Best Things to Do in Los Angeles on a Budget (From a Local)
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One of the best things about LA — and one of the most overwhelming things for visitors — is just how big and spread out it is. Even after more than eight years of living here, I’m still working my way through an ever-growing list of museums, hiking trails, beaches, and restaurants that I want to try. I love being in a place that’s at the center of so much culture, history, and nature, but experiencing it well takes a little more planning.
Because everything is so spread out, you often need to dedicate an entire day to a particular attraction or neighborhood. I do believe LA is one of the more difficult cities to visit for that reason, especially if you’re trying to see the best of it without spending a fortune.
LA is also one of the most famous cities in the world, and that fame definitely extends to social media. I’ve found that the same sites and restaurants get shown over and over again, which means a lot of visitors either stick to the most popular — and often most expensive — places, or don’t know where to start.
After over eight years of living here, I’ve covered a lot of bases when it comes to sightseeing on a budget. I’ve found plenty of popular attractions that I do think are worth visiting at least once, but I’ve also discovered local favorites that I only learned about after years of living here.
In this guide to the best things to do in Los Angeles, I’m sharing both. Whether you’re looking for history and culture, walkable neighborhoods lined with local shops and dining, or just the very best beaches, I have a recommendation for you. These are all places that have made me fall more in love with LA — and best of all, they’re all super budget-friendly.
☀️ My Quick Los Angeles Planning Tips 🎞️
✈️ How to find the best flight deals to California
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🧳 At the top of my packing list: A jacket (even in the summer!), a portable phone charger, and a water bottle
Visit “the birthplace of Los Angeles” at Olvera Street
Los Angeles is home to so much unique history that most tourists totally overlook, and one of its top examples is Olvera Street.
The street dates back to the 19th century, during Los Angeles’ early days, which has earned it the nickname of the city’s birthplace.
Nowadays, it’s a vibrant Mexican marketplace, lined with vendors, storefronts, and restaurants. Some shops have been there for decades, like Juanita’s Cafe, which has been serving taquitos with green sauce since 1944.
You’ll also find a bunch of historic landmarks, like LA’s oldest adobe house, and the Siqueiros Tropical Interpretive Center, which has an exhibit dedicated to Mexican muralist, David Siqueros. His mural, América Tropical, painted in 1932, had political messaging, and has whitewashed, before a restoration effort in the ‘80s. You can check out the original mural from a viewpoint at the interpretive center, which is free to visit (so is the historic adobe house).
I particularly love visiting Olvera Street around Día de los Muertos, because the area becomes super festive, and will have various performances by local groups, including a traditional Aztec ceremony.
Walk Around the Historic Little Tokyo Neighborhood
This historic neighborhood is one of just three remaining Japantowns in the U.S., and it’s also one of the hearts of Los Angeles. Conveniently located within Downtown Los Angeles, it’s become one of my favorite areas for an easy and fun day trip.
The best things to do in Little Tokyo are to just walk around and pop into the different Japanese shops, and of course, to eat. If you like Japanese cuisine, Little Tokyo is one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles for food. Apart from lots of traditional restaurants where you can find things like sushi or ramen, you’ll also find unique spots like Pasta e Pasta, which serves Japanese-style pasta.
The Japanese American National Museum is also a must to learn about the history of Japanese immigration in the U.S., and how Little Tokyo came to be. (It’s temporarily closed due to renovations, but check here for updates!)
Sightsee in Downtown LA
Tourists tend to overlook Downtown Los Angeles, and I really think that’s such an oversight. I’ve already mentioned sub-neighborhoods within Downtown like Little Tokyo and Olvera Street, but I also really think it’s worth talking about Downtown as a whole.
If you love history, cool architecture, and big city vibes, you’ll find that all here, from towering skyscrapers, to historic theaters, and lots of dedicated sightseeing. More of my favorite Downtown LA activities are in this guide, but one highlight is Grand Central Market, which has been around since 1917. It has over 40 vendors selling everything from tacos and sushi to produce and ice cream.
Over the years, many long-running vendors have been replaced by trendy places, but I think it still is a really cool place to visit (and great if you’re traveling with another person or a group and you don’t all want to eat the same thing).
You’ll also find museums like the Broad, a free contemporary art museum.
Although Downtown LA is relatively safe, it is one of the areas I tend to avoid at night if I’m alone. Although it’s not somewhere that I think you need to overly worry about, you’ll want to just stay aware of your surroundings and whatnot.
Stargaze at Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory has been one of LA’s highlights since 1935. Located in Griffith Park, the observatory offers numerous space-related exhibits, a planetarium, and lots of skyline views (including one of the best views of the Hollywood sign). Although it’s fun to visit during the day, it’s extra special at night, when you can stargaze using one of the observatory’s free telescopes.
The observatory is free to visit (note that the planetarium does require a ticket).
🔭 But if you’d like to learn more about the observatory’s history, science, and more, this highly-rated Observatory employee-designed tour is a great way to go.
Free parking is available at the bottom of the hill, around the Greek Theatre (when there’s no show), which requires about a 20-minute, slightly uphill walk. Paid parking is also available, as well as public transportation access.
Window-shop in Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills is super gorgeous and iconic, and the famous Rodeo Drive is its epicenter, lined with high fashion stores, housed inside really uniquely designed buildings. I shied away from visiting Beverly Hills for so many years of living out here, but I’ve really fallen in love with its beautiful architecture, abundant park spaces, and rich Hollywood history.
Although it doesn’t seem like the most budget-friendly destination, beyond window-shopping in Rodeo Drive, there are plenty of free things to do in Beverly Hills, like visiting art galleries, its various parks (the Beverly Gardens Park is where you can take a photo in front of a “Beverly Hills” sign), and interesting sites like Greystone Mansion, a historic property that once belonged to a wealthy oil tycoon family, the Dohenys back in the 1920s. It’s now a public park, and the grounds are free to visit. You can only go inside the mansion once a month, however.
For lunch, I highly recommend a sandwich from The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.
🌟 This is a top-rated guided tour option that also includes some of LA’s other top sites, if you’re on a tighter schedule!
Visit Getty Center and Villa
Los Angeles has so many amazing museums (and I have some of my other favorites in this guide). But if I could only pick two, I would have to go with the Getty Center and the Getty Villa, both homes of the oil billionaire Getty family’s massive art collection.
The Getty Center, for its part, is a massive, contemporary building overlooking the LA skyline, with a beautiful, garden and park. Its art collection is more focused on American and European art.
The Getty Villa, on the other hand, is a gorgeous Roman-style villa that’s beautiful in a completely different way than the center. It houses a massive collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art and artifacts.
Both are free to visit, however they come with somewhat steep parking costs. ($25, or $15 after 3 p.m., which is typically when I choose to visit.) You can also visit both locations in one day and only pay for parking once. But they’re not particularly convenient to one another (about an hour apart), plus, I would personally get museum fatigue and not really enjoy the second one, so I recommend splitting them up.
Both also require timed-entry reservations, which can be done here.
Also note that the Getty Center will be closing for massive renovations for a year starting in spring 2027, ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics.
Beach-hop in the South Bay
The South Bay is a region of Los Angeles that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Its three main beach cities, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach are not only some of the prettiest, but offer cute, walkable downtowns lined with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Hermosa Beach in particular has become my go-to over the years when I’m looking for an easy beach day. Part of my perfect day includes grabbing a sandwich from Mickey’s Deli, or a couple of pizza slices from Paisanos Pizza and Pasta, and enjoying them on the sand.
After a couple of hours of lounging, I’ll check out some of the local shops. Stars Antique Market, Gum Tree (which is also a cafe) and Curious are some of the best, in my opinion.
Visit Long Beach
Ok, I’m biased because this is where I live, but Long Beach is such a hidden gem in Los Angeles County. Unlike some other areas of LA, it feels really local, and is known for being relaxed and unpretentious.
🐋 Still, it has tons of cool things to do, from whale watching tours to thrift shopping along Retro Row, not to mention tons of amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and ocean views.
You’ll find more of my top recommendations after years of living here in this weekend guide, but its two most famous sites are the historic Queen Mary ship, which offers a number of tours, and is home to a cool Art Deco-style bar.
🐠 You’ll also find the Aquarium of the Pacific, which is known as one of California’s best aquariums.
Go hiking
Something I think so many tourists miss is all the great hiking spots sprawled throughout LA County.
⛰️ The Hollywood Sign hike is of course one of the most iconic (click that link for a top-rated guided tour option!), and takes around a couple of hours to complete.
But some of my favorites show off how diverse LA’s scenery can be. For instance, I never expected that LA — which is notorious for its draughts and lack of rain — could have waterfalls. The county is also home to 20 different state parks, along with the Angeles National Forest.
A few of my favorite hikes:
- Escondido Falls Trail in Malibu, which leads to a beautiful waterfall (3.6 miles/~2ish hours)
- Los Liones Trail in Topanga State Park (4.2 miles/2.5-3 hours)
- Sturtevant Falls Trail in Angeles National Forest (3.5 miles/1.5-2 hours)
Relax at Malibu beaches
If you’re looking for actual jaw-dropping beaches, you generally have to head a bit south into Orange County (more on that in a second). However, the one exception is in Malibu, which offers nearly 30 miles of coastline in the north of LA County.
These beaches are typically the cleanest you’ll find around LA, and many of them really feel like an escape into nature. My go-to is El Matador State Beach, but some other local favorites are Paradise Cove, Lechuza Beach, as well as Zuma Beach, which offers tons of space on the sand, and gorgeous views.
Although I love Malibu, what it lacks is a cute, walkable, downtown. However, one site to check out while you’re here is its pier, which sometimes has live music or other events. It’s also home to the famous Malibu Farm Restaurant, but my favorite addition to any Malibu beach day is to instead stop for a warm lobster roll with butter from Broad Street Oyster.
Before visiting whichever beach you choose, keep in mind that the state parks will have paid parking, and generally, finding a spot can take a while. So either plan to get there earlier in the morning, or have lots of patience. I promise that it’s worth it though!
Beach-hop in Orange County
Orange County, directly south of Los Angeles County, is generally where you’ll find
One of the OC’s best beaches is Crystal Cove State Park, which seriously feels like a hidden oasis, complete with a couple of beach-view restaurants, and quaint historic cottages.
But as far as overall beach towns go, my all-time favorite is Laguna Beach. Some of my favorite things to do there are popping into galleries, checking out its picturesque architecture, and of course, beach-hopping.
One of Laguna’s most stunning beaches, in my opinion, is Victoria Beach, where you’ll find a unique pirate tower. But part of the charm of visiting Laguna is also just exploring and seeing which out-of-this-world beach you stumble upon.
Take a day trip to Catalina Island
This is one of my favorite best-kept secrets in the LA area.
Catalina Island is one of the Channel Islands, a gorgeous string of islands along California’s coast that are known for their incredible nature and scenery. Catalina Island is the most developed of the Channel Islands — it’s home to a town, Avalon, with lots of dining, a historic theater and casino, a botanical garden, and plenty of adventure, such as ziplining, kayaking, and more.
🌿 While you’re there, sign up for this two-hour nature tour that takes you inside the island’s protected area. You’ll get a chance to see some of Catalina’s wildlife ranging from bald eagles to the endemic California foxes, which were once close to extinction before a successful conservation effort.
Catalina Island seriously feels like a whole separate world from LA, with a really Mediterranean feel. You can take a ferry from a few different locations, including Long Beach, and it takes around an hour. The ferry is pretty overpriced in my opinion ($89 round-trip for adults) — otherwise, I’d be back there all the time. But for an unforgettable day trip, I think it’s really worth doing once.
☀️ There are also a few hotels there if you want to stay for a weekend, but I haven’t done that personally.
Enjoy local restaurants
Where to even begin about LA’s food scene?! I think Los Angeles is one of the best food cities in the world — and if you disagree, it’s quite possible you just did it wrong.
My advice is to ignore the majority of places that have gone viral on social media — most of those places are overpriced and overhyped, and don’t tend to reflect how diverse, flavorful, and even budget-friendly Los Angeles restaurants can be.
You probably already know that eating Mexican food is a must while in LA, and I can definitely confirm that. There’s no shortage of amazing Mexican food, ranging from casual, hole-in-the-wall spots to upscale, and I’ve found that with so much competition, and such a large Mexican population here, most places will be good.
For super budget-friendly tacos, Guisados is one great spot that now has locations all over the county. Lola’s in Long Beach is also one of my go-tos.
Apart from Mexican food, LA County has seriously amazing Thai food (Chiang Rai in Long Beach is my favorite — get the crab koh soi), Japanese food (I still dream about Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo), Korean (you can find a really budget-friendly meal at California Marketplace, a grocery store in Koreatown), and Cambodian (go to Monorom Cambodian Restaurant in Long Beach) among other cuisines.
I could go on and on, but I’ll save that for a full-length guide, coming soon.
Go on a Warner Brothers Studios tour
LA’s movie-making legacy plays a huge role in the city’s identity, and even after years of living here, I still find it exciting to be in a place filled with so much history. So many tourists opt for one of the celebrity-spotting bus tours (that more often than not, don’t actually help you see a celebrity), but in my opinion, one of the coolest Hollywood experiences you can have is going straight to the source.
Although a number of LA’s iconic studios have shuttered over the years, a few remaining ones offer tours that allow you to go behind the scenes and see the sets of some of the most famous movies and TV shows. The Warner Brothers studio tour is my favorite, and I’ve gone a couple of times.
As a practically life-long “Friends” fan, nothing beats getting to sit in a replica of the Central Perk set. But you can also see the sets and memorabilia from other iconic media like “Gilmore Girls,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Sinners,” and more.
And while I haven’t been this lucky, you could even see a celebrity on their way to set!
Watch a live taping
As much as I love going on an actual studio tour, it’s not the most budget-friendly. But another way to experience some Hollywood magic also just so happens to be free. Most tourists don’t know that you can just sign up to go to a live taping — and it’s totally free!
My friend and I went to see a Jimmy Kimmel taping a few years ago, and it was so much fun. The guests were Simone Biles and Ringo Starr, and we got to see the Doobie Brothers (who have been around since the ‘70s and sang hits like “Listen to the Music”), and it’s one of my favorite memories of living in LA.
I recommend checking 1iota to see what’s available, but the Discover Los Angeles website also has a few other options.
Explore Santa Monica and Venice
These two neighborhoods are LA essentials. In Santa Monica you’ll find the legendary pier, which serves as the official end of Route 66, and has a colorful ferris wheel. Venice, meanwhile, is most famous for its boardwalk, which once was known as an epicenter of bohemian culture. It’s still really funky, and can be a bit chaotic, filled with everything from its outdoor gym, Muscle Beach, to a skate park, and lots of art vendors, and other shops and restaurants.
Even though these are all super popular places among tourists, you can still find some of Los Angeles’ hidden gems too, like the Venice Canals, which were built in the early 20th century by city developer Abbot Kinney to emulate Venice, and the Mosaic Tile House, which is only open on Saturdays and is reservation-only.
Both Venice and Santa Monica are right next to each other, so it’s easy to visit both in one visit. While I don’t necessarily think they’re the prettiest beaches in Los Angeles (in fact, neither have the best reputation for water cleanliness), nor are they the coolest neighborhoods out there these days, they are just so iconic, and are well worth some time.
Shop at local markets
Los Angeles is seriously one of the best places for shopping. From farmers markets (the Original Farmers Market near the Grove is fun, since there are so many different food vendors) to flea markets, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get some unique local souvenirs.
Melrose Trading Post is one staple held every Sunday, featuring over 260 local artisans and makers, plus music, food trucks, and more. There is a small entrance fee ($8.35 if you book online), but it goes toward supporting art programs at local high schools.
Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena (also one of the best places to visit in LA — but more on that in a moment) is also considered one of the best in the city. It’s only the second Sunday of each month, and admission ranges from $15 to $23.
Wander around Pasadena
I fell in love with Pasadena soon after I moved to California. For a few months, I spent two days a week there for an internship. I’d spend my hour-long lunch break just wandering around, and years later, I’m still wistful for that time. Although I don’t get to visit quite as often these days, it’s still one of my favorite areas of Los Angeles County, and a place that so many tourists miss.
I have all my favorites in this Pasadena guide, but here are a few highlights:
- Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens is technically right outside of Pasadena, but it’s right in the same area, so we’ll count it. I’m convinced that this is one of the most gorgeous places in the county. It’s full of gorgeous gardens, along with a museum. 130 aces are open to visitors, so although it’s a kind of steep $30, you could easily spend a few hours here.
- Vroman’s Bookstore has been around since 1894, but in itself is amazing, but it’s also just one of Pasadena’s coolest shops to explore. Apart from its aisles of books, you’ll find a cafe and bar.
- Pasadena City Hall puts other city halls to shame. I make sure to walk through here every time I visit Pasadena, and you’ll always see lots of photo shoots here, that’s how pretty it is.
Thrift shop in Highland Park
If you want to visit one of the coolest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, this is it. Highland Park has long been known for its large Latino and artistic community, and it’s full of unique shops, locally-loved dining, and historic architecture.
Its main drag is Figueroa Street, where you’ll find lots of shopping. Here are a couple of places I like:
- Sunbeam Vintage is where I would go if I actually had the budget to furnish my dreamy apartment. If you are looking for midcentury or vintage furniture, come here. Even if you’re not, it’s still fun to look around.
- Luca Essentials has all sorts of unique body care, skin care, and home items.
Apart from shopping, one of the coolest spots in Highland Park is its historic bowling alley that dates back to the 1920s.
I highly recommend allotting some time in your LA itinerary to Highland Park. (Click this link for how I’d spend the perfect week here, all on a budget.)
When you do visit, just note that it is a neighborhood that’s been experiencing a lot of gentrification in recent years. So if possible, try to support the long-running local businesses that are there!
Explore Echo Park
🦢 From taking a swan boat ride over Echo Park Lake to checking out the Victorian-era homes along Carroll Avenue, Echo Park is another one of LA’s gems. It’s become one of my favorite places for a chill afternoon of walking around, popping into shops, and seeing what you stumble upon.
Apart from the aforementioned activities, here are couple other highlights:
- Stories Books and Cafe is a non-negotiable while in Echo Park. They’re one of my favorite bookstores I’ve been to in LA County, and I’ve also heard they have great free comedy shows on Saturdays.
- Reverie Bookstand is another gem. All the books are used!
- Raven is an Indigenous and woman-owned apothecary and boutique.
Echo Park is also really known for its nightlife and dining scene. I haven’t had a chance to explore it as much as I’d like yet, but for food, I’ve heard tons of great things about the Italian food at Donna’s (it seems to be one exception to the “avoid trendy restaurants” rule), Quarter Sheets (pizza), Masa (Chicago-style deep dish pizza), and The Park’s Finest BBQ (Filipino BBQ).
Visit Universal Studios
Ok, I’m usually not a big amusement park-on-vacation person, but one exception is Universal Studios.
I’ve visited a few times over the years, and even as an adult, I think it’s super fun.
On my last visit, I went on a weekday in November, and there were hardly any lines. Like, I think I maybe waited 15 minutes for one ride, but that was the absolute max. I’m not sure if that’s an anomaly, but Disney could never.
I do wish they didn’t make quite so many rides simulations — they can become a bit nauseating after a certain point. But it’s still such a fun look into the movie magic of LA, especially when you consider the studio tour.
🎢 General admission is also more reasonable than Disney, at around $110 per person. Grab your ticket here.
Head to one of these guides next:
- Best Things to Do in Los Angeles in a Budget (From a Local)
- 15 Best Hidden Gems in Los Angeles
- Is LA Safe to Visit? (From a Local)
- The Ultimate Budget Itinerary for 1 Week in Los Angeles
- Where to Stay in Los Angeles on a Budget
- What to Do in Downtown LA
- What to Do in Beverly Hills For Free
- Los Angeles Ghost Tour: A Local’s Honest Review
- 10 Best Museums in Los Angeles
- Best Things to Do in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
- Best Things to Do In Pasadena (From an LA Local)
- The Best 3 Days in Long Beach Itinerary
- Best Things to Do in Laguna Beach (From a Repeat Visitor)
