How to Spend $10,000 on a Vacation in Los Angeles

What can you get for $10,000 in Los Angeles?

Airfare: $1,000
Accommodations: $1,500
Transportation: $500
Food and drink: $2,500
Attractions and activities: $3,500

Airfare to Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most popular destinations in the country. From the Hollywood sign to the Walk of Fame, the city has some of the most memorable sights, sounds and people. Because of its popularity and its proximity to other popular cities in California, flying into LAX can be very affordable. If you live in America, you might want to upgrade to First-Class for maximum comfort. You deserve it!

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

The Hollywood Roosevelt - $1,485

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Hollywood. With a retro vibe and chic pool, spa, and various dining options, this hotel offers a feast for the senses from every angle. The hotel is also known for its history. Once home to Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, this historic gem has witnessed some of the most historic moments in Hollywood's past and continues to be a beacon for Hollywood's biggest stars.

Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles - $545

Weighing in at an extremely affordable rate of $544.50 (for five nights), the Millennium Biltmore is the most affordable of our top choices. It's also one of the most elegant, with rich décor and a long history as a Hollywood haunt. The hotel is located in Downtown Los Angeles, close to Pershing Square, Chinatown and the Museum of Contemporary Art. We recommend it for travelers who want to stay in a landmark hotel on a budget.

Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles LAX - $805

Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles LAX is conveniently located just 3 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 10 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. It offers spacious suites that include kitchen appliances, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant and lounge. Guests can enjoy a relaxing swim in the outdoor pool after a busy day exploring Los Angeles. A 24-hour fitness center provides a space to exercise, while laundry facilities are available for added convenience.

Where to Eat in Los Angeles

Once you've settled into a good sleep, it's time to get up and eat. If you're not a morning person, though, the prospect of eating might not be so attractive. That's where Santa Monica Place comes in — this outdoor mall has an amazing breakfast spot called La Grande Orange that is located near the center of the mall. The pancakes are fluffy, the eggs are excellent, and they have all kinds of food options here.
If you're looking for a different kind of breakfast, then head over to Beverly Hills and stop at Nate 'n Al's Delicatessen. This place has huge bagels and even bigger portions. They'll serve you enough food to last you through lunch if you want — just don't order the "scoop" portion of potato salad unless you want an entire bowl of it!

Once lunchtime rolls around, consider grabbing some sushi at Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa. This place is tiny but it's one of the best sushi restaurants in Los Angeles, with fresh fish and excellent service. The wait can be pretty long — especially on the weekend — but it's worth it. If you're not a sushi fan, then this may not be the place for you, but it's definitely worth a visit if you appreciate fine sushi.

The Grove is another mall in Los Angeles that's located in a great area. If you're looking for a good time and a great meal, then go here. The food court has a few different options, but you really can't go wrong no matter what you choose.

For some really great upscale Chinese food, head over to Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica and try out Bank of China. If you're looking for something a little more fancy, I'd highly recommend this place. If you're looking for a good, traditional American meal, then head over to Joe's in Santa Monica. This place has great burgers, and it's very casual.

The food scene in L.A. is pretty phenomenal, so if you're going to be here, you might as well indulge. These are the 10 best restaurants in Los Angeles right now.

Mozza
Jon & Vinny's
Gjusta
Pizzana
Destroyer
Trois Mec
Night + Market Song
Trois Familia
Sqirl
Kismet

Where to Drink in Los Angeles

If your trip to Los Angeles is a foodie's dream come true, then you're already looking for something to crack open — and we can help you find where to begin. No matter how much of a wine connoisseur you are or how much you're into beer, we can tell you the best spot in LA to fill your glass.

The Roof on Wilshire

The Wilshire rooftop is one of LA's most unique bars. Located at the top of the hotel, it offers panoramic city skyline views, creative cocktails and a local craft beer selection. It has a laidback atmosphere and an excellent view of downtown LA.

The Mixing Room

The Mixing Room is an upscale wine bar in Los Angeles that offers more than 300 wines by the glass, as well as a full-service bar and seasonally inspired small plate menu. The bar also hosts regular events where guests can enjoy live music and a signature cocktail selection.

The Red Door

The Red Door is more than just a bar. It's a live music venue that offers top-notch service in the heart of Los Angeles. More than just a bar, it's the kind of place you go to because you know you won't be disappointed. The atmosphere is always lively, and the bartenders are always friendly.

The Lobby Bar

The Lobby Bar, one of Los Angeles' newest arrivals, offers an exciting selection of cocktails and wine. Situated in the heart of Hollywood, this LA bar is a place for celebrities to catch up after their day or for locals to enjoy with friends. Its spacious outdoor patio is perfect for those warm Southern California nights, while its indoor lounge provides a relaxing atmosphere perfect for date nights or business meetings.

The Ice Room

The Ice Room has a full-service bar with a lounge, cocktail menu, and a large selection of wine — all in one location. With two locations in Los Angeles, the Ice Room can serve whatever you want: from large parties to romantic dinners, they're here to make your night amazing.

La Poubelle

La Poubelle offers the best drink and dining experience in Los Angeles. With over 50 wines and a full bar, the bar can host a wide variety of patrons while still providing the best possible service. The French menu ensures that every customer will get a taste of Paris, even if they are nowhere near France.

What to see and do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one big city with an endless array of neighborhoods, each with its own character and atmosphere. To successfully navigate the City of Angels, it helps to know which areas are best suited to your particular needs. Here's a quick rundown of the basics:

Downtown

A historically gritty area that's undergoing a revitalization, downtown is home to LA Live, the Staples Center, the LA Convention Center and other tourist attractions. It's also where you'll find Grand Central Market, a favorite for foodies.

Beverly Hills

This 90210 zip code is home to Rodeo Drive, where you can window-shop at high-end retailers like Chanel and Louis Vuitton (or splurge on something truly special), and do some celebrity-spotting. There's also plenty of upscale dining in Beverly Hills.

Hollywood

The epicenter of showbiz attracts tourists from around the world yearning to experience the glamor and glitz of Tinseltown. You can visit Grauman's Chinese Theater or stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to see the handprints and autographs of movie stars embedded in concrete.

Santa Monica

This beach-side enclave offers all the fun of a day at the beach — surfing, swimming and sunbathing — without the crowds. Families can stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy the open-air market and wander through the farmer's market.

Shopping in Los Angeles

A trip to California wouldn't be complete without a little shopping, and Los Angeles is the place to do it. The sprawling metropolis has more than its share of glamor and glitz, and that's reflected in a large number of upscale boutiques, malls, and shopping centers.

Despite all this glitz, you don't have to break the bank to find great deals. You can also indulge in some retail therapy at some of L.A.'s most famous shops, including The Grove and Rodeo Drive. Here are some must-see places for shopaholics who want to get the most out of their time on the West Coast.

The Grove

A visit to The Grove is an experience in itself, even before you start looking for bargains. This open-air mall sits on a 14-acre parcel of land, which includes an outdoor concert venue that often hosts live entertainment. In addition to its shops, The Grove is home to a handful of restaurants and even has its own trolley system that runs through the property.

Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is the most famous stretch in Los Angeles — and it's not just because of its legendary shops (although there are plenty). It's also the site of a number of celebrity sightings, as well as home to some outstanding restaurants. Rodeo Drive is a must-see for any visitor to Los Angeles.

Beverly Center

The downtown Beverly Center is a huge, multi-level mall filled with shops and restaurants. It has a wide range of stores, great for all budgets, and an underground parking garage with valet service. There are food courts, a movie theater, and a few really good restaurants. It's the closest mall to UCLA for those who want to go shopping or eat there.

Hollywood & Highland

Hollywood & Highland is a shopping center in Hollywood that draws both tourists and locals. It's near the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the handprints of the stars, and it's home to the Kodak Theatre, where the Academy Awards are held.

Melrose Place

Melrose Place is a trendy LA shopping district where you can get everything from vintage clothing to high-end couture. Known as the Beverly Hills of the 1980s and 1990s, Melrose Place is a high-traffic and very popular destination. Rows and rows of designer boutiques run up and down Melrose Place, and in the summer evenings, it's hard to walk down the street because it's so crowded with people.

Final Thoughts

The beauty and ugliness of the world can be seen through travel. You can marvel at new cultures, but also find things you abhor. However, if you can afford the pleasures of travel, you can also afford to make an impact in the world. Consider donating to Pencils of Promise so they can build schools in developing countries, where many children have little or no access to education. If you want to learn more about this organization, go here!