Restaurants, spas, shopping centers, hikes, museums, waterfalls, movies, surfing, comedy clubs… pretty much everything you can think of in terms of fun and entertainment can be found in L.A. However, it’s true that some of the best activities might be out of reach for those on a tight budget. But don’t let your bank account hold you back, here, we’ll explore the best cheap activities in Los Angeles that you can enjoy today!
1. Hike your way up to the Hollywood Sign
Whether you’re looking for a way to work out, explore nature, or simply enjoy stunning sunset views over the city, a quick hike to the Hollywood Sign is always a great idea. If you’re already familiar with the area or prefer to make plans on your own, just lace up your sneakers and head up there, which is free.
If you enjoy socializing with others and you’re new in town, you might want to book a ticket to join a group hike.
2. Wander at the Getty Villa and Getty Center
The Getty name is associated with two outstanding L.A. museums: The Getty Center, a hilltop complex featuring ornate French furniture and renowned Impressionist artworks, and the Getty Villa, a coastal estate showcasing a rich collection of antiquities.
📍 Location: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
💸 Price: Free entrance, $20 parking fee.
3. Refresh your wardrobe at the Rose Bowl
Nothing beats a bit of shopping therapy… but in Los Angeles, where there are so many malls, it can easily get out of hand and end up breaking the bank. If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe while doing something good for the planet, one of the cheap things to do in Los Angeles is to check out the Rose Bowl Flea Market or explore one of the many vintage stores in the city.
📍 Location: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103
💸 Price: $20 entrance fee
4. Explore your creativity at Remainders
This second-hand, sustainable craft store in Pasadena offers a wide range of items for your next craft adventure, whether solo or with friends. From yarn and fabric to picture frames, you’ll find everything at very affordable prices.
The store is dedicated to giving donated items a second life, making art more accessible to everyone. In addition to shopping, you can also join classes and workshops on sewing, crochet, and embroidery. It’s a perfect budget-friendly plan for your next weekend!
📍 Location: 787 E Washington Blvd, Suite 101 Pasadena, CA 91104
💸 Price: $0.50-$3
5. Have a drink at Frolic Room
Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland used to drink here, and interestingly, this is where Elizabeth Short, the real Black Dahlia, was last seen. This made it the perfect choice for Brian De Palma to use as the main location for his 2006 film, The Black Dahlia.
Here, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time while enjoying a slice of Hollywood history. The best part? The drinks are excellent and affordable, the atmosphere is unmatched, and there’s even a jukebox to play some fantastic classics.
📍 Location: 6245 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
💸 Price: $10-$20
6. Fulfill your cravings at Grand Central Market
Nothing beats soaking up the city vibes like going out to eat, right? While Los Angeles offers dining options for every taste, from Michelin-starred restaurants to food trucks, you don’t need to explore the whole city to find them. At Grand Central Market, you’ll find countless affordable choices, from seafood to tacos.
Almost every one of the more than 35 vendors has menu items priced below $15, making it one of the best cheap activities in Los Angeles. Keep in mind that the place can be packed, so it’s best to go early and be patient.
📍 Location: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
💸 Price: $10-$20
7. Catch brand-new movies on a Tuesday
As prices rise at second-run theaters and single-screen movie houses, we have to admit that the best bargain can often be found at the multiplex. On Tuesdays, you can catch a movie for less than $7 at any AMC theater, provided you’ve signed up for the free tier of their rewards program. It’s one of the top cheap attractions in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: All AMC theaters in town
💸 Price: $5
8. Explore the Virginia Robinsons Garden
Nature and botanical garden enthusiasts, this one’s for you! This 6.2-acre property is not only a picturesque hidden gem, but also a historical landmark: it was the first luxury estate built in Beverly Hills.
A 90-minute guided tour will take you through the mansion and its various gardens, including the kitchen garden and the king palm forest. It’s one of the best cheap activities in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
💸 Price: $15 entrance fee for adults
9. Ride the Angeles Flight Railway
Angeles Flight is truly the little funicular that could. This block-long railway has endured mechanical issues, long closures, and relocations, yet it continues to transport passengers up Bunker Hill more than a century after its debut. You can hop on its tiered cars from either Hill Street or Olive Street for less than two dollars.
📍 Location: 351 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
💸 Price: $1 each way
10. Try a new cocktail at Tiki No
Want to experience Polynesia without breaking the bank? You can do it right here in Los Angeles at the city’s many tiki bars. At these spots, every step, scent, and flavor will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a parallel dimension in the heart of Hawaii. Tiki No, in particular, is one of the best places to go, where your tab at the end of the night will hopefully come in at under $30.
📍 Location: 4657 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602
💸 Price: $10-$20
11. Tour the Hollyhock House
Los Angeles is full of architectural marvels and unique buildings, but some of the most captivating are those designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The 1921 Mayan-inspired house, originally conceived as a “progressive theatrical community” space by activist and oil heiress Aline Barnsdall, now serves as the centerpiece of Barnsdall Park.
📍 Location: 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
💸 Price: $7 for adults
12. Unleash your inner Tiger Woods at Arroyo Seco Mini Golf
Golf may be an elitist sport, with players often sporting expensive polo shirts and professional gear. However, you can still enjoy this relaxing game on a budget with its mini version.
Perfect for birthday parties or family outings with kids, Arroyo Seco Mini Golf lets you navigate a colorful golf ball through a wooden lighthouse, a pink castle, and around a green barn house, all for a very affordable price. It’s one of the best budget activities in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 1055 Lohman Ln, South Pasadena, CA 91030
💸 Price: 9 Holes, $13 per person
13. Enjoy a delicious smashburger at Heavy Handed
Los Angeles cuisine is incredibly diverse, but nothing compares to our iconic and legendary burgers. If you want to feel like Anthony Bourdain and explore some of the most delicious patties topped with melted cheese, you must visit Heavy Handed.
Not only are their burgers legendary in town, but they are also huge, paired with unforgettable fries, and offered at a very friendly price.
📍 Location: 11838 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
💸 Price: $10-$20
14. Dream about your next car at the Petersen Automotive Museum
We love cars, they take us everywhere, offering maximum comfort while we blast music and sing our hearts out at a red light. Whether you already own a car and want to check out other models, or you can’t afford one yet but need some inspiration for your vision board, you can explore over 300 cars for under $25 at this amazing museum!
📍 Location: 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
💸 Price: General admission $21
15. Enjoy the many birthday freebies available in L.A.
From a slice of cake to discounts on clothes and arcade games, there are plenty of shops and chains around the city offering birthday rewards for their customers. With a little planning, you can save big on your celebration, score some great gifts, and treat your guests without breaking the bank.