Los Angeles on a Shoestring Budget

  • Day 1: Hollywood Walk of Fame
    20 minutes (6.4 miles) from Downtown LA

    The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-visit attraction in Los Angeles. It features the stars of famous actors and musicians on the sidewalks, which is free to see.

  • Day 2: Griffith Observatory
    15 minutes (4.2 miles) from Hollywood Walk of Fame

    The Griffith Observatory is an iconic spot located in Griffith Park, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Monica, Downtown LA, and the Hollywood sign. They have a wide range of exhibitions and astronomy displays, admission is free, and a planetarium show ticket fee is $7.

  • Day 3: The Getty Center
    15 minutes (4.8 miles) from Griffith Observatory

    The Getty Center is a picturesque museum set on a hill overlooking the city. Admission is free. It houses a vast collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

  • Day 4: Grand Central Market
    20 minutes (5.3 miles) from The Getty Center

    The Grand Central Market has an extensive collection of culturally diverse food stalls and shops. This exciting retail and culinary experience is perfect for those on a budget to explore fresh food and cheap eats in LA.

  • Day 5: Santa Monica Beach
    30 minutes (11.2 miles) from Grand Central Market

    The famous Santa Monica Beach features a boardwalk, palm trees, and miles of soft sand with views of the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s an excellent place for swimming, relaxing, biking, and people-watching, and its proximity to the pier is perfect for grabbing a bite to eat.

  • Day 6: Venice Beach
    15 minutes (3.6 miles) from Santa Monica Beach

    Venice Beach is known for its quirky atmosphere and is the birthplace of Californian Skateboard Culture. It has a wide range of street performers, graffiti art, and funky shops, particularly along the famous Venice Boardwalk. It’s a great place to explore and grab some souvenirs.

  • Day 7: Universal Studios Hollywood
    20 minutes (6.3 miles) from Venice Beach

    Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit theme park to experience Hollywood's movie and television magic. It features thrilling rides, shows, and attractions, such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers, Jurassic World, and more. Admission to the park starts at $109 per person.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hollywood Walk of Fame (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Griffith Observatory (3-4 hours, Free)
  • The Getty Center (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Grand Central Market (1-2 hours, $5-$20 on average)
  • Santa Monica Beach (3-4 hours, Free)
  • Venice Beach (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Universal Studios Hollywood (4-6 hours, $109 and up)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $114 - $149 per person

Transportation

Los Angeles is a large city, so it's recommended to use transportation such as a car, rideshare, or public transportation to get around efficiently. Rideshares start at $10, while the public transportation fare ranges from $1.75 to $3.50 per trip. Driving and parking in LA is also an option, but traffic congestion and parking fees should be considered.

Useful tips

If you have more time, add a day trip to Malibu or Santa Barbara to explore more beaches along the coast. If you have less time, skip Universal Studios Hollywood and explore the city's famous museums and art galleries, such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Airports

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport, located 16 miles southwest of Downtown Los Angeles. It's among the busiest airports, handles the majority of the international flights, and has plenty of transportation options available.

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