Los Angeles is one of the most popular cities in the world. It’s home to some of the best food, entertainment, and art in America. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, Los Angeles is a great choice. There are many ways to save money on travel to Los Angeles so that you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.
Los Angeles is a bustling city packed with food, entertainment and culture. One of the most popular destinations in America, there’s never a shortage of things to do when you visit Los Angeles. With so much to see and do, booking early will save you money. Here are some ways on how to budget your trip
Here are some tips on how to budget your trip:
- Know what you want (or don’t want) before you book anything
- Book your flight early so you can get better prices
- Plan your accommodation ahead of time
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in Los Angeles, you’ve come to the right place. We know that there are a lot of options out there when it comes to getting around the city—but we’ve got your back.
Los Angeles Travel- Tips to travel cheap
1. Focus Area: Santa Monica Beach to Universal Studios Hollywood which is little over 20 miles. And the loop is where all the action is. There are tons of fantastic places to see strewn about this loop. And there are a plenty of Hotels to suit all budgets. See our recommended list of hotels below.
2. Where to Stay- Los Angeles Hotels – The biggest expense as usual on any trip is your hotel. Pick your hotel with great care. A great way to save time and money is.. Stay near the tourist spots. It saves on travel cost and time. A list of hotels which are budget friendly and comfortable in area near our focus area is given below. Do Check it out before taking the final call. Rates mentioned are for couple for one night. It is for reference only and may vary.
Los Angeles Hotels- List of best LA Hotels which are budget friendly too!
1. Samesun Hollywood
A great location is half the battle won. A neat place with clean toilets. Breakfast is basic and nice. But the fact that many places are at walking distance is a big plus. Metro and Bus stops is also close by. Dorm costs about $55 per head
Close to Universal Studios
Price US$136 +US$19 tax
2. The California – Hollywood
A nice homely place in a great location. A wonderful staff makes it more special. A good clean great value for money place. A walk to Hollywood Boulevard is a great experience. Bunk beds ideal for youngsters and those travelling on a tight budget.
Price US$46 including tax for single bunk bed
3. The Steady
Budget friendly and great value for money. Nice location, clean and also a good breakfast. The Pod bed was clean and had all these lights and sockets to keep you connected. They have a girls dorm and mixed dorms.
Price US$49 including tax for single bunk bed
About 3 miles from Los Angeles County Museum Of Art. A pleasant and comfy stay. Dorms are a little cramped for space. But overall a good place. Kitchen is good too!
Price US$40 including tax for single bunk bed
5. Libra Hotel
Location is very good with proximity to Bus stops and Metro. And also many eateries close by. It is located in Korea Town. So if you want to try out Korean food, this is a great place. Of course many restaurants around so you are spoilt for choice.
Double bed US$89+US$26 taxes
6. Orange Drive Hostel
Location is very near to the Dolby Theater, Hollywood Boulevard. Good location, spacious old building. Clean and comfy.
Double bed US$120+US$20 taxes
Los Angeles is a costly place. But it has a wide range of hotels to choose from.
A few more budget friendly options near the Santa Monica beach:
Santa Monica Motel – This is a budget-friendly motel that is located just a few blocks away from Santa Monica Beach. It offers basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and parking, and rooms are clean and comfortable. Starting about $100 per night
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel – Just a block away from the beach and offers budget-friendly dormitory-style accommodations as well as private rooms. It also has a communal kitchen and a rooftop deck with ocean views. Starting from $40 per night for a dormitory-style accommodation and starting from $120 per night for a private room
Bayside Hotel – A few minutes’ walk from Santa Monica Beach and offers budget-friendly rooms that are clean and comfortable. It also has a rooftop deck with ocean views and a complimentary breakfast. Starting $150
Pavilions Motel – This motel is located just a few blocks away from Santa Monica Beach and offers budget-friendly rooms that are clean and comfortable. It also has free parking and Wi-Fi. Starting $85
Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Monica – This hotel is a few minutes’ drive from Santa Monica Beach and offers budget-friendly rooms that are clean and comfortable. It also has free parking and Wi-Fi. Starting $120
3. Where to EAT in Los Angeles Restaurants – LA is a costly city but there are many great places with yummy food and within budget. We give you a list of restaurants where you can experience yummy food. Again, the disclaimer that this list is based on experiences of tourists and when it is about food, personal taste can vary. Any way it is a pretty good list as per feed back. So here goes..
A few yummy and budget friendly restaurants in LA:
1. Joe’s Falafel
2. Carney’s Restaurant
Looking for a quick bite? Carney’s Restaurant is the place to be in for the tastiest Burgers and Wraps. It is near William S Hart dog park on Sunset blvd. Being served in a converted train car adds to the fun experience! Burgers are about $7 while hotdogs are around $5. A real value for money place.
3. Fatburger
4. Veggie Grill
For all you Veggies this is one of the best fast food joints. You can even get amazing Vegan food. And it spoils you with the choice it offers and still is budget friendly! You can get Sandwiches and Burgers for about $14 and bowls in the range of $16
5. Luv2Eat Thai Bistro
5. Pokinometry
An unusual name! A little dig into their website revealed that it originates from Poke (a slice of fish) and Sushi.
6. True Food Kitchen
Choice is plenty. To do a little more justice to the list, added a few more to it.
In-N-Out Burger: This classic fast-food chain is a California favorite, and there’s a location in Hollywood just off the 101 freeway.
The Hat: This casual restaurant serves up burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs at affordable prices. There’s a location in North Hollywood just off the 170 freeway.
Casa Vega: This Mexican restaurant in Sherman Oaks is known for its affordable prices and generous portions. Try the tacos or burritos.
Poquito Mas: This quick-service Mexican chain has several locations throughout the LA area, including one in Studio City just off the 101 freeway. Try the tacos or the bowls.
Tocaya Organica: This fast-casual Mexican chain offers organic and healthy options at reasonable prices. There’s a location in Westwood just off the 405 freeway.
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery: This Santa Monica institution serves up delicious sandwiches and Italian specialties at reasonable prices. Try the Godmother sandwich.
Fat Sal’s: This sandwich shop has locations in Hollywood and Westwood, and serves up giant, tasty sandwiches at reasonable prices.
Kogi BBQ Truck: This food truck is a LA staple, serving Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine at various locations throughout the city. Check their schedule online to see if they’ll be along your route.
The Stand: This casual restaurant has locations in Encino and Westwood, and serves up burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads at affordable prices.
Wurstküche: This sausage-centric eatery has locations in Downtown LA and Venice, and offers a variety of sausages, fries, and dipping sauces at reasonable prices.
Free or low-cost activities in Los Angeles
4. Fun activities – There are many fun low-cost or free activities for tourists to enjoy along the route from Los Angeles Universal Studios to Santa Monica Beach to The Broad museum. Be sure to explore more options. Also be sure to check out local event listings and visitor guides for more ideas.
A list of activities in Los Angeles that are free or don't cost much but makes your trip more memorable.
Runyon Canyon: This popular hiking spot in the Hollywood Hills offers stunning views of the city and is free to visit.
Getty Center: This museum and garden complex in Brentwood is free to enter, and features a collection of art and architecture from around the world.
Santa Monica Pier: This historic pier offers free admission and is home to a variety of attractions, including an aquarium, an amusement park, and street performers.
Venice Beach Boardwalk: This iconic boardwalk is a must-see for visitors to LA, with its colorful street performers, shops, and restaurants.
The Broad museum: This contemporary art museum in downtown LA is free to enter (although you may need to reserve tickets in advance), and features works by artists such as Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Takashi Murakami.
The Arts District: This trendy neighborhood in downtown LA is home to a variety of art galleries, street murals, and restaurants, and is free to explore.
Hollywood Walk of Fame: This famous sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard features the stars of Hollywood’s biggest names and is free to visit.
Travel in Los Angeles
5. Travel with in our Focus Route – The distances are a little longer. Biking, like suggested in other places like New York may not be very feasible here. However there are budget friendly, fun and local way of travel. Cabs are comfortable. But do check out the Metro, Red Line which costs very less and you get to interact with the local people and culture.