5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Alhambra, California

• Day 1: Visit the Alhambra Farmer's Market in the morning, where you can find fresh produce, homemade products, and a variety of food options. Afterward, head to The Hat for their famous pastrami sandwich or chili cheese fries. Spend the afternoon at Alhambra Park, a serene place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Day 2: Start the day with a hike up to the Monterey Park Hilltop, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. Then, head to the Huntington Library, where you can marvel at the botanical gardens and visit the art galleries and rare book collection. End the day with a visit to the South Pasadena Farmers Market, where you can find unique artisanal goods and delicious street food.
• Day 3: Spend the day exploring the Old Pasadena district, an eccentric neighborhood filled with boutique shops, cafes, and historic landmarks. Be sure to visit the Norton Simon Museum, where you can appreciate stunning artwork from around the world.
• Day 4: Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where you can see an extensive collection of art from around the globe. In the afternoon, take a trip to observe the unique architecture and street art of Boyle Heights. End the night with a visit to Bob's Big Boy, famous for their burgers and iconic carhop culture.
• Day 5: Explore the Little Tokyo district, where you can find authentic Japanese cuisine, specialty shops, and traditional art galleries. Visit the Japanese American National Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of Japanese Americans. End the trip with a hike at Eaton Canyon Natural Area, a scenic nature park in the nearby town of Pasadena.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Alhambra Farmer's Market (1 hour, Free)
• The Hat (1 hour, $10-15)
• Alhambra Park (2 hours, Free)
• Monterey Park Hilltop (2 hours, Free)
• Huntington Library (3-4 hours, $25 admission fee)
• South Pasadena Farmer's Market (1 hour, Free)
• Old Pasadena (4-5 hours, Free)
• Norton Simon Museum (2-3 hours, $15 admission fee)
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (4-5 hours, $25 admission fee)
• Boyle Heights (2-3 hours, Free)
• Bob's Big Boy (1 hour, $10-15)
• Little Tokyo (3-4 hours, Free)
• Japanese American National Museum (2-3 hours, $16 admission fee)
• Eaton Canyon Natural Area (2-3 hours, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: $91-116

Transportation

Travelers can take advantage of the extensive public transportation system in Alhambra, which includes bus routes and light rail services through the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The cost for a one-way fare is $1.75, and a day pass can be purchased for $7. An Uber or Lyft from LAX airport to Alhambra typically ranges from $40-60 and takes around 30-40 minutes.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider taking a trip to nearby attractions such as the Griffith Observatory or the Universal Studios Hollywood. If you have less time, focus on the areas that interest you the most and skip the places that don't. Be sure to plan your itinerary beforehand to make the most of your trip.

Airports

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is located approximately 25 miles southwest of Alhambra. Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) is about 14 miles northwest of Alhambra, and Long Beach Airport (LGB) is around 25 miles southeast of the city.