Los Angeles on a Shoestring Budget

Los Angeles will always be my favorite U.S. city for the laid-back vibe, weather, Venice Beach, and phenomenal restaurants. The "City of Angels" is more than Hollywood and celebrities. If you follow my guide, I guarantee a smashing time while spending very little cash.

Transportation

The cheapest and quickest way to get to and from LAX is via the Flyaway Bus http://www.lawa.org/welcome_LAX.aspx?id=292. It drops you at Union Station for $8.00 one way. During your stay, you can use your feet to get around (the gorgeous weather allows me to walk for miles) or take the Metro. I suggest getting a re-loadable TAP card if you plan to use public transportation often http://www.metro.net/riding/fares/.

Accommodations

I like to mix things up by using Airbnb, the Orange Drive Hostel in Hollywood, and Beverly Inn in West Hollywood.

Restaurants 

Here is a list of my favorite vegetarian/vegetarian-friendly eateries where you can spend as little or as much as you want, depending on your menu choices and if you go during happy hour. My heart will always belong to Hugo's:)

Hugo's West Hollywood (healthy/organic American) - $$
Lucky's Tavern (American w/great beer) - $$
Flore Vegan - $$
Swinger's (American) - $$
The Kitchen (American) - $$
Blossom Restaurant (Vietnamese) - $$
Farmer's Market at the Grove - $$
Nakkara on Beverly (Thai/Fusion) - $$
Toast Cafe (American/Bakery) - $$
Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill - $
Aventine (Italian w/killer patio) - $$
City Tavern Downtown (American, I go for the amazing beer selection) - $$
Toi on Sunset (Thai) - $$
Cafe Gratitude in Venice (vegan/raw) - $$
Venice Ale House (Gastropub right near the beach) - $$

Entertainment/Activities (FREE unless otherwise noted)

School Night at Bardot Hollywood - several live music acts on Monday nights (I highly recommend)
Amoeba Records on Sunset - ginormous record store that offers mini-concerts (check the calendar)

The Getty Center - one of the most amazing places on earth
Nick Metropolis Collectible Furniture - an outdoor collection of spectacular wares
Spend the day at Venice Beach including a stroll down Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Book Soup - great bookstore w/author events

Runyon Canyon - get your hike on and take a free yoga class

Hammer Museum - fantastic exhibits

The Last Bookstore - I suggest getting lost here for hours

Hollywood Forever Cemetery - beautiful and serene 

Barnsdall Art Park (check the calendar for free events)

Griffith Park Observatory - great place to hike, observe and learn
Little Tokyo - wander around and grab some food
Heck Yeah Karaoke at the Japanese Village Mall in Little Tokyo - Fri and Sat nights from 6-9pm
Olvera Street - experience Mexican culture
Bradbury Building - admire the interior architecture on the 1st floor
Peddler's Creamery - peddle/churn for them and get free ice cream in return
Eat/See/Hear - have a blast seeing live music and an outdoor film while noshing from food trucks for only $10 (food extra)
Jazz Nights at W Hollywood Hotel - vintage jazz & blues every Sunday from 9pm-midnight in the Living Room Lounge
Phenomenal street art to soak up, especially in the Downtown Arts District

Seen on Abbot Kinney in Venice

Go Green Frittata at Hugo's

Aren't they gorgeous?

In my "book," the Last Bookstore is the coolest:)

Sunset at beautiful Venice Beach

With the one and only Nick Metropolis

Four Angels entree at Nakkara

One of many unique places at the Farmer's Market

Like stepping back in time with this piece (downtown arts district)

Pretty in red - Little Tokyo

Shopping at Olvera Street

The Getty Center after dark

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Vegetarian crepe at Blossom

Great street for a snap of the sign - Beachwood Ave.

Can you feel the love now? Contact me for any further advice and see you on the west coast.

Eclectic Venice, California

One neighborhood I never miss spending a couple of days in when I travel to California is Venice. You never know what is going to cross your path.

This area has it going on - people watching, Abbot Kinney, the beach/boardwalk, appetizing eats, and craft beer.  

All five senses will be stimulated by the swarm of activity and it's best to just embrace it. I have spent an entire day on the boardwalk just taking it all in. Here are my recommendations for a brilliant time:

The Beach 
This is a no-brainer, right?  Walk on the sand and frolic in the ocean. I can sit for hours just listening to the waves and dreaming.  If you are feeling adventurous, you can get surf lessons from Go Surf LA.

The Boardwalk 
This is where the action is. Street performers, unusual shops and wares, bodybuilders strutting their stuff, and lots of other quirkiness. If walking doesn't excite you, there are bike, segway, skateboard and bodyboard rentals available.

Venice Ale House 
The best place to indulge in some first-rate brews. Save room for food, because they also do that well. My favorite dishes include the =V= Wrap, =V= Un-Fries, Sauteed Veggies, and the Quinoa Bowl. Thank your lucky stars if you are able to snag a patio seat.

Cafe Gratitude Venice 
I get excited when I find a Cafe Gratitude while traveling. This "chain" features healthy, organic food that is out of this world. I recommend Fortified, Pure, and Humble. You will leave feeling refreshed and grateful that you dined here:)

Street Art 
Keep your eyes peeled at all times, because there is striking art everywhere!

Abbot Kinney Blvd 
This renowned street will have shopaholics drooling due to an abundance of sundry boutiques. In addition, there are a number of galleries, restaurants and bars. GQ Magazine even named Abbot Kinney “The Coolest Block in America.” 

Sunset 
Stick around for mind-blowing sunsets. You will be swooning from beginning to end.

Love is in the air. Start planning your trip to the land of sun and fun.