By Aurelio Locsin
Things to Do in Los Angeles County
With the largest county population in the U.S.,
Los Angeles encompasses more than 4,000 square miles (bigger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined). All this area offers travelers free to expensive options on land, sea and air, ranging from guided tours to wild exploration. All prices are accurate as of June 2009.
Metro Rail Art Tour
Tile work at Wilshire and Vermont Station
Did you know that many of Metro Rail's stations display art from well-known and emerging artists? These masterpieces range from murals and mosaics to paintings and sculptures. For the most comprehensive view of these exhibits, take a two-hour art tour led by docents every first Saturday and Sunday of the month. The tours, including the light rail rides, are free. No reservations are needed, but check the website for meeting information.
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952
(213) 922-4ART
www.metro.net/about_us/metroart/ma_docent.htm
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Need an antique rocker, handmade wooden toy or made-for-TV merchandise? You're sure to find it among this swap meet's 2,500 vendors. But don't forget to haggle to bring down the sometimes high prices. There's also enough food and drink to keep you here all day. Parking is free, but admission costs $8 per person. The market runs every second Sunday of the month.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Pasadena Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(323) 560-7469
www.rgcshows.com/RoseBowlFleaMarket/tabid/52/Default.aspx
Russian Submarine Scorpion
Scorpion Submarine
Leave your claustrophobia behind as you descend into the dark, confined passages of this remnant of the Cold War. Count the number of bunks, bathrooms (heads) and dining tables that had to be shared by 78 sailors as you squeeze through narrow hatches and diesel-smelling pipes. Docents from the U.S. submarine service, though not always available, reveal details of life on board. Admission is $10.95 for adults.
The Russian Submarine Scorpion
1126 Queens Highway
Long beach, CA 90802-6390
(562) 432--0424
www.russiansublongbeach.com
Flight Tour
Aerial view of L.A.
You won't go through the county faster and view more than in an hourlong airplane tour, complete with champagne. You'll propeller through such sites as San Pedro Harbor, Griffith Park, Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Bowl. Flights cost $129 per person though several options, such as mini-limo pickup and hors d'oeuvres, cost extra. Be sure to check out their more romantic night tour or customize a tour on your own.
Celebrity Helicopters, Inc.
961 West Alondra Blvd.
Compton,CA 90220
(877) 999-2099
www.celebheli.com/tours
Catalina Island
Avalon on Catalina Island
Though still within the county, this off-shore island offers the charming, tranquil village of Avalon, surrounded by rugged, mountainous wilderness. Only electric golf carts are allowed, so you'll also get away from the L.A. smog. Hiking, scuba diving, parasailing, fishing, snorkeling or browsing through village galleries are all free, save for the cost of equipment. Rentals and tours encompassing these activities are also available. Numerous round-trip ferries to the island start at $66.50 for adults and take about an hour each way.
Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 217
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-1520
www.catalinachamber.com
Catalina Express
(800) 481-3470
www.catalinaexpress.com
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:
R.G. Canning. Wikimedia commons under GNU Free Documentation License, Creative Commons Attribution Sharealike
