How Much Should You Save for Food While Traveling in Los Angeles?

Driving to Los Angeles to spend a day or setting out on a longer adventure? But there is always one major question: Food, how much should you save on food?
You can budget for your meals; this makes your trip stress-free. You can enjoy rooftop restaurants in the city center, tacos in Venice, or a picnic in a lovely park.
Let’s break down food costs and sprinkle in tips for your perfect LA itinerary 3 days or more!

How Much is a Trip to LA?

And before we start zooming in on food, it is good to see a picture of the bigger scale. The question of many travelers is, how much does a trip to LA cost? A weekend vacation should cost roughly between 800 and 1,500 per person. You determine this by the luxury or budget accommodation, food, etc., that you decide to take.

In most cases, the food alone is approximately 30-35 percent of your net total expenditure.

Average Food Costs in LA

Los Angeles offers every kind of dining experience you can imagine. From $2 street tacos to Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll find it all.

• Casual meals (food trucks, small cafes): $10–$20 per meal.
• Mid-range restaurants: $20–$40 per person.
• High-end spots: $50–$150+ per person.

If you’re making a 3-day itinerary for Los Angeles, budget about $150–$300 for food. This lets you try a variety of options.

Eating and exploring in LA

Food isn’t just about filling up — it’s part of the experience. Here are some ways to combine dining with exploring:

Picnic Locations Los Angeles

LA is famous for its weather, so why not pack a picnic? Some best places to picnic in LA include Griffith Park, Echo Park Lake, and Palisades Park in Santa Monica. These spots have nice views in Los Angeles. You can also save money by getting deli sandwiches or pre-made salads.

Party District Los Angeles

If you plan to enjoy the party district in Los Angeles, like Hollywood or Downtown’s nightlife, expect to pay more for meals and drinks. Dinner and cocktails in these areas can quickly add up to $75–$150 a night.

Best Parks Los Angeles & Nicest Parks in Los Angeles

For a chill vibe, visit one of the best parks in Los Angeles. Check out Runyon Canyon or Vista Hermosa Natural Park. They just go well with morning bagels or takeout dinners at sunset we enjoy the city lights.

Unique Food Experiences

Los Angeles Stand Up Paddle Boarding

After working up an appetite while Los Angeles stand up paddle boarding, treat yourself to a beachside brunch. Expect to spend about $20–$30 at spots along Venice or Malibu.

Indoor Things to Do in LA

Looking for indoor things to do in LA when it’s too hot or rainy? Check out Grand Central Market for affordable, delicious eats from around the world — tacos, ramen, falafel, and more. Meals here usually range from $10–$15.

Best Shopping Street in Los Angeles

Talking about food without breaks on shopping, this is impossible! Go on the greatest shopping Street in Los Angeles such as Melrose Avenue or Rodeo Drive. Have a cool cafe lunch at a cost of 20-30 dollars and hop back to your shopping ride.

Family-Friendly Dining

Los Angeles has great playgrounds and fun indoor activities. Be sure to check out the best spots for kids! Eating out can be cheaper, especially for casual family meals. You may want to allow about 15 dollars a child and 20 dollars a person per meal.

Romantic Food Ideas

Recent plans include visiting LA attractions with friends. We could dine at a rooftop restaurant for a candlelit meal. Alternatively, we might enjoy a gourmet picnic at Point Dume or Malibu Bluff Park. Then, we can take a sunset walk to soak in the beautiful views at Santa Monica. This is one of the most romantic activities in the city.

How Much is a Trip to Los Angeles for Food?

Curious to know about the costs of meals in Los Angeles? The deal is out of the bag:

• Any budget traveler is expected to spend around 30 50 dollars per day. Soak up in the sweet eats of street food, cafe-hopping, and in-sun picnics.
• Middle-range restaurants are likely to charge a revenue of $50 to 100 dollars per day. Enjoy a variety of lovely places, stylish cafes and some delicious decadence.
• Tourists seeking a luxury trip in Miami should budget $100 to $250 or more daily. Indulge in fine dining with a beautiful view. Savor great wines while unwinding at rooftop venues.

Walking Off Those Meals

After dinner, take a stroll at a place like the Venice Canals or the Griffith Observatory. Walking does not only help you digest, but you can also enjoy some of the best views in the city and the ocean.

How to Plan Your LA Food Itinerary

When you are creating a 3-day itinerary in LA, perhaps you can get mixed up:

• Day 1: Night tour of downtown, lunch at Grand Central Market, rooftop dinner in the party district of Los Angeles.
• Day 2: Paddleboarding and brunch on the beach, strolling in Melrose, picnic during sunset.
• Day 3: Sightseeing in museums or indoor activities, easy lunch, dinner in a romantic place with views of the ocean.

If you’re visiting Los Angeles for the weekend, focus on a few must-eats and activities. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts

When you visit Los Angeles, CA, whether for a day or three, food plays a big role in your spending and memories.

The best of all? The best food at all prices is available. Have a party in Los Angeles, enjoy a picnic in the parks, or dine with a stunning view of the sunrise or sunset in Santa Monica.

We like to make you convert every bite into an experience at The Travelers Diaries. Whether it is a budget bite, or a fancy dinner, we are convinced that each plate has the story to be shared.

The planning of the next trip begins today and every bite should count!

FAQs

How much should I budget for food during a 3-day LA trip?

Depending on preferences, most travelers use $150- 300 within three days in terms of food expenditure.

Where can I picnic in Los Angeles?

Popular picnicking sites are Griffith Park, Echo Park, Palisades Park and Malibu Bluffs Park.

What’s the best way to save on food while exploring?

Combine local food and casual little bites as well as two or more special dinners. Food trucks and Grand Central Market are very nice places where you can get very affordable food.

Is it possible to eat well on a budget in LA?

Yes! LA has food trucks and local markets, so it all has tons of affordable, delicious options.