Affordable getaways to North Hollywood

If you're looking for a Tinseltown experience during your next vacation without the high costs, consider staying in North Hollywood. Situated in Los Angeles, this destination does not actually share a border with Hollywood, but it's only a short drive in your North Hollywood car rental from the popular destination, and it's a much more affordable option. You can even save money on transportation by taking advantage of Thrifty Car Rental's many North Hollywood deals, then use your vehicle to explore these free sites:

California Institute of Abnormalarts

While you might expect to find an unusual museum when you visit the California Institute of Abnormalarts, this establishment is actually a nightclub. It's owned and run by two friends who wanted to create a unique space where you can enjoy a refreshing drink among a carnival-esque freakshow featuring wacky and often eerie artwork. This is not a trip for the kids - you'll find scary zombie clowns, wax paraffin pirates, (fake) preserved corpses and fetuses pickled in jars. There's also free live entertainment some nights of the week, including musical acts and circus performers. The cocktails are cheap here, but keep in mind that the bar is cash only. Visitors taking their North Hollywood rental cars should remember not to drink and drive.

Martial Arts History Museum

Situated just a few miles outside of the center of the city, the Martial Arts History Museum is less than 10 minutes away in your North Hollywood car rental. This establishment aims to inform the  public about the role that martial arts play in the formation of various Asian cultures, including Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Filipino. The galleries are filled with unique artifacts that highlight interesting aspects of the exercise, such as the samurai, Olympic involvement and the Mortal Kombat shield.