Los Angeles

the hollywood sign in los angeles
Los Angeles, Spanish for The Angels is the second largest city in the United States and the largest city in the state of California. L.A. is a sprawling metropolis full of people, movie stars, wannabe actors, and lots of traffic. Some of the metro areas that include Santa Monica and Venice tend to be more popular among travelers. Los Angeles is a good city to spend a few days in. You’ll need a car as there are no widespread forms of public transportation and that can make getting around difficult.

United States Travel Resources

Buying a Travel Backpack
Finding Cheap Accommodation
How to Find a Cheap Flight
What I Miss About America
Learning Across America
What I Miss About America
The History of Thanksgiving
How to Roadtrip the US
Three Day NYC Itinerary
Four Day Boston Itinerary
Free Things in Washington D.C.

Costs in L.A.

  • Hostel Prices: Dorm rooms in hostels cost $17-$25 while private rooms cost around $60 USD per night.
  • Budget Hotel Prices:Cheap hotels in L.A. cost between $65-$90 USD per night.
  • Average Cost of Food: As long as you are not in the middle of Beverly Hills, you can find many restaurants meals between $20-$30. Cheap food and snacks will cost between $7-10 for take away and sandwiches. LA is home to many farmers markets for some fresh fruit and veggies, but it tends to be a bit higher than the supermarkets. You can cook your own food for a week for $30-$60 a week.
  • Cost of Internet: If you have your own laptop, many restaurants and coffee shops with have free WiFi access. If you go to an internet cafe the cost will range from $2-$5 an hour.
  • Transportation Costs: Many neighborhoods and sightseeing destinations can be reached using the metro. A single fare valid on one line in one direction is $1.25 and be purchased from ticket vending machines in the stations. Or you can buy a day pass that cost $5, weekly pass $17, and monthly pass $62. Passes allow unlimited access on Metro bus and rail lines. However, if you want to get out of the center, you’ll need a car. L.A. is not a public transportation friendly city.

Things to Do in Los Angeles

  • Universal Studios Hollywood: This famous studio offers tours of the studio plus a theme park for one package price. It’s the most famous place to take a studio tour.
  • Hollywood Boulevard: Hollywood Boulevard has recently being going through some urban renewal and renovation. See the sidewalk stars and enjoy the walk of Fame, Grauman’s Theatre and much more.
  • Sunset Boulevard: Perhaps one of the world’s most famous streets, it began as a route between the stars’ posh neighborhoods and the Hollywood studios. It runs from downtown to the ocean, passing through the “Sunset Strip” on its way.
  • Old Town Pasadena:Historic downtown Pasadena is filled with shops and restaurants. It is also a very popular nightspot for all of you party animals out there.
  • Farmers Market & The Grove: Here you can enjoy a movie or shopping then jump on a trolley to the farmers market for lunch or dinner.
  • Getty Museum: The Getty’s architecture is so beautiful that it keeps me fascinated. They have a great art exhibit but what I like the best are the sweeping views of the city and the building’s architecture. Visiting here was a highlight of my time in L.A.
  • Take a walk on the Beach: Los Angeles beaches are a great place to go for a walk, people-watching, or just lounging in the sun.
  • Griffith Park: This is the second largest park in the U.S, this place has a great place for hikes, picnics or hanging around with friends. The hiking trails lead up to Mulholland Drive, and provide great views of the city. Griffith park has many activities in it including the L.A. Zoo, the Autry western museum, pony rides, a golf course, driving range, and The (Space) Observatory.

Budget Tips for Los Angeles

  • Purchase a Go Los Angeles Card: If you are going to do lots of sightseeing this will give you discounts to 40 top museums, tours, and attractions. It is priced to save you money compared to buying separate tickets.
  • Couchsurf: Since everything is inconvenient without a car, Couchsurf with a local and get a guide with a car to show you around!
  • Rent a Car: Since everything in L.A. is spread out, you’ll need to rent a car. The car rental places at the airport offer good advance booking deals.
  • Avoid Celebrity Hangouts: Hollywood and Beverly Hills will be the two areas you’ll see the most celebrities but also the two areas where you will spend the most money.