What to see for free in LA?
Feb 28th, 2000 | 05:14 PM
#1
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What to see for free in LA?
Griffith Park (most of it still free, to the best of my knowledge); walk Venice Beach Boardwalk; Hollywood Blvd. Walk of Fame; people watching in Hollywood or Beverly Hills (or Westwood Village, or Santa Monica or . . .); I don't know if the La Brea Tar Pits are still free but you might check that out too. Those are what comes to mind off the top of my head.
Feb 28th, 2000 | 05:38 PM
#2
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Karen:
Great answers! The last time I checked (in November), the Tar Pits were still free, though LACMA costs, but I think the fossil museum is also still free. Even the Getty Museum is free--but you have to pay for parking. The same is true for most of the state and county beaches from Doheny to Zuma and Leo Carrillo.
The piers are still free--even the big ones like Redondo Beach and Santa Monica (again, parking costs, but you can always find free on-street parking, even in crowded places like Newport Beach. Both admission and parking are free at Ports o’ Call in San Pedro.
Most of the Santa Monica and Santa Ana Mountains and San Joaquin Hills trails are still free, as are National Forest trails in the San Gabriels, and many of the Regional Parks (most seem to occupy the flood plains of local rivers).
Closer to downtown L.A., Chinatown and Little Tokyo are free (and fascinating); so is Olvera Street. I think the Southwest Museum is also still free.
There’s lots more, but that’s all I can think of right now.
Great answers! The last time I checked (in November), the Tar Pits were still free, though LACMA costs, but I think the fossil museum is also still free. Even the Getty Museum is free--but you have to pay for parking. The same is true for most of the state and county beaches from Doheny to Zuma and Leo Carrillo.
The piers are still free--even the big ones like Redondo Beach and Santa Monica (again, parking costs, but you can always find free on-street parking, even in crowded places like Newport Beach. Both admission and parking are free at Ports o’ Call in San Pedro.
Most of the Santa Monica and Santa Ana Mountains and San Joaquin Hills trails are still free, as are National Forest trails in the San Gabriels, and many of the Regional Parks (most seem to occupy the flood plains of local rivers).
Closer to downtown L.A., Chinatown and Little Tokyo are free (and fascinating); so is Olvera Street. I think the Southwest Museum is also still free.
There’s lots more, but that’s all I can think of right now.
Feb 29th, 2000 | 04:33 AM
#3
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Others: Huntington Beach pier, a great place to watch surfers. A drive on Mulholland Drive. The Chica Bolsa (sp?) County Nature Refuge. Burial places of various celebrities (although cemeteries vary in their friendliness to those looking for these sites). Driving through Beverly Hills past palatial homes (even if the "maps of the stars" are 99% inaccurate, the homes are still fascinating to look at)
Feb 29th, 2000 | 05:07 AM
#4
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Here's a second for a drive on Mulholland Drive. Little traffic, very scenic (up in the hills) and lots of places to pull over and take pictures.
Driving on Santa Monica Blvd, on the other hand, can be very congested.
Venice Beach is currently under construction and the boardwalk is pretty torn up.
Driving on Santa Monica Blvd, on the other hand, can be very congested.
Venice Beach is currently under construction and the boardwalk is pretty torn up.
Mar 1st, 2000 | 04:18 AM
#6
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The Getty does charge for parking (no actual fee for admission), but I wouldn't recommend driving there. You have to "reserve" a parking space way in advance -- it used to be months, it might be better now. Instead, take a cab, bus, or hotel shuttle (free with stay -- the Double Tree is a nice option). It's worth the trip!
The Farmer's Market next to CBS, downtown. Go early on Saturday and eat breakfast there. Great people watching.
Free tickets to TV show tapings are easy to obtain. Either Fodor's or Frommers L.A. guide book (sorry Fodor's, can't remember which!) lists a phone number to call. The recorded message will tell you which shows you can choose from, and you can send for tickets in advance. With enough lead time, you'll get them in the mail before you leave.
My favorite free activity in L.A. is to put those free unlimited miles on my rental car to use. Get a reliable map and get in the car and drive. Turn down any street that captures your fancy and stop for lunch at the first place you see when you're hungry. Be sure to drive North up the Pacific Coast Hwy and explore some of the canyons you'll come across. Plan to be on the beach at sunset, and have your camera ready.
Enjoy.
The Farmer's Market next to CBS, downtown. Go early on Saturday and eat breakfast there. Great people watching.
Free tickets to TV show tapings are easy to obtain. Either Fodor's or Frommers L.A. guide book (sorry Fodor's, can't remember which!) lists a phone number to call. The recorded message will tell you which shows you can choose from, and you can send for tickets in advance. With enough lead time, you'll get them in the mail before you leave.
My favorite free activity in L.A. is to put those free unlimited miles on my rental car to use. Get a reliable map and get in the car and drive. Turn down any street that captures your fancy and stop for lunch at the first place you see when you're hungry. Be sure to drive North up the Pacific Coast Hwy and explore some of the canyons you'll come across. Plan to be on the beach at sunset, and have your camera ready.
Enjoy.
