Base yourself near the beach or in Hollywood, get around on Metro Bike Share or Uber, and mix a free day (Griffith Observatory, Venice Boardwalk) with a splurge (Universal Studios, a Lakers or Dodgers game). Most of LA's biggest draws, the beaches, hiking, and boardwalks, cost nothing to visit.
Los Angeles is the second-biggest city in the US, and it works as a genuinely affordable spring break destination if you plan around free attractions and student pricing. This guide is organized by category, with budget ($), mid-range ($$), and splurge ($$$) picks in each. Everything below was rechecked in July 2026; a few venues from the original version of this guide have closed or renamed since it first ran, flagged where relevant.
Hotels in LA
Finding a place to stay on a student budget is doable in LA if you know where to look. Here's one pick each at budget, mid-range, and splurge pricing.
$: Best Western Hollywood Plaza Inn Hotel
Located at: 2011 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068
Rooms start around $115 a night at this budget-friendly hotel a short walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with a pool on-site.
$$: The Valorian Los Angeles (formerly the Mondrian)
Located at: 8440 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
The former Mondrian Hotel rebranded as The Valorian, Curio Collection by Hilton, in 2025. Rooms start around $400 a night; the rooftop bar (formerly Skybar) still offers poolside cocktails and some of the best views in West Hollywood.
$$$: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Located at: 101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401
This Santa Monica landmark, once a favorite of Marilyn Monroe, sits steps from Santa Monica Beach with ocean-view rooms, bungalows, a spa, and a beach club. Rooms run $700 a night and up.
Airbnb has affordable apartment and home options across LA, especially useful if you're traveling in a group. Booking.com and similar third-party sites are worth checking for deals, and many allow booking with only a deposit due upfront.
Transportation in LA
Renting a car can be tough for under-25 travelers, since most companies require drivers to be 24 or older. Here are three reliable ways to get around instead.
Biking: Metro Bike Share
Located at: Stations all over Los Angeles County, map on their website
A fun, active way to see the city, with regular and electric bikes at over 220 stations across LA County. Rides are $1.75 per 30 minutes, or $5 for a 24-hour pass that includes free rides under 30 minutes.
Subway/Bus: LA Metro
Located at: All over Los Angeles, map on their website
A one-way trip on Metro Bus or Rail is $1.75, with maps and schedules available online to help plan routes.
Car service: Uber
Located at: Uber app
A quick, generally reliable option for getting around, especially split between a group. Walking works for short distances in daylight, but stick to groups if you're out on foot at night.
Beaches in LA
LA's beaches range from tourist-heavy to quiet to full-on party scenes. Here's one of each.
Most popular with tourists: Santa Monica State Beach
Located at: 1269 Palisades Beach Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Open to the public year-round, with shops, restaurants, bike rentals, and a skate park nearby. You can surf, fish, or just watch the sunset.
Relaxing vibe: Paradise Cove Beach
Located at: 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
A smaller, quieter Malibu beach that's free to visit, with cabanas and lounge chairs available to rent (at a price) and a beachside cafe for food and drinks.
Party scene: Venice Beach
Located at: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
The classic spring break gathering spot, free to access, with restaurants and shops lining the boardwalk right behind the sand.
Nightlife in LA
Clubs get pricey fast with cover charges, so here are three options across price tiers.
$: Skinny's Lounge
Located at: 4923 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
A NoHo lounge with live entertainment, including burlesque, bands, and DJs. It's replaced Mom's Bar in this guide, which has closed since this list first ran.
$$: Exchange LA
Located at: 618 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
A multi-level Downtown LA nightclub fitting over 1,500 people, playing primarily electronic music with no strict dress code (just no sandals or shorts for men). General admission runs around $30 and up depending on the night; open Fridays 10pm-3am and Saturdays until 5am, 21+.
$$$: Poppy
Located at: 755 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
An upscale, high-fashion nightclub in West Hollywood with a garden and library-themed decor, open select nights (Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays) from 11pm to 2am with a full drink menu.
Pool & Day Parties in LA
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LA has day parties happening at pools and beach clubs across the city all spring.
$$: WET Deck at W Hollywood
Located at: 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
The W Hollywood's rooftop pool runs recurring Swim Club day parties with a DJ, bookable as a day pass through ResortPass even if you're not a hotel guest. This replaces the Ace Hotel's pool scene in this guide, since the Ace closed in 2024 and reopened as Stile Downtown LA without the same day-party programming.
$$$: Hollywood Roosevelt
Located at: 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
This boutique hotel in the heart of Hollywood runs pool parties most Saturdays and Sundays afternoons with live DJs at its 60s-styled Tropicana Pool Bar.
$$$: The rooftop at The Valorian (formerly Skybar at Mondrian)
Located at: 8440 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90069
The rooftop pool and bar formerly known as Skybar, at the hotel formerly known as the Mondrian, is now The Valorian's rooftop under Hilton's Curio Collection. It's still one of LA's best-known rooftop pool scenes, with regular events throughout the year.
Outdoor Activities in LA
Some of LA's best attractions cost nothing beyond your time, unless you opt for a guided add-on.
Free: Griffith Park, the Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign
Located at: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Griffith Park is open to the public at any time of day, with the Griffith Observatory offering free admission, public telescopes, and planetarium shows. There's no direct access to the Hollywood Sign for safety reasons, but plenty of viewing spots throughout the park.
Free: Venice Boardwalk and Canals
Located at: 300 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
The Venice Boardwalk is one of the best places in the city for people-watching, restaurants, shops, and street performers, with the quieter Venice Canals just a short walk away.
$: Surf at Santa Monica Beach
Located at: 1269 Palisades Beach Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
One of the most popular beaches for first-time surfers, with several nearby surf shops offering lessons; Learn to Surf LA lists a private lesson from around $130.
Theme Parks in LA
Ticket prices run high, but a theme park day can fill an entire day of your trip.
$: Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier
Located at: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Free to walk around, with individually priced rides; an unlimited-ride wristband runs about $40.
$$: Six Flags Magic Mountain
Located at: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
Ticket pricing is dynamic based on the date, online tickets start around $55 with gate prices running significantly higher (up to $110+); check the park's official ticket page for the specific day you're planning to visit. Hours vary by day.
$$$: Universal Studios Hollywood
Located at: 100 Universal City Plz, Universal City, CA 91608
A one-day general admission ticket starts around $109 directly from Universal, with third-party discount sellers sometimes offering lower rates. It's both a working film studio and a full theme park.
Music Festivals & Concerts in LA
If a festival is the whole reason for your trip, it's worth budgeting a bit more for the ticket. Check StubHub or Ticketmaster for resale, and watch for scams on unofficial resale sites.
$: The Echo / Echoplex
Located at: 1154 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
A casual, inexpensive venue for smaller touring acts across genres, from indie to reggae to electronic; tickets typically run $20 to $30.
$$$: Rolling Loud California
Located at: Hollywood Park Grounds, Inglewood, CA 90305
Rolling Loud has held a Southern California edition most years, historically in March at Hollywood Park. As of July 2026, next year's California date had not yet been officially confirmed, check Rolling Loud's site before planning a trip around it.
$$$: Beyond Wonderland SoCal
Located at: NOS Events Center, 689 S. E St., San Bernardino, CA 92408
This electronic music festival returns to the NOS Events Center March 26-27, 2027. Tickets typically range from $170 to $320 depending on tier, with payment-plan options available.
Food & Dining in LA
Whether you want a quick bite or an upscale sit-down meal, here are picks for breakfast and dinner.
Breakfast spots:
$: Nick's Cafe
Located at: 1300 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
A classic diner-style cafe near the LA State Historic Park, serving omelets, bagel sandwiches, burgers, and salads daily from 7am to 2pm.
$$: Lodge Bread
Located at: 11918 Washington Blvd. (Culver City) or 8532 W. Pico Blvd. (Pico), Los Angeles, CA
A bakery-cafe known for its own fresh-baked bread, with popular dishes including cinnamon-sugar toast and a signature breakfast sandwich. Both LA locations are open daily.
$$$: République
Located at: 624 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
A French-inspired restaurant with a casual cafe and bakery up front and formal dining in back; the cafe is open daily 8am-2pm, with a weekend brunch menu featuring dishes like a lobster omelet.
Dinner spots:
$: In-N-Out Burger
Located at: Multiple LA locations, listed on their website
The LA fast-food institution, everything made fresh in-house. A reliable, quick option with locations throughout the city.
$$: Aloha Cafe
Located at: 410 E. 2nd St., Honda Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Little Tokyo)
Hawaiian comfort food built on fresh ingredients, best known for its rice and noodle bowls. Currently take-out only, open Thursdays and Fridays 10:30am-3pm; confirm current hours before visiting since they've changed before.
$$$: 71Above Restaurant & SkyLounge
Located at: 633 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071
A 360-degree view of Downtown LA from the 71st floor, the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi. Reservations required, formal dress code; open Sunday-Thursday 5-9:30pm, Friday-Saturday until 11pm.
Shopping in LA
LA's best shopping districts are outdoor and free to walk through, whether or not you actually buy anything.
$: Fashion District
Located at: 818 S. Broadway St. # 801, Los Angeles, CA 90014
A 107-block stretch of Downtown LA with retail shops, wholesale discounts, art galleries, and food, open to walk through at any time (individual store hours vary).
$$: The Grove
Located at: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036
A well-known outdoor shopping mall with a movie theater, restaurants, and shops; open daily, generally 10am-9pm on weekdays and later on weekends.
$$$: Rodeo Drive
Located at: Santa Monica Blvd. at Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
An outdoor luxury shopping strip with designer stores like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Bulgari, plus cafes and bakeries. Open daily as an outdoor district, though individual stores keep their own hours.
Sporting Events in LA
Whether or not you follow sports, catching a game is a solid way to spend an evening in LA.
$: USC Men's Basketball
Located at: Galen Center, 3400 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90007
USC students get in free; tickets for everyone else start as low as $17 through the school's official site.
$$: LA Dodgers
Located at: 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tickets are available on the Dodgers' official site or resale sites like Ticketmaster, starting as low as around $30 depending on the game.
$$$: LA Lakers
Located at: Crypto.com Arena, 1111 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
One of the NBA's most famous franchises; tickets can be found online starting around $50 depending on the opponent.
Cultural Activities in LA
LA's film and music history means some of the biggest entertainment institutions in the world are open for public visits.
Free: The Broad
Located at: 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
General admission to this contemporary art museum is always free; reserving tickets ahead of time is recommended to skip the line.
$: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures or Grammy Museum
Located at: 6067 Wilshire Blvd. (Academy) / 800 W. Olympic Blvd. (Grammy), Los Angeles, CA
The Academy Museum's student ticket (18+, valid ID) is $15, or $10 after 4:30pm on Last Looks days; general admission is $25. The Grammy Museum's student ticket runs around $12. Both recommend booking online in advance.
$$: Studio tours: Sony, Paramount, Warner Bros., or Universal
Located at: Culver City, Hollywood, Burbank, and Universal City respectively
Sony Pictures runs weekday tours (reservations required) around $55 per person. Paramount offers 2-hour daily tours around $65. Warner Bros.' general studio tour starts around $79, with periodic SoCal-resident discounts. Universal's studio tour is included with park admission (from $109).
A few more worth knowing
- Mom's Bar has closed. It used to hold the budget nightlife spot in this guide; Skinny's Lounge in North Hollywood replaces it.
- The Ace Hotel Downtown LA closed in January 2024 and reopened as Stile Downtown Los Angeles without the same day-party scene. WET Deck at W Hollywood replaces it in the pool party section.
- The Mondrian Hotel is now The Valorian. Same building, same rooftop pool and bar (Skybar) at 8440 Sunset Blvd., new name and new parent brand (Hilton's Curio Collection) since 2025.
Frequently asked
When is spring break in Los Angeles?
Spring break dates vary by school, but most US colleges fall within the first few weeks of March. Check your own school's academic calendar to confirm your exact dates.
Is Los Angeles expensive for a college spring break trip?
It can be, but many of LA's best attractions, its beaches, hiking trails, and boardwalks, are free. Budgeting around free daytime activities and one or two splurges keeps costs down.
What happened to the Mondrian Hotel and its Skybar?
The Mondrian rebranded as The Valorian, Curio Collection by Hilton, in 2025. It's the same building and rooftop pool at 8440 Sunset Blvd, just under a new name.
Is the Ace Hotel in Downtown LA still open?
No, it closed in January 2024 after a decade in the space and reopened as Stile Downtown Los Angeles, without the same day-party programming this guide used to recommend.
What's a free thing to do in LA over spring break?
Griffith Park (including the Observatory and Hollywood Sign viewpoints), the Venice Boardwalk and Canals, and The Broad museum are all free.