Posted by Sure, Los Angeles can get expensive but that’s only if you are living in some sort of bubble completely unaware of how many awesome advantages we have living in such a big, eclectic and active city.
The truth is there is always something going on whether it’s free, crazy expensive or in our case, $15 or less! Yup, we compiled a list of 15 things to do when you have a bit of a budget, but not THAT big a budget…
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That said, take advantage of some of the below ideas, and not only will your wallet will thank you for it but hopefully you will begin to form a different outlook on the L.A. lifestyle in general (p.s.. the L.A. life rocks!.)
Enjoy the list!
[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]
Go see a Show at UCB
A cult favorite made popular first in New York the Upright Citizens Brigade hosts improv and sketch comedy shows almost back to back everyday. Located on Franklin Avenue with a new location on Sunset the shows range from free to $10. Their weekly show ASSCAT is the most popular and usually sells outs a month ahead so buy tickets in advance! And if $10 is too expensive, check out some of the other great free comedy shows in Los Angeles.
Take a Trip to The Getty Center & Getty Villa
While the museum itself is free, parking cost $15 and drops to $10 after 5 p.m. Make it a group trip(carpool) and split the fee and it’s totally worth it. To maximize your day and savings reserve tickets for the Getty Villa on the same day and visit both museums using the same parking voucher. It’s literally getting a two for one!
(And if you can’t afford parking at the Getty, check out some of L.A.’s other many free museums)
Wine Tasting in the heart of L.A. at the San Antonio Winery
Enjoy a glass of history for a day! For $15 taste four award winning wines from the San Antonio Winery artisan tasting menu. Established in 1917 San Antonio Winery remains the last producing winery in Los Angeles.
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Ride the Pacific Wheel on the Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is pretty iconic and for $5 you can ride the Pacific Wheel the only solar powered Ferris wheel in the world. Pretty cool huh? Bask in the sun, gaze out into the sparkling sea and don’t forget to take breathtaking photos you have the ultimate panoramic view!
Catch a live program in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium at the Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is free to the public but with a few dollars you can see a show in their planetarium. The aluminum dome seats 290 people and uses laser projections during their live shows, it’s spectacular Ziess star projector is “out of this world” some might say! Prices range from $5 with a student ID to $7 for general adult admission.
Rent a Kayak in Alamitos Bay
Located across the Naples Island Canals you will find Kayak Rentals where renting a kayak will cost you $9 an hour. You can kayak to restaurants, parks and even a Starbucks! The water is always calm so don’t be scared of going overboard because it’s very unlikely. Head over to the moon-jellies cove where live jelly fish (these don’t sting) can be seen and touched. This is truly the best kept secret between Los Angeles and Orange County.
Take a yoga class at Runyon Canyon
Work on your sun salutation’s with the team who runs daily yoga classes in the park. Donations of $5 and up are suggested.
Go to the Silent Movie Theater
This charming movie theater is pretty unique, hosting thought provoking, innovative and rare films to film loving Angelenos of all sorts. Films cost $12 a ticket.
Enjoy a Beer Flight at Blue Palms Brewhouse
Blue Palms Brewhouse is located right next to the Music Box on Hollywood Boulevard. These guys have a passion for beer, you wont be disappointed by the selection. Enjoy a beer flight for $10 to get a taste of what they have to offer.
Ride the Train at Griffith Park
Get a tour of Griffith Park by way of train! For just $2.75 ride el fresco and be surrounded by nature. Be sure to bring your sunglasses it is sunny California after all!
El Dorado Nature Center
You can find nature in the middle of the city. If you don’t believe me head over to the El Dorado Nature Center between the San Gabriel River and the 605 fwy. There you will find 105 acres of sanctuary for animals and plant life, two lakes and a stream. Vehicle entry fees range from 5-8 dollars depending on what day it is.
Snag Cheap Seats at the Hollywood Bowl
Did you know that the Hollywood Bowl sells tickets as low as $1? Will now you do! The backseats are always a steal. Pack yourself a picnic and grab a bottle of wine for the perfect evening.
Skate your heart out at Moonlight Rollerway
Get groovy on the rink, you can’t help yourself when they spin such infectious tunes! Admission ranges from $7 to $9 depending on the night with an additional $4.75 skate rental.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
For a $8 entrance fee you get to experience one of the most popular flea markets in California and some might say the world. Held every second Sunday of the month at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena this flea market is huge and the selections are so vast you might need one entire day to get through every vendor!
Have a Drink at Happy Hour in DTLA
The happy hour options in this town are pretty endless, especially in DTLA. From $1 oysters to $3 beers you can buy yourself a drink and meal easy! View our list of the best happy hours in downtown Los Angeles to get a few ideas for you next night out.
What are you favorite things to do in Los Angeles for less than $15? Let us know in the comments below!
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