courtesy of Tom Benson
Taking a trip to Los Angeles doesn’t have to mean taking out a second mortgage to enjoy it to the fullest. If the City of Angels is your next vacation destination, rest assured that you can experience a lot for little, and E-Z Rent-A-Car knows how to do it. Here’s the E-Z way:
1. Sightsee for free!
Skip the guided tour and go for an exploratory drive yourself! Sometimes the best (and often least expensive) way to discover a city’s best hotspots is to venture out and find them along the way. Many renowned sites, like Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Strip, The Original Farmers Market® and more, are just a short car ride away from each other, so you can make the most of your day.
2. Dine on a dime at local eateries.
Experiencing good food while traveling can often be one of the best parts of the trip. But is it really worth it to spend a fortune on a couple of overpriced small plates and a fancy bottle of champagne? If you’d rather get a cheaper taste of L.A. without compromising quality, be sure to hit up some of the lesser-known mom-and-pop restaurants and food trucks. Tito’s Tacos and Venice Beach’s First Fridays offer some of the city’s best dishes at prices that just can’t be beat.
3.See a show for very little dough.
Ever wanted to go behind the scenes of a national TV show? Well, in L.A., you can. And you can do it for free. A great way to make your Hollywood experience truly unforgettable, Audiences Unlimited lets you join a studio audience to see the magic happen right before your eyes. Throughout the year, there are also free tickets for guests to see pilots (first episodes of new shows) and attend special events.
4. Spend time (not money) window shopping on Rodeo Drive.
Let’s face it. We all love a little retail therapy from time to time. But when it comes to Rodeo Drive, it’s fair to say that giving into retail therapy can quickly turn into a need for actual therapy, even with just a few purchases. Thankfully, as one of the top-ranked fashion capitals of the world, Los Angeles also feature some trendy shopping venues that don’t come with a hefty price tag, including discount boutiques, outlet malls and clothing warehouses.
5. Detox without mucho dinero.
If a spiritual or emotional renewal is on your agenda during your L.A. getaway, find it at places like Lake Shrine Temple – a 10-acre sanctuary featuring lush gardens, a natural spring-fed lake, peaceful wildlife, wellness yoga classes, guided meditation sessions and much more. Or, visit an even more expansive garden paradise at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, boasting 120 acres of thoughtfully maintained grounds for walking, meditating, bird watching and more.
6. Bypass a pricey bill by not lodging at the beach.
Who wouldn’t want to fall asleep to a moonlit view of the Pacific and wake up to warm sun rays peeking in over the beach? The person who doesn’t want to be charged an arm, a leg and an organ just for the privilege of an oceanfront view – that’s who. Because many of these properties are so close to the water, they can get away with charging sky-high room rates. We suggest trying to book your hotel accommodations a bit farther inland. You’ll definitely save some cash that could be better spent on things you can do while actually being awake.
7. Cash in on the freebies.
There are many must-see attractions that are certainly worth paying a pretty penny for in Los Angeles, but there are many priceless (both metaphorically and literally) hidden gems that are overlooked. Places like Griffith Observatory, Palisades Park, Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse, and Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve offer ways to enjoy the area without going broke to do so.
8. Invest in a Southern California CityPASS®.
Maybe you’re a vacationer who does want to spend a little money on the major attractions during your visit. But, surely you’d prefer not to go bankrupt in the process. That’s where a Southern California CityPASS® can help. A multi-park pass to some of the area’s most popular destinations, this pass makes it easy and affordable to get in some of the more pricey experiences for less. Enjoy Disneyland® Park, Disney California Adventure® Park, Universal Studios® Hollywood and SeaWorld® San Diego – all for a special discounted rate.
We’ll admit it – L.A. can be a rather expensive place to visit. But if you know the right places to go, you can experience some of the city’s best attractions without the crowds and for little to no cost at all.
Rent one of the vehicles at our Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) location today and start using these helpful travel tips to make the most of your trip! Make reservations online or call (800) 277-5171 for details.
Courtesy of Mark Weston
