Inexpensive Things to Do in LA

Inexpensive Things to Do in LA

Steve Bush/sxc.hu

Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States and the most populous urban center in California. Most tourists come to Los Angeles for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or the theme park rides at Universal Studios and Disneyland, but Los Angeles also has plenty to offer for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget.

Beaches

Situated on the Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles has a several free public beaches that are open year-round. There are approximately 75 miles of coastline in Los Angeles, providing plenty of spots to swim, sunbathe, surf or jog. Head to Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro to enjoy the scenic tide-pools. Surfers flock to Surf-rider Beach by the Malibu Lagoon. Visit Venice Beach, where wacky street performers and diverse vendors roam the boardwalk, entertaining and selling a wide variety of foods and novelties.

Griffith Park

It might not be as famous as New York's Central Park, but Griffith Park is actually the largest urban park in the United States. With 4,107 acres of sprawling green space in the heart of Los Angeles, Griffith Park is a cheap and relaxing place to spend a sunny day. Picnic at one of the multiple pavilions or spread a blanket on the lawn. Rent a bike at Griffith Park Bicycle Rental and hit the trails. Or hike along Fern Dell, a secluded trail with waterfalls and scenic flora.

Griffith Park Bicycle Rental
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
(Rangers Station Parking Lot)
Los Angeles, California 90027
(323) 653-4099
laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithPK/bikeride.htm

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is located next to Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, Los Angeles. Entry to the aquarium is free. You'll find marine life exclusively from Southern California. Interactive exhibits allow you to get up close and personal with many of the sea creatures at the aquarium. Educational programs are also set up at the Cabrillo Marine Exploration Center. Learn about aquatic life and natural habitats at the on-site research facilities. Marine biologists work in a variety of settings, including an aquatic nursery where they share their knowledge with guests.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M. White Drive
San Pedro, California 90731
(310) 548-7562
cabrillomarineaquarium.org

Article Written By David Thyberg

David Thyberg began his writing career in 2007. He is a professional writer, editor and translator. Thyberg has been published in various newspapers, websites and magazines. He enjoys writing about social issues, travel, music and sports. Thyberg holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College with a certificate in Spanish and Latin American studies.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword