Back from LA, spent 5 days, and my spending habits are shattered
Just finished a 5-day independent trip to Los Angeles 😭! To be honest, I prepared myself for the costs before leaving, but after actually finishing the trip, my wallet took a direct hit! The city is vast and laid-back, the coastal sunsets are romantic, and Hollywood is full of atmosphere. The only pain points are the high prices, heavy traffic, and long travel times between districts. But when I stood at the Santa Monica Pier at dusk, watching the sunset sink into the Pacific, all the pain of spending money seemed forgivable again ✨
✨ Reasons to visit
September–October is the comfortable shoulder season in LA 🌤️! The temperature is pleasant, and you avoid the peak summer tourist crowds. You can check off movie landmarks while cruising along the Pacific coast, hitting museums, beaches, and trendy neighborhoods all in one go. Set your expectations early: the city is huge, attractions are far apart, and it's best to drive the whole time. It's suitable for friends who like a relaxed vacation and taking photos, but not for "special forces" style travel with tight itineraries.
💰 5-day, 4-night total budget per person | CNY 4,720 (excluding round-trip airfare)
4 nights accommodation: CNY 2,200
Meals: CNY 1,100
Local transportation: CNY 820
Attraction miscellaneous fees: CNY 600
🚗 Transportation suggestions
After landing at LAX International Airport ✈️, a taxi to the city center costs CNY 220, and prices rise during peak hours. Renting a car costs CNY 260 per day and is highly recommended; the city's attractions are scattered, and public transportation is very inconvenient. Short-distance ride-hailing costs CNY 60–120 per trip, and costs skyrocket for long-distance travel. To get to Universal Studios, it's a 25-minute drive, while public transportation takes over 1 hour. ❗ Do not take unlicensed taxis from the roadside, refuse street-solicited car services, and try to book your rides online in advance.
🏨 Accommodation recommendations by area
▪ Santa Monica area 🔥 CNY 550–750/night
Top choice for a beach vacation! Walking distance to the beach, the neighborhood is safe and lively, and the sunset is stunning. The downside is that overall room rates are on the higher side, and commuting to Hollywood takes about half an hour.
▪ Hollywood area CNY 480–680/night
Top choice for sightseers! Very close to the Walk of Fame and Universal Studios. The streets can be crowded and complex at night, so try not to wander alone late at night.
▪ Koreatown area CNY 420–580/night
The king of value! 24-hour food everywhere, with tons of Chinese and Korean options. The surrounding neighborhood environment varies, so prioritize hotels with good reviews when booking.
🍜 Food checklist
In-N-Out Burger CNY 70 🍔 | A West Coast viral burger spot. You must try the secret menu. It's affordable, delicious, and a local favorite.
Mexican tacos CNY 45 🌮 | Authentic taste from roadside food trucks, generous portions, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Korean BBQ CNY 180 🥩 | A must-visit in Koreatown. BBQ paired with various side dishes, a perfect spot for late-night cravings.
American brunch CNY 130 🥞 | A California specialty. Avocado toast and pancakes paired with coffee, full of atmosphere.
📸 Must-visit attractions
Universal Studios Hollywood ticket CNY 710 🎬 | Dedicate a whole day here! An immersive experience in the movie world. If you love film and television, you absolutely cannot miss this. If you have the budget, buy an Express Pass to save time waiting in line.
Griffith Observatory CNY 0 🔭 | A filming location for "La La Land." Free admission. You can overlook the entire night view of Los Angeles. Coming here in the evening to wait for the sunset is super healing. Parking fee is CNY 70.
Santa Monica Beach CNY 0 🌊 | The end of Route 66. Ferris wheel, beach, and boardwalk. Watch a stunning sunset over the ocean.
The Getty Center CNY 0 🖼️ | A top-tier art museum. The garden architecture is super photogenic. Admission is free, parking fee is CNY 160. Remember to book your parking spot in advance.
❌ Tips to avoid pitfalls
1. Prices are really high! Remember to set aside money for tips when dining. Even for simple meals, you need to pay an extra 15%–20% tip, so make sure to leave extra room in your budget for the final bill.
2. Don't set your expectations too high for the Walk of Fame. The streets are a bit messy. A quick 30-minute visit for photos is enough; no need to set aside a long time for it.
3. When driving, be sure to check parking prices in advance. Parking at popular attractions is very expensive, and spots are tight during peak season.
4. Try not to go to remote areas of the city center alone at night. Keep your phone, camera, and other valuables safe, and pay attention to your personal safety.
💡 Travel tips
The city has very heavy traffic. Try to start your day early when traveling between regions to avoid morning and evening rush hours.
Always carry a jacket. There is a large temperature difference between day and night by the sea, and the evening sea breeze can be quite chilly.
Don't pack your itinerary too full. Focus on exploring one area each day to reduce time spent traveling on the road.
💬 Final thoughts
To be honest, money flowed like water on this trip to Los Angeles 💫!
Every day, eating, parking, and taking taxis were all expenses, and I often encountered long traffic jams.
But feeling the Pacific sea breeze, strolling through a movie studio full of stories, and overlooking the city lights from the mountaintop—the experience is irreplaceable.
If you have the budget and are longing for a romantic American West Coast vacation, Los Angeles in September–October is worth the trip!