Los Angeles has a reputation for being expensive, and to be fair, it certainly can be. But after spending 48 hours exploring the city, I discovered that many of LA’s most iconic attractions are either completely free or cost very little to enjoy. If you’re visiting for a few days, and want to experience the best of Los Angeles without draining your travel budget, here’s exactly how I’d do it.
1. Griffith Observatory (Free)
If you only have time for one attraction in Los Angeles, make it Griffith Observatory. Not only is admission free, but you’ll also get panoramic views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and one of the best views of the Hollywood Sign. The observatory itself is fascinating, but honestly, the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile
2. The Hollywood Sign (Free to View)
You don’t need to book a tour to see the Hollywood Sign. Several viewpoints around Griffith Park offer fantastic photo opportunities without spending a dime. While many visitors pay for guided experiences, simply combining this stop with Griffith Observatory gives you nearly the same views for free.
3. Hollywood Walk of Fame (Free)
The Walk of Fame is one of those places that everyone should see at least once. Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, it’s touristy. But it remains one of the most recognizable attractions in the world. Spend an hour walking the boulevard, spotting familiar names, and soaking in the energy of Hollywood.
4. The Broad (Free with Reservation)
One of the best surprises in Los Angeles was The Broad.
Home to world-class contemporary art, this museum offers free general admission and houses works from some of the biggest names in modern art. Even if museums aren’t normally your thing, it’s worth adding to your itinerary. Art lover or not, keep an eye out for Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work at The Broad. Basquiat began as a graffiti artist in New York before becoming one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His paintings often sell for tens of millions of dollars today, making The Broad one of the few places where you can see works by an artist of that caliber completely free of charge.
Budget Tip: Reserve tickets online in advance to avoid long waits.
5. Beverly Hills Sign (Free)
A quick stop, but a classic one.
The iconic Beverly Hills Sign sits in the heart of the city’s beautifully landscaped public gardens and is one of the area’s most popular photo spots. While Beverly Hills is often associated with luxury cars, designer boutiques, and celebrity mansions, you don’t need a Hollywood-sized budget to enjoy it.
6. Rodeo Drive (Free Window Shopping)
Let’s be honest, most of us aren’t walking into Gucci and leaving with shopping bags.
But strolling down Rodeo Drive is still part of the Los Angeles experience. The luxury storefronts, exotic cars, and people-watching make it worth a visit—even if your budget says “absolutely not.”
Budget Tip: Treat yourself to an ice cream at Kith
7. Venice Canal District (Free)
This ended up being one of my favorite spots in Los Angeles.
Just a short walk from Venice Beach, the canals feel surprisingly peaceful compared to the rest of the city. The charming bridges, waterfront homes, and quiet pathways make it an ideal place to slow down and escape the crowds.
8. Santa Monica Beach (Free)
No first trip to Los Angeles feels complete without seeing the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Monica Beach offers wide sandy beaches, ocean views, and a lively atmosphere. Walking the pier at sunset was easily one of the highlights of my trip.
9. Venice Beach (Free)
This was one of my favorite parts of Los Angeles because you get two completely different experiences within walking distance of each other.
At Venice Beach, where you’ll find street performers, skateboarders, Muscle Beach, colorful murals, and one of the most energetic boardwalks in California. It’s chaotic, entertaining, and uniquely Los Angeles.
10. Try the Famous Hailey Bieber Smoothie at Erewhon
After two days of exploring Los Angeles, consider ending your trip with one of the city’s most talked-about treats: the famous Hailey Bieber Strawberry Glaze Smoothie from Erewhon.
Yes, it’s expensive for a smoothie. Yes, social media may have overhyped it. And yes, I still had to try it.
Made with strawberries, avocado, collagen, sea moss, and a coconut cream glaze, it’s become something of a Los Angeles rite of passage. Whether you’re a fan of celebrity culture or simply curious about the hype, it’s a fun way to experience a small slice of modern LA.
Budget Reality Check: At around $21, this may be the most expensive smoothie you’ll ever buy. But compared to many tourist attractions, it’s a relatively affordable splurge and makes for a memorable travel story.
Bonus Tip: Getting Around LA for Less: Buy a TAP Card
One of the easiest ways to save money in Los Angeles is by purchasing a TAP card. The TAP system works across Metro trains and buses and can dramatically reduce transportation costs compared to relying on rideshare apps for every trip. While LA is famously spread out, public transportation can still connect many of the city’s most popular attractions.
What surprised me most was just how inexpensive the commute was. A single Metro ride cost only $1.75, which felt like a bargain compared to what I would have spent using Uber or Lyft. Over the course of a weekend, those savings added up quickly and left more room in my budget for food, attractions, and a few spontaneous stops along the way.
For budget-conscious travelers, a TAP card is one of the smartest purchases you’ll make during your visit. The money you save on transportation is money you can put toward experiences—or even that famous Erewhon smoothie.