How to Enjoy Los Angeles for Free

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By docjenny
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Enjoy Los Angeles for Free

A trip to Los Angeles can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. In these hard economic times, everyone is looking for ways to enjoy life without spending much money. Here are ways to enjoy Los Angeles for free.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Take a hike! Los Angeles is chock full of gorgeous hiking/walking trails and they're all free! For the best views of the city and on a clear day, of the Pacific Ocean, hike Runyon Canyon, Griffith Park, or Elysian Park. All three are dog-friendly, and the majority of Runyon Canyon is officially off-leash for your four-legged friends. See the links below for directions to the parks.
Step 2

Spot celebrities! A great place to see celebrities in L.A. is at the boutiques and restaurants at Sunset Plaza on Sunset Boulevard. There is great window shopping to be done along this part of Sunset Strip, and as you walk by the restaurants, you just might catch a glimpse of a movie star or two sipping a cafe latte at an outdoor table!
Step 3

Do Hollywood Boulevard! At Hollywood and Highland Avenues, you will find the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre where the hand and footprints of stars past and present can be seen all over the courtyard leading to the movie theater's front door. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is along Hollywood Blvd and Vine Street. Under your feet, you may find your favorite movie stars, musicians, directors, producers, or writers. And don't miss out on the street performers! Don't be surprised if you run into a Michael Jackson impersonator or the human robot.
Step 4

See the Hollywood Sign! Drive north on Gower Street from Santa Monica Boulevard and watch the Hollywood Sign get bigger and bigger as you get closer to the hills. Click on the link below to get directions on how to get through Hollywood Hills to see the sign up close.
Step 5

Enjoy Olvera Street in downtown! Olvera Street, or El Pueblo Historic Monument, is the birthplace of Los Angeles City, and there are free tours! This street is full of authentic, traditional Mexican style. Go on the weekends to hear the Mariachi bands and see traditional Mexican dances. It's a must-see if you want to truly experience L.A.
Step 6

Hit Gallery Row! The second Thursday of every month in Los Angeles is known as the Downtown Art Walk. For free, you can go to over forty art galleries and enjoy the artwork of local and international artists. There's even a free, on-demand shuttle! See the link below for more details.
Step 7

Go to Venice! Venice, California is full of free and fun activities. Walk down the famous Venice Boardwalk (not actually made of wood) and see all the wild and wacky performers, artists, and headshops. Grab your bike or rollerblades and ride along the bike path through the sand up to Santa Monica Pier. Watch the guys working out on Muscle Beach or jump in on a Venice Beach basketball game. On weekends as the sun sets, follow the sounds of the drums to the Venice Beach Drum Circle and watch, dance, or join in the drumming. Walk toward Washington Pier to the south and find the hidden Venice Canals, complete with ducks and footbridges.
Step 8

Stroll through Third Street Promenade! In Santa Monica, the street performers aren't exactly on the street, they are on the long pedestrian shopping plaza of Third Street Promenade. See dancers, magicians, one-man bands, artists, and more, all for free!
Step 9

Go to the Getty! The Getty Center in Los Angeles is a beautiful art complex on top of the hills along the 405 freeway. Find art masterpieces inside and outside enjoy the breath-taking views of L.A. Special music events are held throughout the year as well. Admission is free. Parking a car costs a small fee, but motorcycles and bicycles park for free. There is also a passenger drop-off area for taxis and passenger vehicles. See the link below for more info.
Step 10

Join the night bike riders of Los Angeles! Jump on your bike and meet up with the huge group of bicyclists that hit the streets each week in the evenings. They often ride from Echo Park to the beach and back, but you can turn around whenever you like. It's free and some of the greatest fun you can have in L.A.
Step 11

Window shop! Los Angeles has many diverse shopping areas. Check out Melrose Ave in Hollywood, Larchmont Village in Hancock Park, Sunset Junction in Silver Lake, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and Montana Ave in Santa Monica, just to name a few!
Step 12

Enjoy the sunset on the beach! Any beach in Los Angeles gives you a spectacular view of the beautiful west coast sunsets. Be sure to bring a blanket or jacket. The ocean breezes can get pretty chilly.

Comments

catgirl721 said

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on 10/2/2009 Great article. And yes having grown up in L.A. lots of people like to walk out here and I like the public transportation ( the buses) out here too.