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Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Beach, Pub, Nature, Gaming in July 2023

  1. Day 1: Santa Monica Pier Beach
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Santa Monica

    In the morning, head to the Santa Monica Pier Beach for a refreshing swim under the sun. Enjoy the soft sand and beautiful scenery. For lunch, try the famous In-N-Out Burger or grab some tacos at Blue Plate Taco. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the pier and check out the Pacific Park amusement rides or the historic carousel. In the evening, relax with a cold beer at Big Dean's Ocean Front Cafe and listen to live music.

  2. Day 2: Griffith Observatory and Park
    30 minutes (16.5 miles) from Santa Monica Pier Beach

    Start your day at Griffith Observatory and Park, which offers breathtaking views of LA. In the morning, visit the observatory and learn about astronomy and space. For lunch, grab a sandwich at The Trails Cafe or enjoy a picnic in the park. In the afternoon, take a hike on one of the many trails and enjoy the nature and scenery. In the evening, relax at The Morrison Pub and watch sports games while enjoying a cold beer.

  3. Day 3: Dave & Buster's Hollywood
    15 minutes (4.5 miles) from Griffith Observatory and Park

    For your last day, head to Dave & Buster's in Hollywood for some gaming. In the morning, enjoy breakfast at Kitchen24 or grab some coffee at Alfred's Coffee. In the afternoon, play arcade games or try your luck in the casino. For dinner, try the delicious sliders at Stout Burgers and Beers or have some sushi at Katsuya. In the evening, enjoy the nightlife at The Room Hollywood or the Frolic Room.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on visiting the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the Getty Center, or the Universal Studios Hollywood. For side trips, consider visiting Malibu or downtown Los Angeles. To maximize your fun, try to visit the attractions during weekdays to avoid crowds and save money. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a refillable water bottle. Finally, take advantage of public transportation or ride-sharing apps to save money on transportation.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Santa Monica Pier Beach (4 hours, free)
  • Griffith Observatory and Park (6 hours, free)
  • Dave & Buster's Hollywood (4 hours, $20 for games)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $20

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.

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