like a picturesque drive up the California coast, a trip to Catalina Island, or a trek to the Mohave Desert for refreshing breaks from city life.
• Discounts for Magic Mountain. Print tickets or passes for Six Flags before departing for additional savings.