Sober in LA: An Amazing $50 Driving Tour of Alcohol-Free Adventures

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is often associated with Hollywood glamour and a party scene. However, there’s a wealth of incredible experiences to be had that don’t involve alcohol or breaking the bank. This driving tour lets you experience the best of LA, completely sober, for just $50. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the city in a whole new light!

Important Note: This itinerary assumes you have access to a car or are willing to rent one for the day. The $50 budget excludes car rental and gas costs, as these can vary greatly. If renting, factor in the cost and adjust accordingly.

Morning: Beach Vibes, Hiking & Iconic Views (Budget: $15)

• 8:00 AM: Start with a Sunrise at Santa Monica Pier: (Free) Begin your day with a breathtaking sunrise over the Pacific Ocean at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Walk along the pier, enjoy the ocean breeze, and soak in the California vibes. Parking: Can be expensive near the pier. Look for street parking or use a parking app to find the best deals. Expect to pay around $5-10 for parking (factoring it into your budget). Aim to arrive before the crowds to find cheaper options.
• 9:00 AM: Hike to the Hollywood Sign: (Free) Head to Griffith Park and embark on a hike to get up close and personal with the iconic Hollywood Sign. There are several trails to choose from, ranging in difficulty. The Brush Canyon Trail is a popular option. Check AllTrails.com for trail maps and difficulty ratings.
  • Parking: Free parking is available in Griffith Park, but it can be crowded on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.
  • Bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
• 11:00 AM: Coffee & a Pastry in Los Feliz: ($10) After your hike, treat yourself to a coffee and a pastry at a local bakery in the trendy Los Feliz neighborhood.
  • Try: Alcove Cafe & Bakery

Midday: Culture, Lunch & Scenic Drives (Budget: $20)

• 12:00 PM: Explore the Getty Center: (Free Admission, Parking Fee) Drive to the Getty Center, a world-renowned art museum with stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and panoramic city views. Admission is free, but there is a parking fee of $20. Carpooling can split the cost.
  • Tip: Make a reservation online in advance, especially on weekends.
  • Explore the museum’s collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
  • Wander through the gardens and enjoy the views.
• 2:00 PM: Lunch at Grand Central Market: ($10) Head downtown to the historic Grand Central Market, a vibrant food hall with a diverse array of vendors. Grab a cheap and delicious lunch from one of the many stalls.
  • Try: Tacos, pupusas, or ramen.

Afternoon: History, Nature & a Classic LA Experience (Budget: $10)

• 3:00 PM: Explore Olvera Street: (Free) Take a walk through Olvera Street, a historic street in downtown LA that celebrates Mexican culture and heritage. Browse the shops, admire the colorful architecture, and soak in the atmosphere.
  • Enjoy the street performers and musicians.
  • Learn about the history of Los Angeles.
• 4:00 PM: Visit the La Brea Tar Pits: (Free to view the pits, museum entry fee applies. Skip the museum if on a strict budget.) Head to La Brea Tar Pits and witness Ice Age fossils preserved in natural asphalt. You can view the tar pits for free. However, if you’re strict, you’ll have to skip paying to enter the museum. You can still see most of it from the street.

Evening: Sunset, Stargazing & Budget Eats (Budget: $5)

• 6:00 PM: Drive Along Mulholland Drive: (Free) Take a scenic drive along Mulholland Drive and enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Hollywood Hills, especially beautiful at sunset. Stop at one of the overlooks for photo opportunities.
• 7:00 PM: Stargazing at Griffith Observatory: (Free) Head back to Griffith Observatory for an evening of stargazing (free!). Look through the telescopes, explore the exhibits, and learn about the cosmos. The building is stunning and worth the drive even just to walk around it.
• 8:30 PM: Budget-Friendly Dinner in Koreatown: ($5) Finish your day with a cheap and delicious dinner in Koreatown. Numerous hole-in-the-wall restaurants offer authentic Korean food at affordable prices.
  *Try: A filling bowl of noodles from a food cart

Possible Routes:

• A quick route would involve skipping the beach and the downtown sites.
• Beach -> Griffith Hike -> Mulholland/Griffith Observatory

Total Estimated Cost:

• Parking (Santa Monica): $5
• Coffee & Pastry: $10
• Lunch: $10
• Dinner: $5

Total: $30

Savings: $20

Budget-Stretching Tips:

• Pack Your Own Snacks and Drinks: Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid paying inflated prices at tourist traps.
• Take Advantage of Free Activities: LA is full of free things to do, from visiting parks and gardens to attending free events and concerts.
• Look for Street Parking: Parking can be expensive in LA, so look for street parking or use a parking app to find the best deals. (But be sure to read the signs carefully to avoid getting a ticket!)
• Avoid Traffic: LA traffic is notorious, so plan your driving route carefully and try to avoid peak hours.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are essential.
• Check the Weather Forecast: Dress appropriately for the weather. LA can be warm during the day and cool at night.
• Bring a Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Like any major city, LA has its share of crime. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
• Check hours.
• Have Fun

Los Angeles has so much to offer beyond the glitz and glamour. This itinerary shows how you can have an incredible sober day for just $50. So, fill up the car, pack your bags, and head for this amazing route. You’ll have an amazing time.

Disclaimer:

This information is intended for educational purposes only. Prices and availability are subject to change. Please verify all information before making plans. Travel at your own risk, read all local guidelines, and have fun.