Do you have a place that the more you visit the more you fall in love with it? California is that place for me. This recent trip was my 5th time to California and I am still not sick of it. I love that within two hours of almost anywhere you could be at the beach, desert or mountains. I like that along the coast the weather never gets too hot, even in the summer. Spring break where I am from is usually spent in Florida or somewhere tropical. I decided that LA was the place to be. Last year I was in the hospital on spring break, so this was an improvement to say the least. I had incredible time in LA, but I learned some lessons on this trip. I wanted to share my experience and prove that it is possible for a college student to afford LA for spring break or any other time.

Booking The Flight

One of the best travel apps that I have found is the Hopper. It is a flight app, that allows you to watch flights and notifies you when the price is going to go up and when the best time to buy so you save money. I found round trip tickets from Detroit to Los Angeles for $200, with American Airlines (Carry on and personal item included☑). That is two trips to the mall, less than the cost of an iPhone. That is dirt cheap. 

Packing/Planning for Weather

LA has had a drought for several years. The only jacket I decided to bring was a jean jacket. When I decided to take a visit, it pours buckets of rain. Now I know you’re thinking, “why didn’t you check the weather”? I checked for rain, but failed to notice the chilly temps. Which is why in all my pictures I am wearing a lovely jean jacket. Finally, I caved in and bought this purple overpriced poncho. Never assume California is always sunny. Gloomy overcast photos to follow:

First Hostel Experience

I was not taken hostage or stalked by a psycho like everyone told me would happen. Nor will my experience inspire the next Hostel film. If you have never seen that movie or never stayed in a hostel, it is basically a dorm style hotel alternative to staying in a traditional hotel. They are usually cheaper and a great way to meet people from all over the world. Hostels are not for everyone but with the free breakfast, specialized tours, cool people and a great atmosphere, I will be staying at more hostels in the future. 

Attempting to Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Hiking to the Hollywood sign. Easy, right? Wrong… we never found it. Videos, blog posts and even a guide from the hostel. Tons of other people were searching and everyone was asking each other but no one knew how to get there . Also other than the $4 Uber to the street close to start of the hike, it is free( great for college budget). Other than sore legs from the steep hills and the annoying mist or rain, I discovered several little gems..

After being defeated by the Hollywood sign, 15 min later in an Uber and we arrived at the Griffin Observatory(also free). We could actually see views of LA and the Hollywood sign from afar.  So, if anyone knows how to get to the Hollywood sign share your secret please 😊.

UBER (and Lyft)

Car rental companies have a grudge against young drivers under the age of 24, which fair enough. Uber however, is your friend and it can take you anywhere in LA at almost any time. Uber pool let you share your ride with another passenger and helps to keep the price low. Public transportation is probably a cheaper option but is more time consuming and does not always take you to the exact place you want. If I was to stay longer and didn’t have a car, I would utilize the cheaper transportation, but Uber you can count on. 

DTLA

When I was 15 I spent a week in Downtown LA and loved every minute, now I am back. DTLA is clean fresh and full of unique places, from cool shops, delicious food, crazy architecture and murals around every corner. If you cannot afford one of the fancy rooftop restaurants or even if you can, check out the US Bank Tower for astonishing views. They have a glass slide and 2 viewing decks to see the city. We went at night and the views are incredible and it only cost $20!

Santa Monica/Venice Beach

 February is no time for swimming in the Pacific. But there is still plenty to do in these ocean side gems. Santa Monica has a pier that you have to go down at least once in the day time and once at night. At night the pier is shining with all the lights from amusement rides. Also don't forget to bring a jacket here because it is chilly, this is where I bought an overpriced poncho to stay warm. During the day you have a beautiful view of the ocean and a chance to go down to the beach. Venice Beach has a bohemian hippie vibe that even if that is not your thing it puts you in a good mood. Henna tattoos, people playing the piano, gelato shops, joggers, murals and a spectacular view that is worth it in its self. There are quirky shops with handmaid artwork and then then there are the t-shirt shops about every sixth store that have the same shirts just a different hipster selling them. The Venice Canals are also worth a quick stroll and only about 5 minutes from the boardwalk. 

Food

I would travel just for food, it is one of the best parts of traveling. Let me just say LA tacos are the best that I have ever had. Every time I saw tacos, I was like just take my money. I also had some bomb mac & cheese at Casey’s Pub. Too beautiful to eat macaroons from Bottega Louie. At the bottom there is a list of all the phenomenal places to stuff your face and spend your money without breaking your bank.

Food                                                                      

• Calle Tacos- Hollywood                                                                                         
• Bottega Louie- DTLA                                                                                            
• Casey's Irish Pub- DTLA                                                                                          
• Pink's Hot Dogs - Inglewood                                                                                  
• Lemonade - Santa Monica                                                                                      
• The Sidewalk Cafe- Venice Beach 
• Casa Escobar- Malibu (They have $2 taco Tuesday!) 

Next Time 

• Rooftop Restaurant 
• Abandoned Zoo
• Urban Lights @LACMA
• Kayaking Chanel Islands 
• Find the Hollywood Sign 
• Eat more delicious food 

Comment below with your favorite thing to do in LA or California!

>>> Morgan