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

By Go City Expert

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.

Go City Expert
Go City Travel Expert

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One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary - Experience LA in a Day for Under $100

Traveling to California and only have one day in Los Angeles? Looking for just that perfect combination of must-see attractions to really make your trip shine? We’ve put together a sample one day in Los Angeles itinerary to help you make your travel plans, so you don’t need to worry about what to go and where to see with so little time on your hands. This one day itinerary includes: Hop-on Hop-off Los Angeles Tour Santa Monica Pier Aquarium 3rd Street Promenade (free!) Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier Spending more time in Los Angeles? Take a peek at one of our sample 2 day or popular 3 day itineraries. Save on Attraction Admission Visit these top attractions and save up to 50% off vs. paying at the gate with a Go Los Angeles® Card. Remember, this one-day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Los Angeles. The Go Los Angeles® Card gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Stop #1: Hop-on Hop-off Los Angeles Bus Tour If you've only got one day in L.A., then a tour is an excellent way to see a full overview of the city without getting bogged down in the details. Starline Tours offers a hop-on hop-off option that gives you the flexibility to explore where you'd like, or just sit back and enjoy the narration. The entire route takes about two hours to ride straight through, so that might be your smartest bet if you want to fit the most into your one day. Some of the top attractions and sites you'll see on your ride include Rodeo Drive, 3rd Street Promenade, Fox Studios, and many more. The tour departs from and returns to the Santa Monica Pier, so you're right in the neighborhood for your next attractions, too. Getting In: Hop-on Hop-off Los Angeles Tour tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card Stop #3: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium Image Credit: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a must-see attraction in the Los Angeles area for nature and science lovers. Featuring nearly 100 different species that are all native to Santa Monica Bay, this interactive aquarium has so many fascinating creatures to examine. From eels and octopi to sharks and sea urchins, they’ve got it all. If you happen to visit on a Sunday, be sure not to miss out on the shark feeding and an informative presentation at the open-top shark exhibit. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. It’s only open in the afternoon, so post lunch is the perfect time to visit. Getting In: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Stop #4: 3rd Street Promenade (free!) This downtown Santa Monica destination is a must-see for visitors to the Los Angeles area. This is really the heart of downtown, filled with all the best shops, restaurants, and more. You can just stroll about, window shop, and people watch, or spend a bit of cash on that perfect souvenir. We recommend reserving about an hour to explore this neighborhood, perhaps more if you’re really interested in some shopping or drinks. Stop #5: Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier This amusement park is conveniently located right on the Santa Monica Pier, so it’s the perfect end to your day in Santa Monica. Opened in 1916, this historic park is filled with classic rides and modern thrills. Take a spin on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, whip around the iconic West Coaster--the only West Coast ocean front steel roller coaster--bounce around on Inkie's Wave Jumper, surf simulation ride, drop 9 stories on the Pacific Plunge, and more. They even have a bunch of arcade games for you to enjoy, from the classic “Wac-a-Mole” to the “Riptide Ring Toss.” It’s great fun for kids and adults alike. These arcade games do require additional costs. In order to maximize your one day in Los Angeles, just check in to this attraction before 5:30 and then you can stay as long as you’d like until closing! Getting In: Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Let’s Recap So there’s your perfect one day in Los Angeles. From Hollywood and the silver screen to the natural world and the historical fun of a good old-fashioned theme park, this day is sure to make you smile. With the Go Los Angeles Card you can save even more on included extras like dining and shopping!
Casey Makovich
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Los Angeles Memorial Day Weekend

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Things to do in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling and diverse city quite unlike any other. And whilst the area is undoubtedly exciting, it has far more to offer outside Hollywood and Santa Monica. Though it’s probably not the first place that springs to mind for most first-time visitors, Downtown Los Angeles presents a whole myriad of cool and interesting things to see and do. Some sights are iconic must-sees, whilst others provide a whole new perspective on the West Coast. Whether you’re into beautiful architecture, music history, or world-famous restaurants, this area is a whirlwind of activity. That being said, it can be a bewildering task to narrow down just a few of the best stops in the district. But if you’re having trouble with your vacation plan, don’t fear - we’ve done all of the heavy lifting for you! Check out our list of some of the best attractions and activities in Downtown Los Angeles. Make a note of your favorites and get out there and enjoy the city! Hit the Classics Anybody visiting Los Angeles for art and culture certainly won’t be disappointed. With an impressive roster of cultural institutions ranging from must-see visitor attractions to fantastic hidden gems, there’s a little something for everybody here. And of course, located just downtown, The Broad offers one of the most impressive collections of contemporary art in the United States. Visitors will be hard-pressed to miss this spot, as it is well-known for its unique honeycomb-like exterior. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy a remarkable and diverse collection, comprising of around 2,000 works. The repository is very visitor-friendly, with lots of household names on show. Highlights include Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, Jasper Johns’ Flag, and Roy Lichtenstein’s ‘’I...I’m Sorry!’’. In addition, the institute is recognized for housing Yayoi Kusama’s "Infinity Mirrored Room", a captivating starry installation piece. A thoroughly delightful cultural endeavor, this one is well worth the visit. It practically goes without saying that L.A. is a great place to explore for pop culture fans and lovers of the performed arts. For those who are looking to learn more about the development of the entertainment industry, we highly recommend checking out some of the city’s fantastic specialty museums. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Grammy Museum works to provide a comprehensive overview of the history, artistry and technology of the music industry. Inside, visitors can enjoy four floors of historical musical artifact displays, extravagant costumes, remarkable media works and much more. There are interactive music stations and recording booths to enhance the experience. In addition, visitors can catch behind-the-scenes live performances, seminars and classes in the institute’s 200-seat state-of-the-art theater. The perfect stop for all creative types, this spot provides a great glimpse into the extraordinary progression of the modern music world. Explore the Area To truly soak up the nature of a city, there’s no better place than the local market. A popular city attraction and downtown L.A. mainstay, the Grand Central Market is well-recognized for its energetic mix of artisanal purveyors and wonderful fruit and veggie kiosks. From fresh seafood to slow-cooked pork, this spot is a total treat for the senses. Pull up a chair and sample local delicacies or browse as you eat. Walking through the market, you’ll be able to find everything from handmade jewellery and beautiful flowers to that perfect bottle of wine. It’s also a great place to stock up on classic ethnic pantry items like dried chiles, Mexican hot sauces, or Spanish olives. With its wide variety of choices and vibrant atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better spot to grab a bite to eat in downtown Los Angeles. Another one of our favorite places to check out in Downtown L.A. has got to be the Arts District. Once a gritty urban neighborhood, this spot has undergone incredible revitalization over the past few years, with fantastic galleries, eclectic stores and trendy bars making it a top destination for locals and visitors alike. The first thing you’ll want to do in the area is of course head over to some of its most wonderful galleries - we suggest Hauser & Wirth for contemporary art and Wisdome L.A. for something a little bit different. For those who are looking to shop til they drop, we recommend making the trip to Dover Street Market. Billed by Vogue as a total ‘’game changer’’, this expansive warehouse-turned-fashion retailer offers lower price points on a wide array of coveted designer collections. And if you’re looking to kick back after a long day of exploration, the Arts District is brimming with fantastic cocktail bars, karaoke clubs and pubs. Offering a true taste of the city and a ‘’live like the locals’’ vibe, the Arts District is the perfect place to get to know Los Angeles. See Some Wonderful Architecture Los Angeles is full of amazing architecture - from the glamorous mansions of Beverly Hills to the iconic Getty Center, there’s a lot for design geeks to sink their teeth into. Still, if you’re looking for incredible artistry right in the heart of downtown, we recommend checking out the Bradbury Building. Since its inception in 1893, this timeless and unique treasure has been blowing visitors with its incredible terracotta facade and beautiful interior. It was designed by architect George H. Wyman in the Italian Renaissance Revival style which was current at the time. Since then, the structure has been added to the National Register of Historic Places and is now recognized as the city’s oldest landmarked building. Today, visitors can take guided tours to marvel at the building’s dark polished wood details, intricate wrought-iron balconies, and stunning skylight. This spot should only be a short visit - but don’t worry, there are plenty of great attractions and restaurants nearby. As one of Southern California’s most remarkable architectural achievements, we don’t recommend skipping out on this one! There’s a whole lot in Downtown L.A. just waiting to be uncovered. From world-class art galleries and emblematic architecture to great shopping destinations and bustling food stops, the area pretty much has it all. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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