Why you don’t need more than $20 to have the best day in LA

It’s no secret that the cost of living is high in Los Angeles, but then how can this be a city of almost 12 and a half million people? It’s because they know you don’t need more than $20 to have the best day in LA. Do you want to start your own journey? Read on for tips on how to start living for less in Los Angeles.

Hike the Hollywood Sign (Cost FREE)

Maybe this is a bit of a cliché, but a hike to the Hollywood Sign is like a rite of passage for any Angeleno. Follow the Easy Guide up, which gives you a GPS location to start with and photos along the way to make sure you’re doing it right (save them first in case you lose cell reception). While you are there, explore Griffith Park, which is also free. When you are done, continue down Canyon drive and exit toward Bronson avenue to grab some eats. Order a Cronut from Kettle Glazed Donuts on Franklin avenue ($4.75) if it’s the morning. If it’s after Noon, head to For the Win in the same plaza for gourmet Cheeseburgers ($8) and Chicken Sandos ($9).

Total Cost with Food: $2-$10.

Griffith Observatory (Cost FREE)

Continue exploring Griffith Park and head toward Los Feliz, where you’ll visit the Griffith Observatory. The building is open Friday to Sunday from Noon to 10 p.m., and everything but the planetarium is FREE! Visit toward the end of the day and cool off with some Happy Hour pricing at Atrium in Los Feliz. Happy Hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. DAILY when Specialty Cocktails are $8, and an Apero Platter with meats and cheeses is just $12. A combination of a Taco Truck Lager ($4) and a plate of Fries ($6) is a sweet $10 meal that’s way below the budget of $20 to have the best day in LA.

Total Cost with Food: $10-$20

LACMA (Cost FREE)

Did you know the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is FREE for L.A. Residents after 3 p.m. on weekdays? That’s a savings of $25! When you’re done getting your dose of culture in, check out the Food Trucks that line up around Miracle Mile. Also, just less than a mile away (4-minute drive), you’ll find Theia, whose hot spot patio offers Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. with nothing over $10. Pair a $5 Rosé with a $4 Hummus for a meal under $10.

Total Cost with Food: $10-$15

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles (FREE)

This is one that the kids will love; the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is FREE for L.A. residents from 3 to 5 p.m. DAILY! Parking is steep, though, at $15, so if you want to avoid that, you’ll have to Metro on the Expo Line (a day pass is just $3.50). After your kids have gotten their fill of dinosaur bones, go fill your own cup with Happy Hour from Harold and Belle’s just 8 minutes away (or 25 using the Metro/Walk combination). Their Cajun menu has been delighting diners for over 50 years, and from 4 to 7 p.m., you can enjoy a Gumbo and Hops pairing for $14 and Drink Specials for under $8.

Total Cost with Food: $17.50

Santa Monica Pier (FREE)

Did you take the Expo Line and are wondering what to do next? Take it down to Downtown Santa Monica Station and explore the Santa Monica Pier. While riding the Pacific Wheel might not be free, taking a walk to the end of where the ocean meets the land is. Satisfy your thirst for life during Oyster Hour at Blue Plate Oysterette, walking distance from the pier on Ocean avenue. A dish of Albacore Tacos ($12) and Happy Hour Wine or Beer ($6) will still keep you within the budget of $20 to have the best day in LA.

Total Cost with Food: $20