I'm so sorry this has happened to you For whatever reason—maybe you have a weird layover between flights, or the tour bus stranded you, or you have a time-bomb strapped to your chest and you have one day left on this earth—you only have 24 hours to see Los Angeles. And, of course, you want to see it all. Before the clock hits zero and you light on fire. Daunting, I know. But I have a plan.
6:45am: Psst. Get up. Sorry it's so early. Lucky for you, USA Hostels Hollywood, where you're staying, has free breakfast available soon. And luckily for your glute's shapeliness, we're walking to our first destination. (Free)
7:45-11:30am: The taping of The Price is Right at CBS Television. Make sure you print out your ticket beforehand and get there early enough for the 8:30 taping, since seating is first-come, first-serve. And those ladies can't get enough Drew Carey. (Free)
11:30am-12:30pm: While you're in the area, might as well do a little shopping on Melrose Ave. May I recommend the trying-it-on-and-taking-a-picture-in-a-part-of-the-store-that-looks-like-a-fancy-nightclub technique, to save dough? Otherwise, the thrift stores are a couple blocks east. (Windowshopping is free.)
12:30-1:30pm: Lunch at Pink's (on La Brea just north of Melrose). Hey! Didn't your momma teach you not to slobber on yourself in public? ($5)
1:30-2:30pm: Head to Santa Monica Blvd. and catch the 704 bus to Santa Monica. Watch the expensive parts of Hollywood and LA pass by. Maybe do a song and dance in case there's an agent on the bus. ($3)
2:30-5:30pm: Beach time! Hit the Santa Monica Pier and gaze at the carnival attractions, or just tune up the ol' glow. (Free)
5:30-7:00pm: Traipse along the 3rd St. Promenade, then dinner at Yangtze. Go to the back for half-off sushi rolls, and to escape the packs of street-performers you watched but didn't pay. ($12)
7:00-8:00pm: 704 bus back east to Hollywood. It's reverse rush hour, so you're fine. ($3)
8:00-9:00pm: Dusk is the perfect time to see Grauman's Chinese Theater. The exterior lights should just be turning on, giving the theater and the handprints in the cement below a subdued luminescence, and the Batman/Spiderman/Chucky/Jack Sparrow impersonators should be hitting the streets in full force. (Free)
9:00-10:00pm: Shower. Change. You stink.
10:00-11:00pm: Hang out at the bar in the hostel. It's a great place to meet people to head out with—you're stock always goes up when you roll with some Australians. ($5, give or take)
11:00-?: You're hitting the bars in West Hollywood, one of LA's safest, cleanest, most fun areas. Hit the Surly Goat if you don't want to pay cover and get a good beer for $5, then Fubar ($5 cover for guys, $10 girls) to see why West Hollywood is called "Boy's Town." And to get the biggest drink you've ever had for $10. There's honestly something for everyone. ($20-25)
And you didn't even need a car.
Total Cost: $50-55
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