By Elizabeth Arnold
Things to Do in Los Angeles for Free
Although
Los Angeles can be a very expensive place to live, it can be an inexpensive place to visit. The city is teeming with free things to do, from soaking up the sun on one of the area's
beaches, to learning about history at a cultural center. Several Los Angeles museums offer free days, and the California Science Center is always free to visit. Viewing the world-famous Hollywood sign is always free, and every tourist must experience a night of people-watching at Hollywood and Vine.
Griffith Park
The largest city park in the country, Griffith Park offers a much-needed respite for nature lovers. Along with miles of hiking and biking trails, the park is home to the Los Angeles Zoo, The Autry National Center, the Greek Theatre and the Griffith Observatory. The observatory is free to explore every day, and offers stunning views of the Hollywood sign.
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, California 90027
Phone: (323) 913-4688
www.lacity.org/rap/dos/parks/griffithPK/griffith.htm
California Science Center
The California Science Center offers several permanent exhibition galleries that are free to browse. Hands-on galleries provide a look into the workings of the human body, as well as cutting-edge innovations and inventions. Exhibits include the "World of Life" and "Creative World." The center also offers a seven-story IMAX theater.
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles, California 90037
Phone: (323) 724-3623
www.californiasciencecenter.org
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Visit the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, which is free but operates on a suggested donation of $5 per person. The aquarium specializes in Southern California sea life, and offers exhibits featuring a variety of local marine plants and animals. The attraction offers the "Crawl In" Aquarium, which allows visitors to be surrounded by octopuses, sting rays and other marine life. The aquarium also features the "Naturalist's Corner" and the "Discovery Center."
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M. White Drive
San Pedro, California 90731
Phone: (310) 548-7562
www.cabrilloaq.org
La Brea Tar Pits
Explore the La Brea Tar Pits, the site of more than 100 tons of fossilized bones representing hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Walk around the tar pits, which actively ooze black tar. Visit the George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries, which offers free admission on the first Tuesday of every month.
La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90036
Phone: (323) 934-7243
www.tarpits.org/index.html
El Pueblo Historical Monument
The El Pueblo Historical Monument is located in the oldest section of Los Angeles, where the city was founded in 1781. The monument is surrounded by an outdoor plaza, museums and a traditional Mexican marketplace featuring shops and restaurants.
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
125 Paseo de la Plaza
Los Angeles, California 90012
Phone: (213) 485-6855
www.cityofla.org/elp
About the Author:
Elizabeth Arnold, who studied English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has written for a wide variety of publications and websites. Her experience includes writing travel features for "Recommend" magazine and packaging and marketing copy for both Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Warner Bros. consumer products. Recently, Arnold was a staff writer for "Special Events" magazine.
Photo Credits:
Image courtesy of www.morguefile.com
