Whether you will be visiting Los Angeles for the first time or have enjoyed a weeklong vacation on our sandy beaches before, there are a few important details to consider. As part of planning your trip, it’s crucial to know how much certain things will cost and the right activities to do. Don’t worry; we’ve comprised all of this information for you in our LA travel guide.
In case you’ll be needing some legal advice during your stay, you may want to get in touch with the best civil attorney in Los Angeles.
Things To Do In Los Angeles
- Visit Disneyland
- Take a Walk on Hollywood Boulevard
- Play at Griffith Park
- Relax on Venice Beach
- Tour Universal Studios Hollywood
- Shop at the Farmers Market and The Grove
- See the Hollywood Sign
Costs
Perhaps one of the most important questions to ask is how much your visit to Los Angeles will cost. Here are a few things you should make room in your budget for!
Lodging
Hostels
If you choose to stay in a hostel, you can expect to find a dorm with 4-8 beds starting around $30. You can also get a private room for two for a little more at $80-$100. Most hostels include free linens, towels, wifi, and free breakfast. However, do your research to find the best one for you and your family.
Hotels
There are plenty of budget hotels in Los Angeles for rooms starting at around $65 per night. Hotels typically include private bathrooms, air conditioning, and wifi.
Airbnb
You should also check out the prices on Airbnb. Shared rooms start at around $20 per night, and entire houses start at $60 per night.
Consider who you are bringing with you to make sure that you make the right decision. If you are bringing family and children, you might be better off with a private hotel room where you can easily keep your eye on everyone.
Food
Los Angeles has every type of food imaginable. For this reason, we can’t give you an exact cost for food on your trip. On average, sit-down restaurant meals are $20 per person, and fast food can be as cheap as $7. If you want to cook your own food, you can expect to pay about the same as you would at home.
Remember, prices will depend on the restaurant and the food you choose, so there’s no limit to how much you could spend. If you’re trying to be frugal, do your research and contact restaurants for pricing if necessary.
Transportation
Los Angeles is a huge city, and traffic is very heavy. There is public transportation available, but because of how many people there are and the heavy traffic, the city itself is not very transportation-friendly. The bus system is usually a little better, but you’re still at the mercy of the volume of other cars on the road.
Fare for a single bus ride around the metro is approximately $2. You can also buy week-long passes.
If you want to get out of the city, you will need to rent a car or call an Uber or Lyft. Taxis are also available for a base fee of $3 and a cost of about $3 per mile.
You can also use Lime or Bird, ride-sharing companies that provide scooter rentals around the city for shorter distances. All you need to do is download the app and find a scooter nearby. They cost only $1 to rent and then $0.15 for every minute.
Tips for Saving Money
Purchase a Go Los Angeles Card
If you want to do a lot of sightseeing, this card gives you discounts on many top museums, tours, and attractions.
Eat for Less
Don’t go out to the fanciest restaurants every night your in town. If you’re staying in a place that offers free breakfast, take advantage of the meal and get the most out of your money.
Plan Ahead
If you know what days you’ll be doing which activities, plan ahead by checking the rates for Uber and Lyft versus renting a car.
If you have a budget, make sure to bring it with you and try to stay consistent. Before traveling, you can plan where you’d like to eat your meals and other activities that cost money.
