1. Head for the beach. And we mean year-round. Walk or jog in the sand along LA’s 81 miles of coastline; explore the tidepools at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro; marvel at the muscular bodies at Venice Beach; and admire the surfers at Surfrider Beach near Malibu Lagoon (that’s free to explore, too).

2. Explore unique museums. Some — like the California Science Center in Exposition Park, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro and the Getty Center in Brentwood — are free all day, everyday (except for parking). Other museums offer special free admission days.

3. Wander around Griffith Park. Griffith Park is the largest city park in the country — 4,107 acres — and provides a mix of free activities for the whole family. Picnic on one of the broad lawns or hike one of the park’s many free trails. One of the prettiest spots to walk is Fern Dell, a calm, shady hideaway with waterfalls and ferns.

4. Cruise Muholland Drive. One of the world’s most famous scenic drives, Mulholland winds from the Hollywood Hills across the spine of the Santa Monica Mountains west to the Pacific Ocean (almost). Viewing spots along the way allow you to see incredible vistas; some are of the city (all the way to Catalina) and others are of the broad San Fernando Valley. Other scenic drives in Los Angeles.

5. Tour the Los Angeles Central Public Library. The Downtown library at Fifth and Flower is one of the city’s most treasured buildings. The structure reflects the Egyptian mania that was sweeping the country in the 1920s, post-King Tut discovery. It was almost destroyed in a 1986 fire but has been magnificently restored with a modern wing added. This is the third largest library in the United States, and free, docent-led walking tours are the best way to enjoy it. Highlights include the rotunda and murals depicting the history of California.

6. Discover fossil fun. At La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park, the site of the richest discovery of Ice Age fossils in the world, more than 100 tons of fossilized bones representing nearly 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have been unearthed from pools of sticky asphalt dating back to prehistoric time.

7. Stroll the historic Farmers Market. The LA Farmers Market opened at the corner of Third and Fairfax in 1934 and retains much of its original flavor — the freshest produce, made-to-order peanut butter, gourmet meats and cheeses — while adding a few modern touches (Brazilian barbecue, Cajun chicken, sushi) as well as retaining old favorites such as corned beef and hot donuts. The Grove, an outdoor shopping plaza just next door, expands the market experience with a free trolley ride and dancing water shows every half hour in the central pond.

8. Step into Hollywood history. The forecourt of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre has been one of the most popular free attractions since the 1920s

9. Hollywood Walk of Fame. When the Hollywood honchos realized how limited the footprint space was at the Chinese Theatre, they came up with another way to pay tribute to the stars.

10. Walk the walk in Venice. Every weekend year-round, crowds flock to the Venice Oceanfront Walk where the mild weather and sea air are only part of the attraction. The most amazing street entertainers in the world are here
Source(s):
http://www.tripadvisor.com
http://www.losangeles.com

Asker's Rating:

Permalink | Report