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25 Best U.S. Vacation Cities On the Cheap
Kayla Baxter, Alice Handley and Jill Hare | Excelle
June 11, 2009
#21: Los Angeles, California
Never been to Los Angeles? You’ve got to fix that! Get a feel for the local scene by taking a stroll down Venice Beach Boardwalk, and if you’d rather get another perspective on the beach, start at Santa Monica Pier and ride the giant Ferris wheel. The weather is just about perfect at the beach in the summer, so bring a good book and a chair and enjoy the view.
Don’t be surprised if you see a few celebrities biking or rollerblading by! After some time at the beach, head to Hollywood Boulevard and the Forecourt of the Stars at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (pictured above) to measure your hands and feet against the hand prints and footprints of Hollywood’s legendary actors. Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and stop to take a picture with the Hollywood sign behind you in the hills. If you know when you’ll be heading out west, try to attend a taping of your favorite game show, talk show or sitcom — tickets are always free.
If you’re looking for learning activities for the whole family, check out the California Science Center or Getty Museum. Admission is free for both but parking will cost you a few bucks. The view from the Getty hilltop fortress alone is worth the drive.
The LA Metro bus stops at most of these locations, and a day pass is just $5.
Don’t Miss: Diddy Riese Cookies on Broxton Ave in Westwood. With three cookies for $1.00 and ice cream sandwich for $1.50, you can’t afford to miss it! Be warned, the line goes out the door most days but it moves fast. Cash only, too.
DeHon
5 months ago
2 comments
Boston ? DC? for cheap vacations? That made me laugh! (And I've been to both as well as Dallas, Nashville and San Diego) However, as Teddy Kennedy is offering his "writing" of healthcare plan - it was just such a plan that broke the financial back of Massachusetts.... no kidding. So, it's probably going to be 'cheap' for awhile. As well as most other cities...
hpbayne
5 months ago
2 comments
Interesting articles - I would have thought that New York would make the list. There are inexpensive places to stay, lots to do without having to pay, incredible food and entertainment.
Account Removed
5 months ago
As a resident of Dallas, TX, I appreciate that it falls as #6 on the list. However one correction: the warehouse district which houses Club Clearview and Trees is called Deep Ellum (not Deep Elm)
FranLytle
5 months ago
4 comments
I've had the opportunity to visit Nashville twice in the past year for speaking engagements. Both times, I spoke at Gospel Music Week, mentoring Christian Radio Stations how to develop marketing initiatives that connect with women . . . since 80% of their listeners are women. Unfortunately, I didn't have as much time as I would have liked to be a tourist. But the time I did have convinced me it's a great getaway. It's definitely on the top of my list for a vacation . . . the food, the music, the people . . . a fun place.
bethanierose
5 months ago
680 comments
I'm not sure how Maui qualifies as a cheap US vacation...
Portland and Seattle are both dear to my heart, though.
And I am lucky enough to live next door to DC, with tons of free stuff to see and do every day of the year!
Excelle_Editor
5 months ago
546 comments
San Diego is, hands down, one of my favorite places to vacation in the whole country. Highly recommend it!