Things To Do In LA On A Budget

Los Angeles is well known for being home to some of the worlds greatest theme parks, in part thanks to its illustrious history of moviemaking and celebrity. With its glitz and glamor, high end sushi restaurants in Torrance and luxury hotels, the multicultural collage of the city can certainly put strain on your bank account if you let it. 

However, all is not lost if you’re visiting the city and surrounding regions on a budget. Alongside great value rooms at our Miyako Hybrid Hotel Torrance visitors will find plenty of options that are either free or cost next to nothing to do with your day. From jaw dropping nature trails to beautiful historic sights, there’s more than enough to fill up a budgeting backpackers vacation.

Below you’ll find some of the best cheap and free things to do in Los Angeles during your stay, many of which exemplify the glitzy and exciting character of the city, all without breaking the bank. 

Venice Canals

Venice Beach Boardwalk is one of the most well known beaches in Los Angeles, and the fares at its cafes and amusements can rack up quite the price. What costs nothing to drink in though are the canalside neighborhoods hidden amidst pedestrian bridges and paddle boarders a little in land from the coast. As an all-American idyll that puts a modern spin on the famous Italian city, the Venice Canals earn their namesake and are completely free to visit.

Hiking The Hollywood Bowls

Whilst gigs at the Hollywood Bowls can cost quite a lot of money, the surrounding county park is one of Los Angeles best kept secrets. The open air amphitheater is still quite the sight during the day but will pack out on show nights, usually between July and September and on Tuesdays. Hiking trails around the hills of the Bowls will offer up great views of the surrounding area, especially if you visit during the autumn and winter when shows are less frequent. 

Dive Right In At Torrance Beach

For guests at hotels near Redondo Beach, Torrance beach is a wide and sandy coastline in the south bay area. With its long bike paths, cafes and beach facilities, Torrance Beach is one of the best examples of Californian hospitality, all without the crowds that free-attractions will often muster. The reason for this is that Torrance Beach is a little further out of the center than its south bay counterparts, meaning that many people may overlook it. Great for nearby hotel guests then, who can enjoy the surf spots, swimming and sunbathing in comparable peace.

Invest In A GO Card

A GO Card is an LA-wide free admission card that costs between 92 and 360 dollars but grants tourists and guests at hotels near the beach in California with unticketed access to many of LA’s best attractions. With many museums, galleries and nature reserves available on the GO Card, it is worth planning your trip in advance so that you can ensure that your desired destinations in LA are free or discounted on this tourist pass.

The Getty Museum

Whilst temporary exhibitions might cost to visit, the rest of the Getty Center’s permanent exhibits and surrounding grounds are free. Make sure to enjoy the stunning views of the Hollywood Hills before perusing the free galleries of ancient Greek, Roman, Neolithic and Antiquity era artworks in the museum.