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35 Los Angeles Travel Tips! {What to Know BEFORE You Go}

June 18, 2012 By Heidi 4 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

Make your next trip to LA amazing with these Los Angeles Travel Tips and hidden gems you won’t want to miss!

Los Angeles Travel Tips and Tricks

Best Los Angeles Travel Tips from TheFrugalGirls.com

Planning a trip to Los Angeles, California?  From sunny beaches to star-studded movie scenes, and iconic food to some of the best theme parks in the world, there really is so much more to do than you can possibly imagine!

Just don’t leave home without reading these family friendly Los Angeles Travel Tips shared by myself and your very own frugal friends.  Living in Phoenix, we visit LA almost every summer.  There are so many fun things to do and it’s an easy place to get away for a long weekend.

So keep reading for a list of what you can’t afford to miss…

Los Angeles Travel Tips

Related: 

  • How to Travel for Free or Cheap! {19 Budget Travel Hacks}

21 Los Angeles Travel Tips {What You Can't Afford to Miss} from TheFrugalGirls.com

How To Visit Los Angeles On A Budget:

So You’re Planning a Trip to Los Angeles?  To keep your vacation budget-friendly, you’ll need to plan ahead.  One of the first things you’ll want to do is start stashing cash away for your  ‘LA Trip Fund’.  Need to increase your travel fund stash?  One of the easiest ways is to make extra money on the side in your free time!  Here’s my favorite trick for ramping up the vacation budget…

Easy Side Hustles to Save Money For Vacation

Top Survey Sites to Make Money Online

How to Get Cheap Flights To Los Angeles and Southern California:

Wondering how to get cheap flights?  My favorite trick is to load up on free mileage points and airline gift cards, then use them to dramatically cut the cost on airfare!  I’ve scored so many free flights this way!  Are you ready to start earning your free airlines miles and gift cards?  Here’s what you need to do…

Best Travel Hacking Credit Cards! {How I Get FREE Flights and Hotel Nights}

Hacking Credit Cards Travel

25 Southwest Airlines Hacks! {What To Know BEFORE You Fly}

Southwest Airlines Tips and Tricks for Flights

18 American Airlines Flight Hacks {Weird Tricks Everyone Should Know}

17 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks {Savvy Travel Hacking Ideas}

Where to Stay in and around Los Angeles:

Wondering How to Earn Free Hotel Nights for your next vacation?  It’s so much easier than you think!  Here’s how I travel the world and stay at nice hotels for FREE…

How to Earn Free Hotel Nights {7 Secret Tricks}

How to Save Money on Hotels

In addition to hotels, I also recommend staying at a VRBO when visiting Los Angeles to save BIG on your trip.  VRBO has so many vacation rentals listed by owner, and they can be such a great way to find nice lodging that is way less expensive than the hotels.  I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO’s, and loved every one.  Not only were they often significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came fully stocked with convenient amenities that saved us SO much money!

Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO?  These little known hacks will save you SO much money!  Check this out…

How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO

VRBO Discounts and Hacks

My Top Los Angeles Travel Tips…

I love visiting the LA area.  There are so many fun things to see and do all around Los Angeles, you could never get bored!  Here are a few of my favorite things you definitely won’t want to miss…

Spend a Day at the Los Angeles Zoo:

If you’ve got the kids along, a stop at the Los Angeles Zoo is a must!  Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen!  My boys really loved this zoo… we spent an entire day here!  The zoo is located at: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA.

The Los Angeles Zoo

Los Angeles Zoo

Visit Universal Studios Hollywood:

Spend the day learning how movies are made, experiencing exhilarating rides, and enjoying the fun shops and restaurants along the Universal Studio Walk.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Los Angeles Travel Guide

Shop and Play at the Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade:

I absolutely LOVE Santa Monica… and if you’re in the L.A. area, you need to visit.  Spend the day playing in the waves and sand at the Santa Monica Beach, just next to the pier.  Then take some time in the evening to check out the fun shops and tasty restaurants along the Promenade.  You might even be treated to some fun live music from emerging artists!

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Beach

Visit Griffith Park Observatory:

Visiting the observatory is such a great educational field trip for the kiddos, but it’s also so fun for adults.  Plus, it’s also a great spot to snap some pictures of the famous Hollywood sign!  The observatory is located at: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA.

Griffith Park Observatory

Spend an Afternoon at the Peterson Car Museum:

Here you will find an extensive collection of exotic cars and even some famous cars from movies, like Back To The Future.

Grab Legendary Burgers at In n Out!

No trip to L.A. is complete without a stop at In n Out Burger!  After one bite, you’ll know why their classic burgers have become legendary!

In n Out

Check Out the Chinese Theater Handprints:

For a fun FREE activity, take some time one afternoon to swing by Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood and check out the celebrity handprints, dating back to the 1920’s!  You’ll find the theater located at:  6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA

Chinese Theater Handprints

Spend a Day at Magic Mountain:

About a 1 hour drive northwest to Valencia, you’ll find Magic Mountain!  Take a day to experience the thrilling roller coasters and exhilarating rides.  They’ve even got some great rides for kids in the Bugs Bunny World area!

Magic Mountain Valencia

Magic Mountain Batmobile

Enjoy More Fun Rides at Knott’s Berry Farm:

Now that you’ve has your big thrills at Magic Mountain, take another day to head about 1 hours southeast to Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park!  Knott’s Berry Farm is one of my favorite theme parks, and such a great family-friendly place to spend the day!  It’s the perfect mix of exhilarating rides, the wild west, and Charlie Brown nostalgic fun!

Knott’s Berry Farm Tips – Top 10 Things To Do

Knotts Berry Farm Tips

Swing by the La Brea Tar Pits:

Did you know that there are actual tar pits right in the heart of L.A.?  Catch some fun dinosaur history, and actually look into the “Pit.”  Check out the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum at: 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

Don’t Forget Disneyland!

A trip to L.A. just doesn’t seem right without spending at least one day at the Happiest Place on Earth!  Learn my top tips and tricks here for how to visit Disneyland without breaking the bank…

62 Disneyland and Disney World Travel Tips

Score Free Coffee at Starbucks!

With all the time spent outside in the sun and at the beach… you just might be needing a caffeine fix!  I’ve been to Starbucks all over SoCal, but my favorite location is at Laguna Beach just across from the beach.  I’ve seen dolphins jumping at sunset, whales just off shore and spent so many fun day at the beach.  There are so many Starbucks locations all around LA and Orange County, so check this out…

Starbucks Money Saving Hacks

Starbucks Money Saving Tips and Ideas

More Los Angeles Travel Tips:

Now, here are more fabulous Los Angeles Travel Tips shared by your frugal friends…

Sherie said: “Hollywood and Vine, Pink’s Hot Dog stand (many celebrity sightings there), Venice Beach, Universal City Walk (even if you don’t go to Universal Studios).”

Kristin said: “Venice Beach, and Griffith Park. Hike the Hollywood Sign. And get out to Santa Monica.”

Angela said: “Venice Beach, Tito’s Tacos, Jerry’s Deli, Hollywood.”

Anna said: “Tito’s Tacos for sure!!!”

Southern California CityPass – Up to 50% Off!

Karen said: “3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, The Santa Monica Pier, The Grove, Universal Studios, Hollywood Blvd.”

Sharon said: “If you have kids go to Noah’s Ark at the Skirball, Santa Monica Pier.”

Linda said: “Melrose Ave., The Grove and Farmers Market, Santa Monica pier, Rodeo Dr.”

Tasha said: “I second the Venice Beach! Was my favorite place to go growing up there and I also love the J Paul Getty Museum.”

Rhonda said: “Definitely got to see The Getty.”

Amy said: “Check out The Getty & The Stinking Rose Restaurant (MMMM Garlic)! Check for Groupons & Living Social deals and of course CityPass for SoCal. Depends on how far around LA you want to travel. Huntington Library (beautiful gardens) in Pasadena. There is so much to do in SoCal!”

Ashle said: “Shop Robertson Blvd from Melrose to Airdrome for end of season sales (up to 80% off), Yellow Loading Zones are available for free parking after 6pm, take the bus to save even more, get free views of the Hollywood Bowl in the hills above, check Groupon, LivingSocial, and Thrillist for deals and local gems.”

Lisa said: “Farmers Market at The Grove.”

Judith said: “Olvera Street, Knott’s Berry Farm, Central Farmer’s Market, the Flower Market, Jewelry District… :-)”

Cindi said: “Venice Beach, Hollywood Blvd, Rodeo Drive, the Farmers Market, Marina Del Ray.”

Pia said: “I agree with ALL of these and add Watts Towers, Getty Villa, Hollywood Bowl, Griffiths Observatory, Long Beach Aquarium.”

Score a Deal on your Los Angeles Car Rental!  There are so many beautiful places to explore around southern California… and you’ll need a car to see most of them!  There are a few easy Rental Car Hacks to slash your costs that you’ll want to put to use!  Here are my favorite tricks to save BIG on car rentals…

20 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars

Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars Tips

Tamy said: “Mann’s Chinese theater. La Brea Tar Pits, UCLA.”

Mary said: “Hollywood Blvd., Graumans Chinese Theater, Malibu Coast, Los Angeles Farmers Market, Rodeo Drive, La Brea Tar Pits, Natural History Museum and a little further south is Disney Land!”

Andrea said: “I enjoyed LA Live downtown with the ice skating (in the winter at least) and restaurants. Also bowling at Lucky Strikes!”

Kim said: “Local grocery stores often sell discount tickets or have coupons…as well as look at soda cans, sometimes they’ll have coupons on them too.”

And finally… Mark said: “Sunny Beaches! Lots of that.”

More Los Angeles Money Saving Tips:

30 Eat Out Cheap Ideas! {How to Save Money Eating Out}

How To Ride Uber For Free and Get Free Uber Eats!

Free Gas Gift Cards + 9 Ways To Save BIG on Road Trips!

Military Discounts for Travel

How to Travel for Free or Cheap {19 Brilliant Budget Travel Hacks}

What To Pack for Los Angeles:

Best Baby Travel Gear

Traveling with Baby?  Don’t leave home without these Baby Travel Gear Essentials!  I’ve taken my babies on the long flights so many times and these must-have items will make traveling with Baby so much easier!

19 Carry On Must Haves for your next flight

Carry On Must Haves for Long Flights

17 Beach Bag Essentials

Beach Bag Essentials List

Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs!

Now that you’ve had fun reading through these family friendly Los Angeles Travel Tips, start dreaming of more vacations in California with these fun tips below…

Inside Medieval Times! (tips and tricks)

SeaWorld Top Attractions – Top 10 Tips

34 San Diego Travel Tips

San Diego Travel Tips Family

21 Santa Barbara Travel Tips

Santa Barbara Travel Tips

30 Yosemite Travel Tips {what to know before you go}

28 Best Things To Do in San Francisco Bay Area

75 Best Things to Do in Phoenix Arizona

38 New York City Budget Travel Tips for Your Epic BIG Apple Adventure!

New York City Travel Tips at TheFrugalGirls.com

40 Top Rome Italy Travel Tips

34 Ways To Entertain Kids On A Trip

M4034S-4211

20 Road Trip Must Haves for your next Vacation

Road Trip Must Haves for your next Vacation

Top 10 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations

Ultimate Beach Getaways {plan your perfect beach vacation}

How to Remove Sand from Feet at Beach! {2 Easy Tricks}

How to Remove Sand from Feet at Beach

10 Winter Family Vacation Ideas! {Top Destinations}

Winter Family Vacation Ideas! {Top Destinations}

10 Most Spectacular National Parks you NEED to Visit!

Most Spectacular National Parks in the US

101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets

So don’t miss a thing!! Get even more fun Frugal Girls Travel Tips, Recipes + More here…

Frugal Girls Email Updates

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Instagram The Frugal Girls

So… have YOU been to LA before?

What are some of your favorite Los Angeles Travel Tips for things to do, your favorite restaurants, beaches to visit, etc?

Leave a comment & share!

Filed Under: Most Popular 4, Travel, Travel Destinations

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Comments

  1. Taylor Hansen says

    June 30, 2020 at 11:18 am

    I like how you mentioned visiting the Griffith Park Observatory to take pictures. My friends and I are visiting Los Angeles this month and we want to do a lot of sightseeing while we’re there. We’ll have to check out some of these attractions while also trying to get a helicopter ride.

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      June 30, 2020 at 11:50 am

      Have a fun trip, Taylor! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Trevor Hall says

    November 5, 2019 at 8:27 am

    My kids and I are going to LA soon because I have some business to do there for a few days. I want to start planning ahead and get all the travel plans set in stone so we can have a better trip. I think that going to a zoo will be such a fun time for my kids because they love animals and nature, and it’s great that you spent most of the day there.

    Reply
  3. SBOBET says

    May 7, 2015 at 1:19 am

    Oh I like Disney Land + Disney world is wonderful.

    Reply

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Hey there... it's so nice to meet you! I'm Heidi: a Frugal Girl living in sunny Arizona! I love sharing Easy Recipes, DIY Decor, Style & Beauty Hacks, Gardening Tips, Travel Hacks, and Creative Ways to Live the Sweet Life on a Budget. I'm so glad you're here!
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