15 Activities in LA That Cost $15 or Less

For those days when you want to get outside, but your bank account tells you otherwise

Hi everyone! As summer is quickly approaching and temps are rising, I’m feeling more and more inspired to get outside and explore the city. However… I’m *also* trying to budget :) so this leads me to today’s topic… here are 15 activity ideas that cost $15 or less!

1. Go on a self-guided library tour

   1. Price: Free

   2. About: As you may know by now, I am basically the unofficial LA Public Library brand ambassador. There are a ton of stunning libraries throughout the city, each filled with their own rich history - and plenty of nooks to curl up with a book in. My favorite libraries to visit - Altadena (pictured above), Downtown Central Library, and the West Hollywood Library.

2. Stroll the shops at Malibu Country Mart and walk across the street to Malibu Lagoon

   1. Price: Free

   2. About: Don’t get me wrong - you can definitely spend money at the Country Mart. However, you can have an equally fun day strolling the chic shops, people watching in the park, and ending your afternoon across the street checking out the Malibu Lagoon + beach views. If you’re hungry, I recommend the lobster roll at Broad Street Oyster Co or a sandwich at John’s Garden.

3. Catch a Griffith Observatory Planetarium Show

   1. Price: $10

   2. About: The Griffith Observatory is an iconic tourist attraction in the city, but have you ever experienced a show in the dome? Spend just $10 to sit in the comfiest reclined seats and experience a cool show about the constellations. The museum is also free, and you get great views of LA + the Hollywood sign to boot!

4. Catch a weird movie at Braindead Studios Fairfax

   1. Price: $12

   2. About: Yes, you could go to an AMC and see a new release… but if you’re looking for a more obscure option & a more unique experience - check out the lineup at Braindead Studios Fairfax. Monthly rotation can be found here.

5. Spend a Sunday browsing the booths at a farmer’s market

   1. Price: Free

   2. About: I could write an entire separate piece on farmer’s market culture in LA, and I probably will! But for the purposes of this exercise - check out Mar Vista, Brentwood or Hollywood Farmer’s Market on Sundays. I love all three, and it’s a fun way to pick up some groceries for the week + experience a different neighborhood.

6. Hunt for an epic find at a flea market

   1. Price: Free

   2. About: There is a full rotation of flea markets throughout the month, but a few weekly regulars to explore - Los Feliz Flea (my favorite) - Saturdays, Silverlake Flea - Saturdays and Sundays, and Melrose Trading Post - Sundays.

7. Picnic at Barnsdall Art Park

   1. Price: Free

   2. About: Barnsdall Art Park is perched on a hill overlooking Hollywood, presenting some epic views of the city and also hosting the Hollyhock House, LA’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pick up some tacos from HomeState or some goodies from Go Get Em Tiger down the street, and have yourself a picnic!

8. Hike Eaton Canyon in Alta Dena

   1. Price: Free

   2. About: There are plenty of hike options to choose from, but Eaton Canyon is a recent fave for me. It’s a relatively easy trail, and it has a treat at the end - a waterfall!

9. Grab a breakfast burrito at Dogtown Coffee and walk the beach path Santa Monica to Venice

   1. Price: $11-13

   2. About: Dogtown has a few awesome brekky burrito options - pick your fave and take a stroll down the beach walk from Santa Monica to Venice.

10. Pick up a STANWICH and a coffee at Two Guns Espresso and walk Manhattan Beach Pier / have a beach day

    1. Price: $15 (for sandwich and a coffee)

    2. About: I was going to gatekeep… but this one is just too good. Two Guns’ “STANWICH” is a flavor-packed breakfast sandwich served on a pretzel bun. A pretzel bun!! It’s delicious and I dream about it. One of my South Bay staples. Grab a sandwich and head to MB Pier for a lovely day at the beach.

11. Jazz Night at LACMA

    1. Price: Free

    2. About: It’s jazz szn at LACMA! From now until November, post up on the museum courtyard and experience free jazz night every Friday. Great for groups!

12. Find your next home at the Venice Canals

    1. Price: Free

    2. About: You could just walk the Venice Canals and have a lovely time… or you could gameify it and pretend house shop :) browse the quintessential beach homes sitting on the canals and snap some pics on one of the bridges. So beautiful!

13. Take in some art and epic views at The Getty

    1. Price: Free

    2. About: It’s a classic for a reason! The tram ride alone is so cool. Head to The Getty for a classy, art-forward day. Though the galleries are incredible, I personally find myself drawn to the gardens every time I visit. Stunning!

14. Rent a Swan boat and pedal around Echo Park Lake

    1. Price: $12/hour (I think an hour is more than enough time TBH!!)

    2. About: The Swan boats you see in all the pictures are available for rent for just $12/hour! Take a ride around the lake via swan on a sunny day - I recommend packing a bluetooth speaker to play some tunes while you pedal around!

15. Shop the hippie shops in Topanga Canyon and catch the sunset in Malibu

    1. Price: Free

    2. About: There’s quite a few shops hidden in the canyon, and you’ve probably passed them a few times on your drive to the beach. Check out Hidden Treasures (pictured above), Topanga Candle Company & Mercantile, and Kinship Station. If you’re feeling hungry, stop by Endless Color for some pizza and natural wine before you head home.

Ticket to Sarahdise Event Digest - Week of 5/15

Every week, I’m sharing events you should be checking out in LA. Here’s this week’s download!

• Benny Boy Female Founders Event - This one’s for the ladiessss. Benny Boy is hosting a networking event for female entrepreneurs on Wednesday 5/17, inclusive of a cidery/brewery tour. See info on how to get involved here!

• Badmaash 10 Year Anniversary x Jon & Vinny’s Collab - These two Fairfax legends are coming together for a one night only event on Friday 5/19. The Italian + Indian fusion menu looks EPIC - see more info here!

• Cake Walk Opening Reception - Christine and Maddie, two amazing ceramicists in LA are putting their pieces on display in Virgil Village starting Saturday 5/20! Check out more details on the opening reception (featuring a few other collaborators!) here.

• More Than A Bake Sale - On Sunday 5/21, Now Serving LA and Natasha Pickowicz are hosting a bake sale for charity! Check out the epic, sugary lineup here.

What’s your favorite budget-friendly activity in LA? Reply directly to this email with your faves! Until next week … you can find even more recommendations from me on TikTok! Thanks for reading!