By Aurelio Locsin
Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
Even though
Los Angeles attractions can cost a lot and getting around requires a car, the city draws millions of visitors every year. Fortunately, the traveler on a budget can enjoy many free sites and attractions. Always call before visiting because some sights charge admission for special exhibits or performances.
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Grauman's Chinese Theatre displays the hand and footprints of stars such as John Wayne and Meryl Streep in cement. After comparing yours, head past the movie impersonators and turn left onto Walk of Fame, where pinks stars on dark pavement honor such notables such as Walt Disney, Dolly Parton and Denzel Washington.
Grauman's Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 464-8111
www.manntheatres.com
Forest Lawn
Cecil B. DeMille's tomb at Forest Lawn
For a distinctly L.A. version of death, visit this glamorous collection of memorial parks where many celebrities are buried. The Hollywood Hills location features a replica of Boston's Old North Church, a reproduction of Michelangelo's Moses in Carrara marble and a Plaza of Mesoamerican Heritage displaying simulated Toltec, Mayan and Aztec artifacts.
Forest Lawn -- Hollywood Hills
6300 Forest Lawn Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(800) 204-3131
www.forestlawn.com
Getty Center
Getty Center
Art buffs can enjoy the Roman antiquities, Dutch Old Master paintings and modern American photographs within the museum's modern architecture, while nature lovers can revel in the 134,000-square-foot garden with views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Free admission requires no reservations, but parking costs $15 per car.
Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-7300
www.getty.edu
Griffith Park
Griffith Observatory
When you tire of 4,100 acres of plant and animal life, check out the Griffith Observatory at the top of Southern California's largest municipal park. Evening star parties with through-the-telescope viewing are held once a month. The park is free, but some observatory shows require a fee. The park is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with trails and mountain roads closing at sunset.
Griffith Park
4400 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Feliz, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688
www.ci.la.CAus/rap/dos/parks/griffithPK/index.htm
Venice Boardwalk
Venice Beach
For a mind-expanding view of Los Angeles' quirky characters, pound the promenade and gawk at a chainsaw juggler, disco roller-skaters, outdoor gymnasts and street masseuses. The crowded weekends are the best times for people-watching. Start at the corner of Venice Boulevard and Ocean Front Walk and walk two miles north to the Santa Monica Pier.
Venice beach
N. Venice Blvd. and Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291
www.venicebeach.com
TV Tickets
Want a behind-the-camera look at how TV shows are made? You have your choice of talk shows, game shows and sitcoms that want you in their audiences. You can get free tickets at least 30 days in advance by calling individual shows, or you can go to www.tvtickets.com for one-stop access to 30 shows.
About the Author:
Aurelio Locsin has been writing professionally since 1982. He published his first book in 1996 and is a frequent contributor to many online publications, specializing in consumer, business and technical topics. Locsin holds a Bachelor of Arts in scientific and technical communications from the University of Washington.
Photo Credits:
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