Arriving in a sprawling metropolis like Los Angeles can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re exploring it as a backpacker ke los angeles. Fresh off the plane, I was fortunate to be met by family, a true blessing for any budget-conscious traveler, immediately offering a glimpse into local life beyond typical tourist paths. Our first impressions were shaped by navigating the city’s vast network of highways, a constant flow of traffic amidst surprising mountain backdrops.
Lunch became our first culinary deep dive, setting the tone for LA’s diverse food scene. We visited The Dive in Temple City, sampling Louisiana-style seafood. As someone who views food as a window into culture, tasting the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine felt like a mini-trip to the bayou right here in California. The seasoned fries, cheesy potatoes, shrimp, and wings were incredibly tasty – a perfect introduction to the vibrant, well-spiced dishes popular here, much to my Indonesian palate’s delight.
A crucial piece of advice for anyone traveling in the US, and especially important when managing a budget as a backpacker ke los angeles: tipping is expected, often mandatory, particularly for dine-in service. The standard is 15-20% of the bill. This can significantly add to your costs, so factor it in. It’s seen as a reflection of service quality; insufficient tips can cause issues. So, embrace the service, and budget for the tips!
After lunch, practical stops included filling up on gas at Costco, known for lower prices in Los Angeles, and a visit to their supermarket. Costco is a bulk retailer requiring membership, which is a useful tip for backpacker ke los angeles traveling with locals or considering group buys. The sheer scale of products was eye-opening! We picked up large bottles of vitamins, a reminder of how shopping logistics can impact luggage weight on a backpacking trip.
The evening offered another culinary experience with Japanese food at KOPAN. Enjoying warm ramen soup was perfect for the cooler LA evening weather. A standard US portion is often large enough for two people, a handy tip for budget travelers looking to save money on meals. Sharing dishes allows you to sample more variety while keeping costs down.
Cajun seasoned fries and shrimp at The Dive, a tasty meal for backpacker ke los angeles
My travel partner used the drives around LA as a chance to study local traffic rules, preparing for our upcoming road trip. Thankfully, the rules are quite similar to Canada, making the adjustment easier. Relying on navigation apps like Google Maps is standard practice here, even for residents navigating the complex city layout.
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Sharing a large bowl of ramen during dinner in Los Angeles for backpacker ke los angeles
LA’s climate, especially in spring, presented noticeable temperature swings – cool mornings and evenings around 15°C (59°F), warming up significantly to 25°C (77°F) with strong sun during the day. Knowing this helps pack appropriate layers, a key strategy for backpacker ke los angeles needing versatile clothing options. Sunset was beautifully late, around 7-8 PM.
Our second day exploring Los Angeles, California, was dedicated to visiting some of its most iconic tourist spots. We started our Sunday with local insights, then set out to see the famous sights, gratefully guided by our family hosts.
The first major stop was The Grove, an open-air mall adjacent to the historic Original Farmers Market. The Grove is quite modern with popular stores, but the real gem for me was the Farmers Market. Operating since 1934, it offers a vibrant atmosphere with countless food stalls, produce vendors, and unique shops – a fantastic spot to experience local flavors and pick up snacks.
Riding the historic trolley at the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, a free activity for backpacker ke los angeles
A highlight here, especially relevant for backpacker ke los angeles, is the free trolley ride connecting The Grove and the Farmers Market along First Street. Designed after 1950s Boston streetcars, it’s a fun, quick, and complimentary way to shuttle between the two areas, running from 1 PM to 8:45 PM. It adds a touch of historical charm to the visit.
Inside the Farmers Market, the food options are overwhelming, from Asian and Cajun to Italian and French cuisine. We opted for American BBQ at Bryan’s Pit, ordering a delicious BBQ pork chopped sandwich set. Remember, prices listed in the US often exclude tax, so factor that into your budget planning. Our meal plus tax came to just over $16, a typical price point for a hearty lunch. Finding places where you can share or buy from markets and picnic can help a backpacker ke los angeles manage food costs.
Enjoying a delicious BBQ pork sandwich lunch at the Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles
Given the hot midday sun, ice cream was a must. Bennett’s Home Made Ice Cream offered unique flavors, including those with alcohol. Cabernet Sauvignon sorbet and Chocolate Junkies were our refreshing choices, costing around $8. It’s a small indulgence, but experiencing local treats is part of the journey.
From the market, we ventured into the world of luxury at Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills. Known from films like “Pretty Woman,” this area showcases high-end designer boutiques. While browsing might be free, the prices are definitely not backpacker-friendly. It’s fascinating to see, though, with stores like Louis Vuitton and Gucci lining the streets, often requiring queues to enter.
The iconic Beverly Hills sign and streetscape near Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, a must-see for backpacker ke los angeles
At the end of the street is Beverly Gardens Park, home to the famous Beverly Hills sign – a popular photo spot. This district, including the area linked to the “Beverly Hills 90210” TV show, is synonymous with wealth and celebrity, offering a stark contrast to budget travel but a key part of the LA landscape.
Next, we headed to Hollywood Boulevard for the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame. This iconic sidewalk features stars dedicated to famous entertainers. Finding your favorite celebrity’s star and posing with it is a classic LA experience. The area around Hollywood & Highland is busy with shops and attractions, including the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, iconic sights for backpacker ke los angeles
The TCL Chinese Theatre itself is a historical landmark dating back to 1927 and still operates as a cinema. Its forecourt is famous for the handprints and footprints of Hollywood stars, though it was inaccessible during our visit due to an event. Nearby, stairs display lists of Oscar-winning films, adding to the cinematic atmosphere.
View of the distant Hollywood Sign from Hollywood & Highland, Los Angeles, a view accessible to backpacker ke los angeles
From the upper levels of the Hollywood & Highland complex, you can catch a view of the distant Hollywood Sign. While visible to the naked eye, capturing it clearly in photos requires zooming. For a closer, more famous view, Griffith Observatory is the place to go. However, our attempt to visit Griffith that Sunday was thwarted by massive crowds and traffic, a reminder that popular spots, especially on weekends, can be challenging for backpacker ke los angeles relying on flexible schedules or public transport. We decided to cut our losses and visit on a weekday instead.
Our exploration continued downtown, stopping by Grand Central Market. Although many stalls were closing when we arrived later in the day, it’s known as a diverse food hall worth visiting earlier. We also admired the unique architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall nearby.
Downtown LA scenes featuring Grand Central Market and the unique Walt Disney Concert Hall
Downtown also holds a surprising historical gem: Angels Flight Railway. This short funicular connects Hill Street and Olive Street. Its mechanism, with two cars counterbalancing each other on the same track, is similar to the Marzili Funicular in Bern, Switzerland, which I’d experienced before. It’s a quick, fun ride and a unique historical mode of transport.
Riding the historic Angels Flight funicular railway in Downtown Los Angeles, a short ride for backpacker ke los angeles
The ride on Angels Flight is less than a minute and costs $1 for a one-way trip or $1.50 for a round trip if purchased together. This is a small, affordable experience for backpacker ke los angeles exploring the downtown area.
We capped off our second day with a delicious Thai dinner at Banana Bay restaurant. The crab fried rice was a highlight, and again, the portions were generous, easily shareable. LA’s immense variety of ethnic cuisines is a massive plus for food-loving travelers.
Monday marked the start of our road trip journey, beginning with picking up a rental car. We went to an AVIS location in Alhambra. Contrary to expectations of a large, bustling rental hub, it was a quiet office. The process was surprisingly smooth: showing the booking confirmation, my Indonesian driving license, and signing forms. The reservation included insurance covering theft and break-in, essential protection, especially for cities like San Francisco. The agent also confirmed the free additional driver for partners without extra paperwork, simplifying logistics for our trip.
Our rental car, a Hyundai Kona from AVIS, ready for the road trip from Los Angeles
We were assigned a Hyundai Kona, and interestingly, the license plate was from the state of Nevada, showing that rental car fleets are dynamic. This wrapped up our initial days settling into LA before hitting the road towards Las Vegas. We planned to return to Los Angeles later in our trip to visit other key spots like Disneyland, Warner Bros Studio, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica.
For backpacker ke los angeles, these initial days reveal a city of contrasts: high-end luxury alongside accessible markets, iconic landmarks sometimes marred by crowds, and a culinary scene as diverse as its population. Managing costs means being mindful of tipping, portion sizes, and seeking out free activities like the Farmers Market trolley or navigating with maps. While a rental car offers flexibility, understanding public transport options or ride-sharing apps is also key for independent exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions for backpacker ke los angeles
Q: Is Los Angeles an expensive city for backpacker ke los angeles?
A: Los Angeles can be expensive, especially for accommodation and transport if not planned carefully. However, food costs can be managed by exploring ethnic eateries, markets, and sharing large portions. There are also free or low-cost activities available.
Q: What are some budget-friendly things to do in Los Angeles?
A: Walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visiting the Beverly Hills sign, exploring the Original Farmers Market (and riding the free trolley), admiring the Walt Disney Concert Hall exterior, and using Angels Flight are relatively low-cost or free activities mentioned in the article. Exploring neighborhoods or beaches (like Santa Monica, planned for later) are also often free.
Q: How can backpacker ke los angeles get around the city?
A: While having a car offers flexibility in LA’s sprawl, it comes with costs (rental, gas, parking). Public transport exists (metro and buses) but can be time-consuming depending on your destination. Ride-sharing services are common. For specific short trips, walking or using unique transport like Angels Flight is an option. Planning routes in advance is crucial.
Q: What’s the deal with tipping in US restaurants?
A: In US dine-in restaurants (excluding fast food), tipping is customary and expected, typically 15-20% of the bill before tax. Service staff often rely on tips for a significant portion of their income. It’s considered standard practice, not optional, and failure to tip adequately can cause issues. Always factor this into your food budget.