If you’ve already checked out our popular “
100 Free Things to Do” article, it might be time for another dose of budget-conscious ways to see Los Angeles. So here are 10 more ideas to see LA without spending a lot of cash. Just in time for spring, many of these recommendations are also ways to get outside and enjoy LA’s beautiful weather. Whatever you decide to do, these 10 ideas are great ways to see Los Angeles on a budget.
This
discount tour pass is simply one of the best ways to save money if you’re visiting Hollywood. Valid for nine days, the pass includes admission to
Starline Tours of Hollywood, the
Hollywood Wax Museum,
Red Line Tours and a choice between a tour of
Kodak Theatre or entrance to the
Hollywood Museum. The costs of admission for all these attractions would normally cost $103.95, but CityPass knocks it down to $53.
Being part of a live studio audience is always one of LA’s top budget options because it’s free and fun.
Audiences Unlimited offers free tickets to live shows on CBS, FOX, NBC and other major stations. Popular shows with free tickets include: “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Tonight Show” and the “Price is Right.” Find out the
best ways to get on a show.
Not much is left of Kinney’s dream resort town, which was inspired by Venice, Italy, but what is left is still spectacular. Winding through quaint little (and very expensive) houses, the canals feature arched bridges, the occasional gondolier and LA’s beautiful weather, all of which contribute to the serenity of the canals. All in all, it’s a great place to cruise along on a bike. Start between Washington Avenue and Venice Boulevard.
Now one of LA’s premier art crawls, the
Downtown Art Walk features some of the best art in the city on the second Thursday of each month. It’s not just about art, it’s about getting a shot of the LA vibe: iconoclastic work, spoken word, hip fashion and, of course, lots of wine and cheese. To get there, take the Pershing Square Metro stop and head to Fifth and Spring until you see the action.
The locals won’t tell you this for fear that the area will get too popular, but
Palisades Park features some of the city’s most magnificent sunsets and views of the ocean. It’s one of the city’s oldest parks, and also one of the most beautiful. A jogging and biking path runs along steep cliffs overlooking the ocean, while palm trees are scattered throughout, adding to the peaceful landscape.
851 Alma Real Drive.
This LA-based nonprofit organization has helped spearhead the ecotourism industry by offering numerous opportunities for visitors to volunteer. For more than 30 years, Treepeople has helped plan and care for trees while educating people about the environment. Check their
website for volunteer days.
LA is home to SoCal’s fresh produce, which you can find in a number of farmers markets around the city. Some of the most popular are open on Sundays, including the famous original
Los Angeles Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax. Other great markets include the Hollywood Farmers Market (Ivar and Selma Avenue) , Hermosa Beach Farmers Market (900 Valley Drive), Studio City Farmers Market (Ventura Place and Laurel Canyon Boulevard) and the Santa Monica Farmers Market (2640 Main Street). If you’re Downtown, be sure to check out the historic Grand Central Market. Grab some ingredients, whip together a picnic and enjoy!
Perched above the Pacific Ocean,
Point Fermin is often overlooked by visitors. But the 37-acre park and its coin-operated telescopes offer some of the best views along the coast, while the 1874 lighthouse makes for picture-perfect photo-ops. Picnic, go for a jog, or just sit and lose yourself. 500 West Paseo Del Mar.
Located in Van Nuys, the
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve debunks the myth that LA is a concrete jungle. In the reserve, it’s difficult to tell that you’re in the city at all. Groves of trees fill out the landscape, while a variety of wildlife — waterfowl, ducks, herons and more — go about their day enjoying nature. Visitors can do the same by taking advantage of the numerous walking paths throughout the reserve. Nearby Lake Balboa also offers visitors a chance to kayak, fish, walk and jog.
LA is home to a number of gardens featuring different blossoms during different times of the year. One of the most scenic and quiet is the
Descanso Gardens, where charming paths and quiet streams make their way through the gardens that feature more than 600 varieties of camellias. The Japanese and Chinese gardens at the world-famous
Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens are also a superb way to spend the day. The Japanese Garden in Van Nuys offers docent led tours through 6½ acres on four mornings each week (Monday through Thursday). If you want to add art to the mix, don’t miss out on
LA’s sculpture gardens.
