If you are planning a California vacation this year, consider adding Los Angeles to your list. On a budget? We have you covered! Here are six of my family's Los Angeles budget-friendly favorite attractions:
🔬 California Science Center
Cost: Free admission to permanent exhibits. Expect to pay for IMAX, special exhibits, and parking.
California Science Center has an impressive array of hands-on, interactive exhibits for all ages including toddlers. The exhibit topics are current such as climate change, alternative energy sources, and natural disasters. The Discovery Center for ages 7 and under is a fantastic play space for imaginary play. There is even a room full of iPads featuring educational games.
If the weather is nice (which it usually is!), step outside the California Science Museum and stroll through the Rose Garden across the street. There is a gorgeous water fountain for photo opps.
🏖 Santa Monica Pier
Cost: Free to visit. Expect to pay for rides, shopping, food, parking, and other incidentals.
Head to the Pacific where historic Route 66 ends at Santa Monica Pier. You can stay the whole day to take in this beautiful beach town complete with walking paths, shops, restaurants, ferris wheel, carousel, and carnival rides and concessions.
The pier is open all day but check individual businesses for hours of operation.
🍝 Eataly Food Hall
Cost: Free to visit. Expect to pay for food, drinks, and shopping.
When you have had your beach fix, head east and check out everything Italian at Eataly, an Italian-themed food hall and market located at the glitzy Century 21 Mall. Sip an espresso, grab a gelato, or shop for souvenirs and treats throughout the store’s two levels.
If the weather is nice, make a reservation at the rooftop restaurant Terra to enjoy small plates, cocktails, and a view of the hills of Los Angeles.
🛍 Rodeo Drive
Cost: Free to visit. Expect to pay for shopping and other incidentals.
A visit to Los Angeles isn’t compete without a drive through world-famous Rodeo Drive where fashion, design, and affluence meet to create stunning and creative window displays.
During the holidays from mid-November through the end of December, the streets are decorated with festive lights and each store has stunning holiday displays. Stop in front of the Louis Vuitton store for a cute photo opp with the “Life is Beautiful” sculpture.
🎬Downtown Hollywood
Cost: Free to visit. Expect to pay for souvenirs, movie screenings, and other incidentals.
If you have a few extra hours, visit the touristy downtown Hollywood where you can find sidewalks lined with the names of celebrity stars along the Walk of Fame. You can also check out a movie at the famous Chinese Theater, and get a great view of the iconic Hollywood sign on the hills at the behemoth outdoor mall Hollywood & Highland.
📚UCLA and Westwood Village
Cost: Free to visit. Expect to pay for shopping and incidentals.
The campus of UCLA is a good stop if your kids are interested in checking out colleges. It also offers several free attractions including a botanical garden and the Hammer Museum showcasing contemporary art.
The surrounding Westwood Village has walkable streets for familiar shops and chain restaurants like Urban Outfitters, Trader Joe’s, and California Pizza Kitchen, as well as more unique dining options like Napa Valley Grill.
Looking for more California fun? Check out:
Angeline Sheridan is a travel enthusiast and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Northeast Bergen, NJ.
