Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget - A Simple Way to Save on Your Vacation

By Go City Expert
Published: July 18, 2024

It’s no secret that family vacations can get expensive in a hurry - airfares, hotels, attractions, dining... the list goes on and on. There are tons of fun family things to do, whether you want to get closer to nature in the Los Angeles sun or hop on a roller coaster. You can take in some history or visit a few of the most iconic studios in television and movies. Los Angeles truly has some of the most unique attractions in the world. Best yet, L.A. can be a great choice for budget-minded travelers, especially when you use a Go Los Angeles Card, which makes visiting Los Angeles on a budget a breeze.

Save on Admission to Tourist Attractions

Admission to many of these Los Angeles tourist attractions and are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Go Los Angeles Cards give you the flexibility to choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the attractions include:

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood
  • Aquarium of the Pacific
  • and more!

Top Attractions to Visit for a Budget Friendly Trip Universal Studios Hollywood

Image of Blonde, Hair, Person, Head, Face, Glove, Adult, Female, Woman, Happy, Laughing, Photography, Portrait, If you love the movies, Universal Studios in Hollywood is likely at the top of your “must see” list in Los Angeles—and it should be! Each attraction takes you up close and personal with some of Universal Studios’ biggest movies. Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood movie experience! Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Cards.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Image of Person, Adult, Male, Man, Bus, Vehicle, Image Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Go behind the scenes of some of your favorite movies and shows with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Hollywood. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a tour inside a real, working Hollywood Studio You’ll see props, costumes, and sets that are actually used currently and in prior shows and movies. Tour guests also get to see the Harry Potter Exhibit and a DC Comic Exhibit as well. Getting In: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Image of Person, Fashion, Urban, Monitor, City, Traffic Light, Madame Tussauds Hollywood’s famous wax museum lets you unbelievably close to wax versions of some of the most famous celebrities of all time. You will be in shock and awe when you see how life-like these figures can be. One of the guests’ favorite activities is taking photos with their most adored celebs, from crushes to idols. Even President Obama makes an appearance. Getting In: Madame Tussauds Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Image of Animal, Sea Life, Fish, Shark, Image credit: Andrew Reitsma/Aquarium of the Pacific
Explore the ocean depths at the Aquarium of the Pacific. See the beautiful creatures of the deep blue without ever leaving land. The Aquarium is a great way to see and observe many of the area’s natural wildlife, from sharks to birds. Children and adults alike will enjoy this educational and interesting stop. Some of the awe-inspiring exhibits cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Getting In: Aquarium of the Pacific tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Whale Watch or Harbor Cruise in Long Beach

Image of Vehicle, Yacht, Person, Boat, Get out on the water and see whales, dolphins, and other marine life up close, right off the coast of California. Experienced and knowledgeable marine mammal educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific narrate each tour providing valuable insight and interesting facts about the sea animals, their environment, and more. It’s a great way to spend some time during a gorgeous Los Angeles afternoon. Getting In: Long Beach Cruise tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Fun Options to Visit During Your Trip:

Are you looking for some more exciting ideas to include during your trip? There is something for everyone in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive! There are plenty of other fun options to choose from, including these activities included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Knott's Berry Farm - Adventure seekers head to Knott’s Berry Farm for roller coasters and gravity-defying thrill rides. Children’s rides and family rides are also a plenty. Pacific Park- Santa Monica Pier - Take a ride on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel or ride one of the exciting roller coasters at Pacific Park. You can also play games and get all of the traditional mouth-watering fair food available on the Santa Monica Pier. Sony Pictures Studio Tour - If you are looking for an adults-only option, the Sony Pictures Studio Tour provides behind the scenes looks at sets of many of your favorite shows and movies. Only children ages 12 and up are permitted. Perry's Beach Cafe and Rentals - If you want to get outdoors and work up a sweat, you can rent bikes, rollers skates, and much more from Perry’s Beach Café and Rentals! They also have beach gear for rent as well. Hollywood Museum - See some of the most iconic items from your favorite movies and shows—from famous props to jaw-dropping costumes. Get close to “old Hollywood” in a completely new way.

Free Activities for a Budget Friendly Vacation

The Beaches - Los Angeles is known for its beaches, and many are free and open to the public. Los Angeles is home to eight amazing beaches. Every visit to Los Angeles on a budget should include at least one beach visit! Griffith Observatory - Griffith Observatory offers unique views into the night sky and breathtaking views of the city high above Los Angeles. They also offer exhibits and live shows. Hike to the Hollywood Sign - The iconic Hollywood sign is just a hike away! The hike goes through the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and offers amazing views of the city below. Although you cannot touch the sign, hiking directly to the sign is the closest you can get! La Brea Tar Pits - This exhibit is home to the most well-known fossil site. See the pit itself and check out their amazing fossil lab. The history and the excavation process will fascinate adults and kids alike. Explore Santa Monica Pier - No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a trip to the Santa Monic Pier for special events, concerts, and more. There is something for everyone on the pier!

Let's Recap on Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget

Don’t let your vacation budget limit your fun! Visiting Los Angeles on a budget is possible, and the Go Los Angeles Card can help, where you can save up to 55% on combined attraction admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, many of these great budget friendly attraction options and more are included on the Go Los Angeles Card, So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your Los Angeles vacation itinerary.

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Visiting Knott's Berry Farm - Discount Admission Tickets, Tips & More

Knott's Berry Farm, America's first theme park, is an excellent place for you and your family to spend a day during your time in Southern California. Knott's is ideal for a day-long adventure, with its stellar a lineup of ride and attractions. There are even attractions geared towards all ages and styles, so there's something for everyone at this delightful attraction. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the Knott's Berry Farm. It's packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for Knott's Berry Farm Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Knott's Berry Farm admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices. Tips for Visiting Knott's Berry Farm Present your Go City Card at the Guest Services Window for your general admission ticket. You'll see several ticket booths at the front of the park. But if you already have a Go City Card, head just beyond that area to the Guest Services building to get your tickets. Take your time and enjoy the park. There are some amazing craftsmen at work in Ghost Town. You won't want to miss the fine attention to detail given to the park's features. Knott's Berry Farm is a lovely park, and it's worth a leisurely stroll to enjoy the scenery. Try some boysenberries. Although they're sold throughout the country, buying a jar of boysenberries at the actual park is part of the Knott's experience. Cool off in the Voyage to the Iron Reef. One of the newest features at Knott's is a video game-like ride. You will wear 3D glasses and battle evil sea creatures. You'll want to ride it in the middle of the day when the sun is at its warmest point. Much of the line is in the shade and the ride is inside and air conditioned. The Sky Cabin ride is also air conditioned and offers an amazing view of the park from a height of 180 feet. Paying for the dryer is well worth the money. After you ride Bigfoot Rapids, use the dryer machine that sits on the right, outside the entrance to the ride. It costs a few dollars, but it's well worth it, particularly when your whole family can stand inside. When is the best time to visit Knott's Berry Farm? Any time is a good time to visit Knott's Berry Farm! With the seasonal celebrations and year-round schedule, Knott's offers fun and excitement every month of the year. You'll want to devote at least half a day to Knott's Berry Farm, so arriving near the opening hour will allow you to experience as much as possible at this fun park. What should I bring to Knott's Berry Farm? If you have any experience visiting theme parks, you know that it's important to stay hydrated when it's hot (and it's often hot in Orange County), so items like hats and sunglasses are an important part of your visit. Here are a few extra items you may want to bring along... Knott's features two water rides including the Timber Mountain Log Ride and Bigfoot Rapids, and you may want to bring water shoes for these rides. Even though you can use the dryer after you ride, sneakers definitely take a while to dry. Don't forget to bring a few sealable plastic bags to store your water shoes after you use them! Bring a canvas bag to store your goodies if you plan to do some shopping. There are several opportunities around the park to pick up handmade crafts and fun items like old fashioned photographs. You can store your bag and goodies in the park's lockers in Ghost Town. Shopping is so popular at Knott's that the park offers 45-minute entry passes just for shopping. Make sure your sunglasses have a strap or be prepared to take them off on most thrill rides and roller coasters. The attendants will ask you to remove your sunglasses for many of the fastest rides, so it's helpful to have a handy pocket for your shades. You may opt to bring your own water into the park. Make sure it's in an insulated cooler that's no larger than a foot. What is there to do at Knott's Berry Farm? Your experience at Knott's Berry Farm will likely be shaped by the age of your children and what you're all interested in as travelers. You'll probably get familiar with the roller coasters if your children are somewhere above 48" or 52" tall and love "twists, turns, and towering plunges." If the kids don't yet reach the minimum height requirement for the biggest rides, the park also offers a slew of family rides and children's adventures, so everyone will get to enjoy a few rides at any age. What roller coasters are there at Knott's Berry Farm? Here are a few of the roller coasters you might want to try out during your Knott's visit: Coast Rider: This unique ride takes you high in the air for an initial dive. Then, the track turns into a series of horizontal twists and turns. It feels like you're barreling down the Pacific Coast Highway in your classic car. GhostRider: A huge wooden roller coaster, GhostRider is visible from well outside the park. It reaches a top speed of 56 mph! It's the biggest ride in the park, and one of the longest wooden roller coasters anywhere on the planet. Montezooma's Revenge: This roller coaster travels in two directions and reaches its top speed of 55 mph in just three seconds. You'll feel some serious g-forces as the ride hurtles through its seven-story loops. Silver Bullet: Your feet dangle in the air on this inverted roller coaster that takes you high into the air for an initial plunge. Then, it will send you through a series of corkscrew turns. You'll spend a lot of time upside down on Silver Bullet. Supreme Scream: This ride sends you up a vertical tower that reaches 252 feet into the air. Then it drops you for a weightless plunge at 50 mph. Supreme Scream is an ideal ride if you want to feel a huge drop like you might experience on a roller coaster, but you don't want the jarring experience of racing along a track. Xcelerator: Knott's shares that this ride hurls you out of the starting gate from 0 to 82 miles an hour in just 2.3 seconds. If you love fast rides, head for Xcelerator first and then ride it again before you leave! It's definitely worth more than one trip through the line. What family rides are there at Knott's Berry Farm? If you're visiting Knott's with a few pint size adventure-seekers, you won't be short of rides. Knott's offers several "low thrill" rides for the kiddos, as well as some rides that offer fun without crazy speeds, twists, and spins. Here are a few: Calico Railroad: You'll ride an authentic locomotive train from the nineteenth century. Plus, you'll hear a few cool tidbits about the park's history along the way. Guests have been riding the railroad since the early 1950s at Knott's, and the park shares that the railroad has "the highest crime rate in all of Orange County." What does this mean for you? Take a ride on the railroad to find out! Timber Mountain Log Ride: A classic "log flume" ride, Timber Mountain Log Ride travels through an elaborate recreation of a 19th-century mining town. The ride was updated in 2013 with new effects and features. Voyage to the Iron Reef: This new ride is interactive and is as fun for adults as it is for children. You'll get a pair of 3D glasses and a "ray gun" that you'll use to shoot invading attackers from the bottom of the ocean. It's an awesome experience with the entire family. What rides are there for kids at Knott's Berry Farm? Knott's also provides the youngest thrill-seekers with quite a few mini adventures including the Balloon Race hot air balloon ride and the Huff and Puff mini mining car ride. You'll also see the Rocky Mountain Trucking Company ride where kids travel along a little highway in their miniature 18-wheeler. Seasons of Fun Be sure to check out the seasonal celebrations at Knott's if you're visiting Southern California in the fall or winter. Knott's Scary Farm is the terrifyingly fun Halloween festival, and it runs during the month of October. If your family includes toddlers or small children, you'll want to try Knott's Spooky Farm. It's the tame version of the Halloween celebration. Knott's Merry Farm comes along during the holiday season. The entire park is decorated, and you'll see a nightly tree lighting ceremony. If your vacation is scheduled for the spring, you might get to see the Knott's Boysenberry Festival. It features live entertainment and "farm fresh fun." What attractions are near Knott's Berry Farm? While Knott's Berry Farm itself is located in Buena Park, quite a way away from downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood attractions, there's still fun to be had elsewhere in the neighborhood! If you're visiting in the summer, Knott's Soak City is almost next door to Knott's Berry Farm and features water rides and wave pools. It's their sister waterpark and has recently undergone a renovation to upgrade rides and add to the overall park experience. There's also a Medieval Times location right nearby, which is tons of fun for those who love historical flair in their dining experiences. Visitors may also enjoy Pirate's Dinner Adventure, a similar attraction. Buena Park Downtown is a nearby shopping center slash entertainment complex that can also provide plenty of entertainment. Get some mall time in, take in a movie, and more. Where to eat near Knott's Berry Farm? Knott's will allow you to exit the park for a meal and return, as long as you have a hand stamp. But you have many options for eating inside the park, too. Each themed section of the park offers a particular type of food. For example, you'll find cheeseburgers and fries at The Boardwalk and Mexican food in Fiesta Village. If you have a hankering for fries, visit Papa Loca in Fiesta Village. It sells six different kinds of loaded fries. You'll find some gluten-free and vegan options at the Cantina. The best place to sit down inside to eat is at Camp Snoopy's Grizzly Creek Lodge. If you'd like to take a stroll right outside the park for dining, you'll find several options along Grand Ave., which runs along the eastern side of Knott's. If you're in the mood for fried chicken, visit Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. You'll find a TGI Friday's right across the street from the entrance, as well as a Claim Jumper immediately north of the park. Save on Tickets with a Go Los Angeles Card Remember, the Go Los Angeles® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Knotts Berry Farm tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple L.A. attractions for one low price.
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Top Los Angeles Theme Parks - A Quick Guide for First Timers to Southern California

Los Angeles County is home to more than 10 million people, and the sunny locale boasts more than its fair share of theme parks. If your vacation will take you to Los Angeles this year, you'll want to add a day or an afternoon spent at one of Southern California's most exciting destinations. The ideal theme park awaits your family whether you're traveling with wee ones and need some gentle rides or you're vacationing with teenagers who love whirling, twirling roller coasters. Need some help selecting your Los Angeles theme park s and other fun destinations? Here's all the information you need to arrange an exciting and one-of-a-kind Los Angeles vacation at theme parks near Los Angeles. Admission to Los Angeles Theme Parks A number of these popular Los Angeles theme parks, plus other great Los Angeles area attractions, are included on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Universal Studios Hollywood Known for its slogan as the "Entertainment Capital of L.A.," Universal Studios is an expansive historic landmark that sits north of Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley. The world famous studio first opened in 1919, and the amusement park came along in 1951. (we also recapped some of the best Hollywood Studio Tours - if that interests you) The property is home to a slew of working television stations and a busy movie studio, and it also welcomes more than 6 million visitors each year to its thrill rides, shows, and the famous studio tour. The attractions at Universal often feature flight simulations and 3D technology, so you won't see a park full of traditional roller coasters when you visit this place. The park recently opened its "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" to much acclaim. Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are available as a premium option on the 3- ,5-, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles® Cards. Knott's Soak City Water Park Located just a half mile from the entrance of Knott's Berry Farm, Knott's Soak City is one of Southern California's popular water parks with rides and attractions that cater to all ages. Some attractions, like the six-lane race ride "Banzai Falls" require riders reach a height of at least 42", and other attractions like Gremmie Lagoon are designed for children and have no height requirement. The park operates from May until September, and visiting Knott's Berry Farm one day and Knott's Soak City the next is a fun and easy way to spend a few days of your Los Angeles visit. Getting In: Knott's Soak City Water Park tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. Disneyland A Southern California landmark since 1955, Disneyland Park lures a whopping 16 million visitors each year to its sunny Anaheim location. Disneyland is located in Anaheim, which is south of Los Angeles in Orange County. The size of Disneyland, as well as its proximity to Disney California Adventure Park (right across the street), means an overnight stay in an Orange County hotel is an excellent way to make sure you get to the park early. Most of the rides at Disneyland are appropriate for children, and there are only a few rides that have a strict height requirement and a recommendation on age. The "big kid" rides are usually found across the street at Disney California Adventure Park. Getting In: Disneyland admission is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, please visit the attraction website. Disney California Adventure Families often choose to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure at the same time since the park entrances are right next to one another. While the rides at Disneyland cater mostly to very young visitors (and the young-at-heart), Disney California Adventure offers some genuine thrill rides. The park opened in the not-too-distant past in 2001, but it wasn't as popular as Disneyland until the park's designers began adding extra attractions and thrill rides. A massive expansion of the park occurred in 2012 with the addition of Cars Land, which is based on the popular series of Pixar "Cars" features. Disney California Adventure features traditional rides like the California Screamin' coaster, as well as 3D rides like the kid-friendly Toy Story Midway Mania. Thrill-seekers will like the Tower of Terror and the Grizzly Rapids water ride, which is a must-see in the summer. Getting In: Disney California Adventure admission is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, please visit the attraction website. Let's Recap Remember, you can save on admission to a number of the Los Angeles area's most popular theme parks with the Go San Los Angeles® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Go City Expert
4th of July
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10+ fun things to do Los Angeles for 4th of July

Looking for things to do this 4th of July weekend in the Los Angeles area? Take advantage of the holiday and embark on a relaxing getaway to Los Angeles. From parades to fireworks, there are plenty of ways to get your patriotism on! If you’re looking for Los Angeles 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things to do in Los Angeles in July, including... Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July Aquarium of the Pacific 4th of July BBQ 4th of July Block Party - Grand Park Marina del Rey Fireworks AmericaFest Celebration - Rosebowl and more... Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July Celebrate Independence Day at Knott's Berry Farm with world-class live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show the whole family will love. Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm, with bonus fireworks shows in early July if you can't make the 4th. With extended hours, 10am – 11pm, there is more time to enjoy all that Knott’s has to offer. Visit knotts.com for the entertainment show schedule. July Fourth Late-Night BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific Take the whole family to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a unique July 4th you'll never forget. This Fourth of July BBQ features a ton of great local grilled fare plus adult beverages and much more. Then, you'll also get late-night access to the Aquarium itself - what better way to encounter some of their rare sea creatures? The aquarium will be open until 10pm. Enjoy the perfect view for the waterfront fireworks show, too, set off by the Queen Mary historic haunted vessel (more on her below!) Please note: July Fourth Late Night BBQ is separately ticketed and is not included on the pass. All-American 4th of July aboard the Queen Mary Spend an entire day celebrating the history of America aboard the magnificent Queen Mary. Soak up live entertainment, games and activities for kids, special historic tours, and a patriotic film. At the end of the day, their famous fireworks spectacular will go off, set to patriotic music against the summer sky. Interested in exploring this historic ship? Tour of the vessel on another day earlier in the weekend.  Insider tip: Buy tickets early, as this is a very popular local event. Pacific Palisades Fourth of July parade This beach-centric event is the perfect way to do July 4th, L.A.-style. A group of red, white, and blue-themed skydivers will mark the start of the parade. Then, enjoy all your usual parade fanfare with everything from dance and baton twirling to music and more along Sunset Boulevard. Enjoy all of the merriment for free. 4th of July block party - Grand Park Head on over to Grand Park for a free, family-friendly block party. Spend the day picnicking as you enjoy live music and performances. Experience an amazing light and pyro show in Downtown Los Angeles, beginning after sunset. Los Angeles’s finest food trucks will provide a range of tasty food options. Please keep in mind that no alcohol is permitted, but you may bring empty water bottles to fill at the event. Marina Del Rey fireworks The Marina Del Rey fireworks boast a 20-minute presentation followed by a spectacular finale. Watch the stunning display set to synchronized music on KXLU 88.9FM from Burton Chance Park or Fisherman’s Village for the best viewing experience. Fireworks will shoot from a barge across from the Marina’s main channel, lighting up both the sea and the sky. Though the fireworks start at 9pm, you can spend all day at Marina del Rey. Bring a picnic and a blanket to spread out on the lawn, or dine at a seaside restaurant. AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl is one of the most well-known 4th of July events in L.A. In fact, it features one of the largest fireworks displays in all of Southern California. This event is one rocking celebration, with music from premier bands. Everyone will love the amazing pyrotechnics and motorcycle stunts. There will also be plenty of food and craft vendors for you to explore. Studio City Fourth of July fireworks festival This exciting event takes place every year at the CBS Studio Center. You'll find live music and entertainment, a car expo, local business spotlights, and plenty of kid-friendly games and other activities. If you've got a hefty budget, it may be worth checking out their special offerings! End the night with an exhilarating fireworks show. Explore the great outdoors Even though the weather is likely to be on the warmer side, it's still a great time of year to explore the great outdoors during your 4th of July weekend getaway. Spend some time in lovely Santa Monica, with perfect boardwalks for biking, strolling, and rollerblading. Take a look at Pacific Park, a classic amusement park the whole family will enjoy. Or, head to Griffith Park for some picnicking, running, hiking, and more. While you're there, hit up the L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens! Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City® Discover our full line-up of Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign Tour, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and more. 🤩>> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. 😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.
Katie Sagal

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