Navigating Affordable Travel Deals Los Angeles Edition
Los Angeles is famous for its Hollywood glamour, sunny beaches, and celebrity-filled streets, which can make it seem like an expensive place to visit. But what if we told you that you can have an incredible vacation in the City of Angels without emptying your wallet?
It’s absolutely possible!
As a travel agency in Los Angeles, we've mastered the art of finding the best affordable travel deals Los Angeles has to offer. An amazing LA trip is not about how much you spend, but how wisely you spend it.
From knowing the cheapest times to fly to discovering world-class free museums and delicious cheap eats, this guide will uncover all the local secrets to enjoying LA on a budget.
When to Visit LA for the Best Deals
Timing is everything when it comes to planning an affordable trip. Hitting Los Angeles during its off-season can save you hundreds of dollars on flights and accommodations before you even pack your bags.
The Magic of Shoulder Seasons
Our experts always recommend visiting during the "shoulder seasons" for the perfect blend of great weather and low prices. These sweet spots are:
Spring (March through May): After the winter holiday rush and before the summer crowds arrive, spring in LA is beautiful. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for hiking and beach days, but flight and hotel costs are significantly lower than in the summer.
Fall (September through November): Once the summer vacationers head home, prices drop again. The weather is still fantastic—in fact, fall often has some of the hottest and sunniest days of the year—and the crowds at major attractions are much more manageable.
What About "June Gloom"?
You might hear locals talk about "May Gray" and "June Gloom." This is a real weather pattern where the coast and nearby neighborhoods are often overcast and foggy in the mornings before the sun burns through in the afternoon. While it might not be ideal for sunbathers, this period is fantastic for budget travelers. You'll find fewer crowds and some of the best deals of the year.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Los Angeles
As any LA travel agency will tell you, accommodation is usually the biggest expense of any trip. But in a city as huge as LA, there are plenty of smart options that are both comfortable and affordable.
Modern Hostels for Social Travelers
Hostels aren't just for backpackers anymore. LA has some incredibly stylish and clean hostels, often called "poshtels," that offer a social atmosphere at a great price. They're perfect for solo travelers or friends on a budget.
HI Los Angeles - Santa Monica: Located just a few blocks from the beach, this spot is consistently rated as one of the best hostels in the country. It’s clean, safe, and a great place to meet other travelers.
Freehand Los Angeles (DTLA): This trendy spot combines private hotel rooms with upscale shared dorms. The best part? It has a stunning rooftop pool and a world-class cocktail bar, giving you a luxury feel for a fraction of the price.
Smart Hotel & Motel Options
If you prefer more privacy, there are thousands of hotels and motels to choose from. The key is to be strategic about the location. Staying just outside the main tourist centers can lead to big savings.
Look for deals in neighborhoods like Koreatown, Mid-Wilshire, Culver City, or near LAX. Reliable and clean chains like Holiday Inn Express or Best Western can also be found all over the city and offer great value.
Vacation Rentals for Groups
If you're traveling with family or a group of friends, an Airbnb or Vrbo can be the most economical choice. Splitting the cost of a house or apartment is often cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Plus, having a kitchen is a huge money-saver, as you can prepare your own breakfast and pack lunches for your daily adventures.
Getting Around LA Without Breaking the Bank
Transportation costs can add up quickly in this sprawling city. While renting a car offers the most freedom, it's no longer the only option for budget-conscious travelers.
Master the LA Metro System
Los Angeles has a fantastic and growing public transportation system that is clean, safe, and incredibly affordable. The LA Metro consists of buses and a network of rail lines that can get you to most of the city’s top attractions.
How it Works: You’ll need a reusable TAP card, which you can buy at any Metro Rail station. A single ride is just $1.75, and a Day Pass with unlimited rides is only $7.
Key Tourist Routes: The E Line (Expo) is your best friend for a beach day, connecting Downtown LA directly to Santa Monica. The B Line (Red) is perfect for sightseeing, running from DTLA right to the heart of Hollywood.
When to Use Ridesharing or a Rental Car
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are great for short trips or for getting home late at night when public transit is less frequent. For groups of three or four, a rental car can sometimes be more economical than multiple rideshares, but don't forget to factor in the cost of gas and parking, which can be expensive in popular areas.
The Best Things in Life (and LA) Are Free (or Almost Free)!
You could spend weeks in Los Angeles just enjoying its free attractions. This is where you can really save money while still having an amazing time.
Sun, Sand, and Surf: LA's Famous Beaches
Every mile of LA's iconic coastline is public and completely free to enjoy.
Santa Monica: Walk the famous pier, watch the fishermen, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Venice Beach: Be entertained for hours by the street performers, skateboarders, and bodybuilders at the world-famous boardwalk and Muscle Beach.
Malibu: Take a scenic drive up the Pacific Coast Highway and explore the stunning, rugged beauty of Zuma Beach or Point Dume.
World-Class Museums Without the Price Tag
Los Angeles is a major cultural capital, and many of its best museums offer free admission.
The Getty Center: This breathtaking museum seems to float on a hill above the city, offering incredible art collections, beautiful gardens, and stunning architecture. Admission is always free (though you need a timed reservation, and parking costs a fee). Learn more and book your spot on The Getty Center's website.
The Broad: Located in Downtown LA, this contemporary art museum is famous for its Infinity Mirror Rooms. General admission is free with a timed reservation.
Griffith Observatory: Perched in the Hollywood Hills, the Observatory offers the best views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. It's free to enter the building, walk the grounds, and look through the historic telescopes. Remember to check their hours and offerings on their official website.
Iconic Hikes and Parks
Getting outdoors is a huge part of the LA lifestyle, and it doesn't cost a thing. Hike up Runyon Canyon for panoramic city views and a chance to spot a celebrity, or explore the vast network of trails in Griffith Park.
How to Eat Like a King on a Pauper's Budget
Forget expensive restaurants. LA's best food is often its most affordable. The city is a melting pot of cultures, resulting in one of the most exciting and budget-friendly food scenes in the world.
Embrace the Food Truck Scene
Food trucks are an LA institution. From world-class tacos and Korean BBQ to gourmet grilled cheese, you can find delicious and cheap meals on wheels all over the city.
Explore LA's Delicious Neighborhoods
For authentic and affordable food, head to one of LA's vibrant ethnic enclaves.
East LA: This is the heart of LA's Mexican-American community, and it's where you'll find the best and most authentic tacos of your life for just a few dollars each.
Koreatown: Dive into all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, spicy tofu stews, and countless other delicious and affordable specialties.
San Gabriel Valley (SGV): A short drive east of DTLA, the SGV is a paradise for lovers of Asian food, with some of the best and cheapest dim sum, pho, and dumplings in the country.
Don't Miss These Budget-Friendly Icons
No budget trip to LA is complete without a stop at In-N-Out Burger. This California-based chain is legendary for its delicious, high-quality burgers and fries that are famously inexpensive. It’s a true taste of Southern California.
Let Your Travel Agency in Los Angeles Find the Deals
Planning a trip on a budget can be a lot of work, but you don't have to do it alone. As a dedicated travel agency in Los Angeles, we have access to deals and local knowledge that you won't find online.
At Travel Savvy, we can help you find the perfect budget-friendly hotel, build an itinerary packed with free activities, and point you toward the best cheap eats. We specialize in creating trips that maximize fun while minimizing cost.
Check out our budget travel packages or contact Travel Savvy today to see how we can help you plan the affordable LA vacation of your dreams!