Morning: Arrive at LAX and hop on the Metro Green Line to **Union Station**; store luggage in the station lockers ($2) and grab a quick coffee at a nearby kiosk. Walk to the historic **Olvera Street**, where the vibrant murals and market stalls offer a glimpse of LA’s roots.
Afternoon: Stroll to the **Broad Museum** (free admission, but reserve tickets online) and admire contemporary works like “Infinity Mirror Rooms.” A short walk brings you to **Grand Central Market**, where you can share affordable tacos or ramen for about $10 per person.
Evening: Wander through **Walt Disney Concert Hall**’s striking exterior, then enjoy a sunset view of the skyline from the nearby **The Last Bookstore** patio. End the night with a leisurely walk along **Pershing Square**, soaking in the city lights.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the Metro Expo Line to **Santa Monica**; start at the iconic **Santa Monica Pier** (free to explore) and stroll along the boardwalk, watching street performers and surfers.
Afternoon: Rent a tandem bike for $12 and cruise the **Marvin Braude Bike Trail** down to **Venice Beach**, where you can admire the colorful murals, Muscle Beach gym, and the quirky **Venice Canals**.
Evening: Return the bikes and settle onto the **Santa Monica Third Street Promenade** for window‑shopping and a casual dinner of pizza slices ($8 per person). Catch the sunset from the **Santa Monica State Beach** before heading back via Metro.
Find HotelsMorning: Ride the Metro Red Line to **Hollywood/Highland** and wander the **Hollywood Walk of Fame**, snapping photos with celebrity stars and the historic **TCL Chinese Theatre** façade.
Afternoon: Catch the Metro Bus 704 to the **Griffith Observatory** (free entry); explore the astronomy exhibits and enjoy panoramic city views. Hike the short **Mount Hollywood Trail** for an extra dose of scenery.
Evening: Descend to **Los Feliz** and dine at a local taco truck for $7 per person. End the night with a relaxed stroll through the **Griffith Observatory’s lawn**, where you can stargaze without any fee.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the Metro to **KAPU (Koreatown)** and visit the **Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) parking lot** to see the famous “Urban Light” installation (free). Grab a quick pastry at a nearby bakery ($4 per person).
Afternoon: Head to the **Getty Center** (free admission; park for $20 if you drive, but use the Metro + shuttle for $0). Explore the art galleries, gardens, and breathtaking city vistas.
Evening: Return to Union Station, store any remaining luggage, and enjoy a final meal at a casual diner near the station ($12 per person). Catch your evening flight or drive home, feeling refreshed from the budget‑friendly adventure.
Find HotelsTo stretch the budget further, skip the optional Getty parking and rely on the free Metro‑to‑shuttle route, which saves $20. If you have an extra day, consider a low‑cost day trip to **Malibu’s Zuma Beach** using the same Metro line, or replace one museum visit with a free hike in **Runyon Canyon**. Conversely, you can condense the itinerary to three days by combining the beach and Hollywood sections, staying in a centrally located budget hostel to cut transportation costs.