5-day travel itinerary in Los Angeles, California

Welcome to my blog about my recommended 5-day budget-friendly travel itinerary in Los Angeles! After living in this city for 7 years, I know a thing or two about making the most of your time in LA without breaking the bank. 

Los Angeles is a vibrant city with endless opportunities for fun and entertainment, but it can also be expensive. But with careful planning and budgeting, you can experience the best of LA without breaking the bank. In this blog, I will share my tips and tricks for making the most of your time in LA while staying within your budget. From exploring famous landmarks to trying out delicious food, get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the City of Angels!

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5-day itinerary in Los Angeles

Day 1 – Explore iconic Hollywood

Visit the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame. Then drive up (or hike up) to Griffith Observatory for a spectacular view of LA. And if you have time, hike up to the Hollywood sign too, or find a good spot for a photo op! I recommend searching on Google Maps for The Last House on Mulholland for a great view of the sign.

Day 2 – Theme park day

Spend the day at a theme park. There are 3 theme parks in and around LA that are worth a visit: Six Flags Magic Mountain (for thrill seekers, and the cheapest option), Universal Studios Hollywood (for movie lovers), and Disneyland (literally for everyone). 

Day 3 – Sunbathe and shop in Santa Monica

Spend the day lounging in Santa Monica Beach and shopping at the Promenade Street outdoor mall. Watch the sunset from the iconic Santa Monica Pier before dinner and drinks in the area.

Day 4 – Visit a museum and watch a baseball game

Visit a museum or science center. My favorites are The Getty Museum (for art spanning the last few millenniums), the National History Museum of Los Angeles (for educational and historical exhibits), The California Science Center (for science lovers of all ages) and The Broad Museum (for contemporary art). Then catch a baseball game at Dodger Stadium.

Day 5 – Be a live audience at a talk show

Have lunch at The Original Farmer’s Market at The Grove, and then be part of a live audience for shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Voice, or The Talk (But be sure to plan this ahead of time.) Check out availabilities at 1iota (https://1iota.com/).

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A few additional tips for planning your trip:

🚗 Although traffic can be terrible in LA, the best way to move around the city is by car. Either rent a car or use Uber/Lyft. 

🚌 Public transportation is a good third option but takes about 3 times longer to get to places.

🍔 Eat at In N Out – it’s not only a West Coast staple, but it’s super budget-friendly. 

✈️Visit the city during the off-season (May-September) to save on flights and accommodation.

🏡 Stay in a hostel or Airbnb to save money on accommodation.

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If you need help booking your perfect LA vacation, read this blog about the best websites to book affordable travel. Or check out my services and let me personally help you!