Exploring Los Angeles

The most populated city in California, Los Angeles is a tremendous metropolis that sits on the top of everyone’s tourism hit list. It is the second-largest city in North America, and welcomes many millions of visitors each year. It is the centre of the world’s film and television entertainment industry, but is also a cultural, financial and international trade hub. The city itself consists of several basins lying between the Pacific Coast and a mountain range, providing plenty of different landscapes to entertain tourists.

Los Angeles is home to so many marvellous, globally-renowned landmarks, many of which cost nothing at all to see. Landmarks like Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Mulholland Drive, and Downtown Los Angeles are all worth exploring, yet won’t take a cent out of a tourist’s pocket. There are hundreds of fantastic and affordable low to mid-range hotels resting in the many districts of Los Angeles, so budget travellers will have no trouble finding a comfortable place to stay.

Sights nearby

If tourists are looking for a destination that won’t break the budget, then Los Angeles will certainly suffice. Even though the city contains some of the world’s most affluent areas, there are plenty of landmarks to uncover that are not only free or inexpensive, but also close to a list of affordable hotels too.

Griffith Observatory
The main observatory located in Los Angeles, known as Griffith Observatory, is a major landmark of the city, resting at the top of Mount Hollywood. From the site, visitors can explore the beautiful parkland that surrounds it, and take in the spectacular views of Downtown Los Angeles, coastal LA, and the amazing Hollywood sign. On a clear day, visitors can see across the entire city. If tourists are interested in space and science, then simply pay the entrance fee to uncover the mysteries inside the observatory too. There are many budget hotels located near this landmark, especially in the Hollywood district, including Hollywood City Inn and Hollywood Downtowner.

Hollywood Walk of Fame
Located along Hollywood Boulevard, and stretching around into Vine Street, is a series of monumental stars along the sidewalk, each representing a chosen celebrity of the film, television and theatrical industries. There are more than 2,000 stars along this stretch of footpath. Many millions of visitors flock to this epic monument each year. It is possible to find a good selection of nearby hotels that won’t break the budget, including the Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles/Hollywood.

Santa Monica Pier
For a memorable day-out with family, friends, the Santa Monica Pier cannot be beaten. Jutting off the beach at Santa Monica, the pier is among the most recognizable landmarks in California. At the end of the site, there is a traditional amusement park, complete with roller-coaster, snack and beverage bars, and many other attractions. Plenty of street performers ply their trade along this pier, and people-watching will keep visitors entertained for hours.

Eating and drinking and shopping nearby

Most areas of Los Angeles boast incredible dining, shopping and drinking venues, many of which are affordable for the ‘everyday’ tourist. Of course, places like LA Live in downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills are home to more glamorous and expensive shops, restaurants and bars. Head to Venice Beach’s Abbott Kinney Boulevard for affordable shopping, or travel around Hollywood Boulevard to enjoy great retailers and traditional American dining. In Downtown Los Angeles, Korea Town and Little Tokyo provide excellent Asian dining experiences.

Public transport

Public transportation in Los Angeles is relatively efficient, at least for tourists. Known as the Metro network, LA’s transportation system consists predominantly of buses and rail. Visitors can take either elevated light rail or underground subway trains to get around via rail transit. Buses are also available, and include both regular and rapid services. Tourists need to remember that the Los Angeles Metro mostly serves LA Proper, while other cities that make up the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, such as Santa Clarita, Long Beach and Santa Monica, operate separate buses.