How to have an #InstaWorthy time in LA without breaking the bank!

If you're hoping to step your Instagame up on your trip to LA without going broke, read on! Everyone told me before moving here that it was going to be expensive to enjoy, but I've found a ton of cheap things to do and I avoid paying for parking at all costs. If you're driving here, you gotta check out the Grand Canyon.  Jack and I did the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah point and it took us 1-2 hours. Signs warn against trying to do the whole trail, unless you are an expert and carrying two days worth of water and food. I think it costs us $30 to get in the park, but this giant hole in the Earth was #worthit. Pictures can't do it justice, but Instagram it anyways!

Once you're in LA, the Hollywood sign is a must. How else will your followers know you've arrived? I've gone twice. The first time I saw it from Lake Hollywood Park. From there, we drove through the neighborhood to get a closer look. There was no parking, so we illegally parked and quickly ran up for some pictures. The second time I went, my friend and I came to Beachwood Canyon and did a lengthy hike to get behind the sign. The residents are #haters of tourist and the "no entry" gate was locked. Luckily, someone coming back from the hike opened it for us. Apparently, it's better to start this hike from the Griffith Observatory. Don't let the confusing directions and hater neighbors stop you from getting a bomb-ass pic with the sign. Runyon Canyon Park is another great hike, where celebrities apparently roam. It's long enough to be a real work-out and there are plenty of water fountains, views, and dogs to admire. Venice beach and Santa Monica pier are also free if you can find free parking. Take a stroll through the picturesque Venice Canals and admire the bridges and houses. Then stroll down the boardwalk from Venice beach to Santa Monica pier; it takes about an hour. Snap some photos on the pier with the ferris wheel in the background and watch the street performers and magicians. My favorite beach is El Matador in Malibu. The cliffs, rocks, and caves are so picture-worthy when I went, that there was a music video being made. Park on the highway for free. Are you sensing that I'm a cheap person? Because I am #stingy.

Another free thing to do in LA is be an audience member. I saw Conan and got a FREE shirt for shaking my booty before the show. You can be a audience member by signing up in advance on various sites and sometimes they pay you in cash to be there.  Go to an improv show at The Groundlings or Upright Citizens Brigade. See a stand-up show at the Laugh Factory. All of those tickets are less than 15 bucks! Afterwards, check out the Urban Lights at LACMA. Pretend you're Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher in No Strings Attached and have a dramatic breakup... or just take some more pictures.

Food is what I'm having to spend the most on while I'm here. The grocery stores and restaurants are expensive. A really fun brunch spot is The Roof on Wilshire. Their pancake lasagne is just wowwww. It was kinda pricey, but worth it. Another LA breakfast option is to get an acai bowl. If you don't take a photo of it, did you really even have one?   If you're looking for dinner or lunch, Meatzilla has burger buns with a pizza on top. What more are you asking for? The most expensive thing to do on a trip to LA is the amusement parks. Bring tons of snacks and comfortable shoes. Get there when it opens ands stay until they close to get the most bang for your buck. At Disneyland, there are free Fast Passes at the popular rides. I don't think going to Disneyland will make or break your trip, but it will definitely be an entire day of fun. I hope you enjoyed my cheap and fun list of things to do here in LA! Make sure your followers think you're living a life of luxury :)