7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Los Angeles (August 2023)

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

   Start your trip at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. In the morning, take a leisurely stroll along the beach and enjoy the ocean breeze. In the afternoon, visit the Pacific Park amusement park for some thrilling rides. In the evening, catch a stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

   • Pacific Park: $20, 2 hours
2. Day 2: Explore Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Walk of Fame
   25 minutes (8.3 miles) from Santa Monica Pier

   Start your day at Griffith Observatory, offering panoramic views of Los Angeles. In the afternoon, head to Hollywood Boulevard to explore the Walk of Fame and spot your favorite celebrity stars. In the evening, catch a movie at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.

   • Griffith Observatory: Free, 3 hours
   • TCL Chinese Theatre: $15, 2 hours
3. Day 3: Visit The Getty Center and Venice Beach
   30 minutes (13.5 miles) from Hollywood Walk of Fame

   Start your day at The Getty Center, an impressive art museum with stunning architecture. In the afternoon, head to Venice Beach to experience the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy street performances. In the evening, grab a bite at one of the beachside restaurants.

   • The Getty Center: Free, 4 hours
4. Day 4: Discover Downtown Los Angeles
   25 minutes (14.7 miles) from Venice Beach

   Spend your day exploring downtown Los Angeles. Start with a visit to The Broad, a contemporary art museum. In the afternoon, explore the historic Grand Central Market and indulge in diverse culinary delights. In the evening, catch a live performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

   • The Broad: Free, 2 hours
   • Grand Central Market: $10, 2 hours
   • Walt Disney Concert Hall: Varies, 3 hours
5. Day 5: Experience Universal Studios Hollywood
   15 minutes (6.2 miles) from Downtown Los Angeles

   Spend a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood. Enjoy thrilling rides, behind-the-scenes studio tours, and live entertainment throughout the day. Don't miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Universal CityWalk for shopping and dining.

   • Universal Studios Hollywood: $100, 8 hours
6. Day 6: Relax at Malibu Beach
   40 minutes (27.5 miles) from Universal Studios Hollywood

   Escape the city and spend a day relaxing at Malibu Beach. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Park. End your day with a picturesque sunset on the beach.

   • Malibu Beach: Free, 6 hours
   • Leo Carrillo State Park: Free, 3 hours
7. Day 7: Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
   35 minutes (22.8 miles) from Malibu Beach

   Wrap up your trip with a visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Explore the extensive art collections, including works from different eras and cultures. In the evening, stroll down Miracle Mile to enjoy the vibrant nightlife and dining options.

   • LACMA: $20, 4 hours

Recommendations

For additional attractions and experiences, consider checking out the Hollywood Bowl for a live music performance, taking a day trip to the stunning beaches of Malibu, or exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Downtown LA, such as Chinatown and Little Tokyo. To make the most of your budget, consider using public transportation like buses and the Metro Rail, and look for discounted tickets or passes for attractions. Don't forget to try local food trucks for affordable yet delicious meals!

For hotel and flight bookings, you can visit this link to check prices and availability.