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How to Spend $1,000 on a Vacation in Los Angeles

Edited By: Scott Sidders

Updated on November 6, 2023

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We all love going to a beautiful city, especially a warm and sunny one. It's amazing to relax on the beach after a day of exploring. Los Angeles is a perfect place for that with its warm sunshine and gorgeous beaches, not to mention its interesting culture, famous landmarks, and amazing shopping opportunities. Los Angeles is a huge and diverse city. There's no way you can properly cover it all in one trip. It's got so many interesting neighborhoods, each with its unique personality. It's an exciting and fun city that can keep you busy for months.


Although Los Angeles is a wonderful destination, it's not exactly the cheapest place to visit. However, that doesn't mean it has to be expensive if you're on vacation with a limited budget. Here are some ways to spend $1000 in Los Angeles without breaking the bank.

Things To Do In Los Angeles Under $1000

Los Angeles skyline with dramatic evening sky

There are so many things you can do in Los Angeles for $1000. It's just a matter of finding the right combination of things that works for your budget and interests. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

1. Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Outside views of the Warner Brothers Studios Buildings in Los Angeles, USA

Disneyland is great and all, but have you ever wanted to see where your favorite movies were made? Well, now's your chance!


You'll see the famous Central Perk cafe from "Friends," learn about green-screen technology, and even become a part of your favorite DC Universe and Harry Potter movies on recreated sets! Plus, shopping for merchandise from your favorite TV shows and movies is a great way to take a little bit of the magic home with you. With a small group size, you'll get more attention from your tour guide and discover movie-making secrets as you explore the studio.


You get to see lots of great movie memorabilia like costumes, miniature sets, and photos from movies filmed on the lot. The studio even has its prop department where they make all the fake food and candy you see in movies and TV shows. This tour costs $69 per person to go with a group of 12 or less. The tour is very popular though and spaces go quickly, so make sure to reserve your space as soon as possible.

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2. A Complete Grand City Tour

Hollywood Sign from Central LA

Grand City Tours are a great way to see some of Los Angeles's most popular attractions, landmarks, and history. There are multiple tours to choose from that range in price depending on the length of the tour and how many stops you make. While it may not be possible to see everything offered on a Grand City Tour, some of the most popular things include:


Hollywood
The Walk of Fame
Griffith Observatory
Santa Monica Pier
Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills

Plus, your tour guide will tell you interesting facts and stories about the things you see. Depending on how long you want to go, tours can cost anywhere from $70 to $100 per person. You can also add in a trip up to Universal Studios or Disneyland if that fits your budget. It's the perfect introduction for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

3. See A Dodgers Game

Dodger Stadium and Los Angeles skyline cityscape panorama aerial

Nothing screams summer like a baseball game at Dodger Stadium! The stadium itself is nice with great views of the field even if you aren't sitting in first-class seats or on field level. You can see players warming up for their game and watching batting practice before the game starts, which is cool! Even if you don't have the best seats, you can still get a great view of everything. At night games, it's even more fun to see all the lights in the stadium and check out the Hollywood Hills from afar.


Tickets start at $60 per person at Dodgers Stadium. You can purchase them online or just show up and purchase them when you get there. For a little more money, you can sit closer to the dugout and even watch the fireworks after the game.

4. A Trip To Disneyland in Anaheim

The Disneyland California Adventure park in Anaheim

If you're looking for something truly magical and exciting, what better place to visit than Disneyland? It's only about a half-hour drive from LA!


From watching parades and fireworks displays to riding The Pirates of the Caribbean or The Haunted Mansion, there's something at Disney for everyone. There are so many great attractions, shows, and entertainment that it can be overwhelming. You can spend an entire day or multiple days in the Disney parks to make sure you see everything.


You'll find characters like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh walking around to take pictures with, so this is a great chance to get that picture you've always wanted with your favorite character! You might even be able to catch a performance from your favorite princess.


Food and souvenirs are also more expensive inside Disneyland. Bring food with you to save some money! The ticket prices for the multi-day tour can be anywhere from $300 to $400. If the price is too steep for your wallet, remember that it pays to go during less crowded times of the year.

5. Visit The Aquarium Of The Pacific

View of The Aquarium of the Pacific

An aquarium is a wonderful place for children and adults alike, where they'll learn about different fish from all over the world. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California is one of the top aquariums in the world. The exhibits are all very well kept and have informative plaques with facts next to each tank.

You can take a tour through an actual shark tunnel to see their beasts swimming around just below you. There are also great hands-on exhibits where you can touch a shark! There are 19 different habitats that you can explore, including the Shark Lagoon. You can also see a giant blue whale and its calf, as well as penguins and puffins.


If you want to learn more about the animals you're seeing, there are docent-led tours available through audio guides that'll tell you all about each exhibit. You can spend 4 hours to an entire day at the aquarium and still not see everything.

6. Take a Private Helicopter Tour

Los Angeles aerial view skyline from the helicopter

If you want to take a trip that's out of this world, then why not try a private flightseeing tour? This is a great way to get an aerial view of Los Angeles and some spectacular attractions. You'll see the iconic Hollywood sign from an entirely different view. You'll even see some celebrities' houses! It's a surreal way to see the city, especially because it would be impossible to get these views on your own.


It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won't regret! For a 30-minute flight, you can expect to spend about $400 altogether for 2 adults.

7. Tantalize your taste buds at a food tour

Food Stalls in Grand Central Market, Los Angeles

There's no better way to get to know and love a city than by tasting its delectable cuisine. If you want to get a taste of the best food in Los Angeles, then you have to go on a food tour.


If you're looking for a delicious way to spend your vacation, look no further than this fabulous foodie walking tour of downtown Los Angeles. Sample the best food that the city has to offer at six different eateries, bakeries, and ethnic food destinations, and learn all about the local food scene while you explore.
With a small group size and intimate experience, this tour is perfect for those who want to delve deep into LA's dynamic food culture. Best of all, all tastings and water are included in the price, so you can focus on enjoying yourself! The tour, which lasts about 2 and a half hours, costs $75 per person.

8. Cycle your way through LA

Santa Monica, California, USA

The best way to discover the city is by bike. There are many places where you can rent a bike, and you can see all of LA's beautiful sites on two wheels. You can also book a bike-riding tour for the ultimate experience.


If you want to see LA's most iconic landmark up close and personal, then this is the best way to do it. On the bike tour, you'll get to see the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and even get a glimpse of some celebrities' homes! There's also plenty of room for customization if you choose.


You'll also get to see the picturesque Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. A great way to make the most of your tour is by bringing your snacks and drinks, which you can enjoy while biking on LA's beautiful boardwalk.

9. Take a Ferry to Explore Catalina Island

A view of Catalina island. Santa Catalina Island.

Catalina Island is just a short ferry ride from Los Angeles and offers an escape to serenity and relaxation. The beaches are pristine, the water is a fabulous turquoise, and the scenery is gorgeous. Catalina is the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy an island vacation minus all of the crowds and hustle-bustle of LA. You can lounge on the beach all day taking in the sun, surf, and sand. There are also some great water activities you can do while on the island, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It's an exciting way to spend your day.

10. Hollywood Sightseeing Tour

Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles California USA

If you're a movie buff, then the Hollywood Sightseeing Tour is exactly what you need. You'll get to see all of the major studios, including Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox, as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You'll also get to see a ton of TV shows that are filmed on the streets of Hollywood, such as The Voice and Ellen.


Another exciting part of the tour is getting to see some of Hollywood's oldest neighborhoods. You'll also be able to see both the Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Bowl. To top it off, the tour guide will show you some of the most popular filming locations for current shows and movies on your route.


The Hollywood Sightseeing Tour also includes all of the major highlights, such as Rodeo Drive and the Dolby Theatre. You'll get to see the homes of some of Hollywood's biggest celebs, such as Marilyn Monroe.

Conclusion

Los Angeles cityscape at dusk

Los Angeles is a fantastic city with so much to offer, from delicious food to gorgeous beaches. If you want to make the most of your time here in Los Angeles, then make sure to check out these 10 things. You can also come up with your unique itinerary and discover the city on your own. From beaches to mountains, LA has it all. Each of these is different and unique in its way, but they all offer you the chance to enjoy your stay in the city of angels.


So what are you waiting for? Go out there and get the most out of your trip to Los Angeles. Whether you prefer to hit up all the major sights and head straight for the tours, or you'd rather explore on your own and get up-close and personal with nature, LA has everything you need.


Don't forget- when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Get out there and explore!

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