Sunny L.A.'s bargains won't burn hole in wallet

Why go now: Guaranteed warmer temperatures, unlike Seattle's unpredictable late spring and early summer weather. Haven't been to L.A. in a while? Take a walking tour through Hollywood. Wander through the Westside museums. Dine al fresco on the sidewalks of downtown. See the changes in a city once known mostly for urban sprawl and smog.

Getting there: Competition among airlines — Alaska American, Virgin America, Southwest, JetBlue and United — is keeping summer round-trip fares in the $140-$200 range between Seattle and Los Angeles and nearby Burbank and Long Beach.

Hotels, tours and packages: Settle on an area, then check hotel reviews on TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.com). Compare rates by checking Web sites and calling hotels directly. Ask about AAA and AARP/senior discounts.

For the biggest savings, 50 percent or more off what you'll find on hotel Web sites, bid on Priceline, the site that lets you pick the area and class of hotel you want but doesn't disclose the name until after your credit card has been charged. Travelers report finding the best deals on three or four-star hotels in Beverly Hills, Hollywood, West Hollywood or Santa Monica. See www.biddingfortravel.com and www.betterbidding.com for tips.

Bidders report also finding good deals downtown, parts of which are enjoying a residential renaissance with pedestrian-friendly areas, nightlife and good restaurants.

Getting around: Car rental and parking can add up. Use the subway, light rail and bus system to explore downtown, Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Universal Studios and the Farmers Market. Getting to the beach towns is easiest by car. See www.metro.net.

Budget tips:

• Explore the art, architecture and gardens at the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center, 12 miles northwest of downtown. All free. See www.getty.edu/visit.

• Sample Brazilian barbecue or pick up picnic supplies at the L.A. Farmers Market (www.farmersmarketla.com) at the corner of Third and Fairfax. . The Grove, an outdoor shopping plaza next door, has free trolley rides and water shows.

• People-watch at free-spirited Venice Beach and its upscale neighbor, Santa Monica.

• Check into all-inclusive passes. They may or may not be worth it, depending on what you plan to do. There are one-price Go Los Angeles cards (www.golosangelescard.com) available for one, two, three, five or seven days, and they are good for repeat admissions to various attractions. Included are Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Legoland and Knott's Berry Farm. Also the Hollywood City Pass ($50 for adults, $39 for kids). See www.citypass.com.

What's new: The Grammy Museum is in the new downtown L.A. Live restaurant and entertainment complex next to Staples Center. Four floors are devoted to music and interactive exhibits. Admission, $14.95 adults; $11.95 students. See www.grammymuseum.org.

Tourism information: 800-228-2452 or www.discoverlosangeles.com. See TripAdvisor's Los Angeles forum for answers to 10 most frequently asked questions, including Disneyland information.

Carol Pucci: cpucci@seattletimes.com