1st Time In LA? 5 Things To Do That Won’t Break The Bank

Visiting or moving to a new city can be an exciting and daunting experience, especially in huge and vibrant city like LA.

Since completing my undergrad degree, I have moved to LA to attend The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). I was so excited to explore the city to see the sites that LA is known for and the great places loved by the locals. With so much to do and see in a big city, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. Whether you only have a week or over a year to explore, here is my list of some of the most fun and inexpensive things to do while you’re in LA.

1. The Griffith Observatory

2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States (map, website)

Located in Griffith Park, the Observatory is both a fun and educational adventure for the whole family. People keep coming back again and again to see the cool exhibits, the planetarium show, and the telescope viewing area on the roof of the Observatory. If you don’t want to learn about planets and stars, you can always have a picnic on the lawn or walk their hiking trails and take in the fantastic view of LA. The views from this place are definitely Instagram worthy. Other than buying a ticket for the planetarium show, the Griffith Observatory is free! With so many visitors, the free parking can be a bit of a hassle, but the views at night are totally worth it.

2. The Original Farmers Market/The Grove

6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States (map, website)

Located at Third Street and Fairfax, the Original Farmers Market has been a favorite for locals and tourists for 80 years. This place has tons of restaurants, bakeries, and food stands with fresh produce for every foodie out there. My personal favorites are Gill’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream stand and Normandie Bakery, which has delicious French pastries. An added bonus of the Farmers Market? Once you’re done eating or buying fresh produce, you can head over to The Grove shopping mall just outside of the market. What better way to work off all the calories from those French pastries than a little shopping!

3. Hollywood Sign Hike

Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles, CA, United States (map, website)

No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without seeing this infamous sign in the Hollywood Hills. Get a closer look at the sign by going on a scenic hike. The Hollywood Sign offers a number of excellent hikes and viewing points, along with a comprehensive history of the Sign, latest news, and other fun activities. This is a great way to get outdoors and be active while still enjoying the beauty of LA.

4. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States (map, website)

This amazing museum attracts close to a million visitors a year and it’s easy to see why. On Wilshire Boulevard, the museum’s prime location is easy to find and sits next to the La Brea Tar Pits and the George C. Page Museum. LACMA holds thousands of works of art from ancient Egyptian pottery to 17^th century European paintings to modern art. My favorites included paintings from Renoir, Monet and La Gerbe by Henri Matisse. The museum is huge and one can easily spend hours exploring the different buildings. A tip for saving money on tickets: admission is free the second Tuesday of every month, and students and LA residents can get in for free on weekdays after 3pm! Once you’re done exploring the art inside the museum, there are a few sculpture gardens to walk through outside. Urban Lights is a favorite of both tourists and locals and is definitely an LA must see.

5. Hollywood Walk of Fame

7018 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States (map, website)

This iconic Hollywood attraction begins at Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street and spans the sidewalk for more than 15 blocks. Trying to find your favorite actors, musicians, and fictional characters is what makes the walk down Hollywood Blvd so fun. You’ll find stars for everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Cameron Diaz to Michael Jackson to Kermit the Frog. When you’re not walking the Boulevard you can attend star-unveiling ceremonies and get a chance to see your favorite celebrities be honored. Star ceremonies are free to the public, but make sure to bring water and comfortable shoes since you’ll be standing outside for a while. You can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame website for more information on star ceremonies and what celebrities are being honored.

NOTE: Hollywood Sign hike is not available, and public is discouraged from doing so.

Instead, the City is encouraging to promote the below tour which has been very successful:

TWO IN ONE TICKET: Enjoy Weekend Shuttle Services to Hollywood Sign Viewing Area and Entrance to Griffith Park Every Saturday and Sunday for $10

Saturday & Sunday only including selected holidays
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Hours subject to change

The fee will be $10 per person, excluding children 2 years of age and under who are free when riding on the lap of an adult. Tickets can only be purchased online at www.laparks.org.

Dawn Fleming

Dawn's travel style is relaxed with a special love for museums and cafés. A major history buff, Dawn is drawn to ancient cities full of secrets to uncover. She can't travel without a trench coat, it's stylish and keeps you warm.