Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget - A Simple Way to Save on Your Vacation

By Go City Expert

It’s no secret that family vacations can get expensive in a hurry - airfares, hotels, attractions, dining... the list goes on and on. There are tons of fun family things to do, whether you want to get closer to nature in the Los Angeles sun or hop on a roller coaster. You can take in some history or visit a few of the most iconic studios in television and movies. Los Angeles truly has some of the most unique attractions in the world. Best yet, L.A. can be a great choice for budget-minded travelers, especially when you use a Go Los Angeles Card, which makes visiting Los Angeles on a budget a breeze.

Save on Admission to Tourist Attractions

Admission to many of these Los Angeles tourist attractions and are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Go Los Angeles Cards give you the flexibility to choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the attractions include:

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood
  • Aquarium of the Pacific
  • and more!

Top Attractions to Visit for a Budget Friendly Trip Universal Studios Hollywood

Image of Blonde, Hair, Person, Head, Face, Glove, Adult, Female, Woman, Happy, Laughing, Photography, Portrait, If you love the movies, Universal Studios in Hollywood is likely at the top of your “must see” list in Los Angeles—and it should be! Each attraction takes you up close and personal with some of Universal Studios’ biggest movies. Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood movie experience! Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Cards.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Image of Person, Adult, Male, Man, Bus, Vehicle, Image Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Go behind the scenes of some of your favorite movies and shows with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Hollywood. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a tour inside a real, working Hollywood Studio You’ll see props, costumes, and sets that are actually used currently and in prior shows and movies. Tour guests also get to see the Harry Potter Exhibit and a DC Comic Exhibit as well. Getting In: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Image of Person, Fashion, Urban, Monitor, City, Traffic Light, Madame Tussauds Hollywood’s famous wax museum lets you unbelievably close to wax versions of some of the most famous celebrities of all time. You will be in shock and awe when you see how life-like these figures can be. One of the guests’ favorite activities is taking photos with their most adored celebs, from crushes to idols. Even President Obama makes an appearance. Getting In: Madame Tussauds Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Image of Animal, Sea Life, Fish, Shark, Image credit: Andrew Reitsma/Aquarium of the Pacific
Explore the ocean depths at the Aquarium of the Pacific. See the beautiful creatures of the deep blue without ever leaving land. The Aquarium is a great way to see and observe many of the area’s natural wildlife, from sharks to birds. Children and adults alike will enjoy this educational and interesting stop. Some of the awe-inspiring exhibits cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Getting In: Aquarium of the Pacific tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Whale Watch or Harbor Cruise in Long Beach

Image of Vehicle, Yacht, Person, Boat, Get out on the water and see whales, dolphins, and other marine life up close, right off the coast of California. Experienced and knowledgeable marine mammal educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific narrate each tour providing valuable insight and interesting facts about the sea animals, their environment, and more. It’s a great way to spend some time during a gorgeous Los Angeles afternoon. Getting In: Long Beach Cruise tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Fun Options to Visit During Your Trip:

Are you looking for some more exciting ideas to include during your trip? There is something for everyone in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive! There are plenty of other fun options to choose from, including these activities included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Knott's Berry Farm - Adventure seekers head to Knott’s Berry Farm for roller coasters and gravity-defying thrill rides. Children’s rides and family rides are also a plenty. Pacific Park- Santa Monica Pier - Take a ride on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel or ride one of the exciting roller coasters at Pacific Park. You can also play games and get all of the traditional mouth-watering fair food available on the Santa Monica Pier. Sony Pictures Studio Tour - If you are looking for an adults-only option, the Sony Pictures Studio Tour provides behind the scenes looks at sets of many of your favorite shows and movies. Only children ages 12 and up are permitted. Perry's Beach Cafe and Rentals - If you want to get outdoors and work up a sweat, you can rent bikes, rollers skates, and much more from Perry’s Beach Café and Rentals! They also have beach gear for rent as well. Hollywood Museum - See some of the most iconic items from your favorite movies and shows—from famous props to jaw-dropping costumes. Get close to “old Hollywood” in a completely new way.

Free Activities for a Budget Friendly Vacation

The Beaches - Los Angeles is known for its beaches, and many are free and open to the public. Los Angeles is home to eight amazing beaches. Every visit to Los Angeles on a budget should include at least one beach visit! Griffith Observatory - Griffith Observatory offers unique views into the night sky and breathtaking views of the city high above Los Angeles. They also offer exhibits and live shows. Hike to the Hollywood Sign - The iconic Hollywood sign is just a hike away! The hike goes through the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and offers amazing views of the city below. Although you cannot touch the sign, hiking directly to the sign is the closest you can get! La Brea Tar Pits - This exhibit is home to the most well-known fossil site. See the pit itself and check out their amazing fossil lab. The history and the excavation process will fascinate adults and kids alike. Explore Santa Monica Pier - No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a trip to the Santa Monic Pier for special events, concerts, and more. There is something for everyone on the pier!

Let's Recap on Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget

Don’t let your vacation budget limit your fun! Visiting Los Angeles on a budget is possible, and the Go Los Angeles Card can help, where you can save up to 55% on combined attraction admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, many of these great budget friendly attraction options and more are included on the Go Los Angeles Card, So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your Los Angeles vacation itinerary.

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Top Museums in Los Angeles to Visit During Your Trip

Planning a vacation to Los Angeles? Our insiders put together a list of top LA museums to consider adding to your itinerary. Los Angeles is home to lots of museums that offer a diverse array of subjects for visitors to explore. Take a break from trying to spot a celebrity and be sure to visit a few Los Angeles top museums. Want Passes to Top Los Angeles Museums? Admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Browse all available Los Angeles Multi-Attraction Passes. A few of the museums available on the Go Los Angeles Card include... Hollywood Museum Madame Tussauds Hollywood GRAMMY Museum Natural History Museum of Los Angeles La Brea Tar Pits & Museum and more! Hollywood Museum Get the most detailed and thorough glimpse into the history of showbiz at the famous Hollywood Museum, located in the historic Max Factor Building. With 10,000of real artifacts and props showcasing 100 years of Hollywood on the big screen, restored makeup rooms, one-of-a-kind costumes, props, photographs, scripts, elaborate movie sets, and more, this museum explores all things Hollywood. Be sure to check out the extensive Marilyn Monroe exhibit, one of the museum's most popular displays. If you want to see Rocky's boxing gloves, Paris Hilton's party dresses, or Hannibal Lecter's jail cell from Silence of the Lambs, this is the place. Getting in: Hollywood Museum tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card All-Inclusive Pass. Madame Tussauds Hollywood Meet all of Hollywood's most popular celebrities under one roof...sort of. Located next to the world-famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre, this wax museum is the best of its kind. Get up close to over 100 astounding life-like wax figures. Pose with Johnny Depp, Clark Gable, Beyonce, and tons of Hollywood's most beloved characters. Make sure to bring your camera to this 3-story celebrity hangout, a photograph with your favorite star is the ultimate Hollywood souvenir! Getting in: Madame Tussauds Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card All-Inclusive Pass. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum Travel back to the last Ice Age when mammoths and saber-tooth cats roamed through Los Angeles at one of the world's most famous excavation sites and fossil museums. The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is celebrated for having the largest and most diverse collection of extinct Ice Age animals and plants in the world. A unique aspect of this museum is that visitors can get up close to the action by watching scientists at work in the excavation pits of the Page Museum Laboratory and see bones being cleaned and repaired. Check out Hancock Park, outside the Museum, to see life-size replicas of several extinct mammals. Getting in: La Brea Tar Pits and Museum tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card All-Inclusive Pass. GRAMMY Museum® Discover how music affects our emotions and enriches our lives at one of L.A.'s best pop culture museums. This non-profit educational institution was inspired by the GRAMMY Awards, which celebrate the best of musical accomplishment each year. Through interactive exhibits, you'll go behind the scenes of the music-making industry and recording processes and learn about the history of the GRAMMYs. Feel the excitement of being at the Awards show firsthand as you lounge in the Museum's 200-seat Theater and watch The Making of a GRAMMY Moment. This one-of-a-kind museum located at the heart of L.A. and is a great way to experience music as in industry so integral to the culture of Los Angeles. Getting in: GRAMMY Museum tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card All-Inclusive Pass. Battleship IOWA Museum Known as the "Battleship of Presidents," the Battleship IOWA Museum stands as a testament to the sailors who served the US in World War II. You'll get to explore what life was like for sailors on similar vessels and learn about various topics, like history, science, technology, engineering, and math, and the role they played in WWII. Insider tip: download the "USS Iowa" app on your mobile phone to add to your experience. Getting in: Battleship IOWA Museum tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card All-Inclusive Pass. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is home to one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history. Explore the planet’s biodiversity and natural history at this dynamic learning laboratory. Exhibit highlights include: real dinosaur and mammal fossils, natural gems and minerals, habitat dioramas, and ancient Latin American archaeological treasures. Visitors will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at paleontologists at work in the Dino Lab where dinosaur fossils are prepared daily. Getting in: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card All-Inclusive Pass. Huntington Library and Gardens The Huntington is a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1919 by Henry E. Huntington and home to an expansive collection of rare books and manuscripts of Anglo-American civilization, art collections, and botanical gardens. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the museum’s 650 paintings and 440 works of sculpture focus on two distinct areas—European art from the 15th to the early 20th century, and American art from the late 17th to the mid-20th century. Qualified scholars will enjoy the library, one of the most complete research libraries in the United States in its field of British and American history. The ever-changing exhibit of botanical gardens covers 120 acres and features a Teaching Greenhouse where visitors can learn some fundamentals of botany. Getting in: Huntington Library and Gardens tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card All-Inclusive Pass. The Broad Museum By Eric Garcetti (The Broad Museum Preview) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsOpened in 2015, The Broad Museum is a new contemporary art museum in LA. The museum contains more than 2,000 works of art in the Broad collection, which includes some of the esteemed collections of postwar and contemporary art worldwide. In addition to its permanent collection, The Broad also hosts an active rotation of temporary exhibitions and innovative installments that keep audiences engaged and coming back. The Broad Museum features two floors of gallery space to showcase the comprehensive collection and is the headquarters of The Broad Art Foundation’s worldwide lending library. Getting in: The Broad Museum offers free general admission, but advanced reservations are highly recommended as tickets are limited. J. Paul Getty Museum (The Getty Center) By Caroline Culler (User:Wgreaves) (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons Located on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains is L.A.'s visual arts mecca. The Getty Center houses a variety of genres and mediums including European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and European and American photographs. The building, an architectural masterpiece itself designed by Richard Meier, offers beautiful gardens, open spaces, and one of the best views of the city. The Getty's constantly changing exhibitions combined with its outstanding permanent collection make it L.A.'s premier museum, attracting upwards of 1 million visitors annually. Getting in: The J. Paul Getty Museum admission is free, but advanced, timed reservations are required. Los Angeles County Museum of Art Spanning the globe and traveling through the depths of time with its collection of artwork, the LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States. This seven-building complex on 20 acres of land shares its collections through exhibits, public programs, and research facilities. Explore the full range of creative work from multi-media artists like Tim Burton or learn about the evolution of photography. This dynamic museum is an unbeatable destination for any art-lover. Getting in: Los Angeles County Museum of Art tickets are available for purchase upon arrival. Autry National Center Museum of the American West By Gary Minnaert (Minnaert)) (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons A truly unique museum, the Autry is an intercultural history center devoted to sharing and preserving the different stories of the diverse peoples of the American West. A 500,000-piece collection and assorted exhibitions are designed to engage you in critical issues of society through the history of Western experience. Getting in: Autry National Center Museum of the American West tickets are available for purchase upon arrival. Remember to Save on Museum Admission Our list of some of the most popular museums in Los Angeles. Remember, many (if not all) of these options are included on the Go Los Angeles Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Casey Makovich
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Los Angeles Memorial Day Weekend 2020 - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

Kick off the start of summer by taking advantage of some of the fun things to do in Los Angeles this Memorial Day Weekend. From attending a wine tasting ocean-side, to getting in some classic theme park fun, planning a memorable, fun-packed trip in LA is easy. If you’re looking for Los Angeles Memorial Day Weekend 2020 ideas, check out some of these local activities and events in Los Angeles in May, including... Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood Shark Frenzy at Pacific Park Go on a whale watch cruise Loop the loop at Knott's Berry Farm Check out LEGOLAND California and more... Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these attractions is included on the Go Los Angeles pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Los Angeles attractions & activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Los Angeles attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Los Angeles pass. Universal Studios Hollywood Image Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood The most exciting thing to do this Memorial Day Weekend is to pay a visit to the region's best amusement park / working movie production studio - Universal Studios! Go behind the scenes and see where all the movie magic happens with a comprehensive studio tour. You'll love learning industry secrets and perhaps passing a few stars on their way to work! Then, spend the next few hours enjoying the amazing attractions that Universal has to offer, from Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and TRANSFORMERSTM: The Ride-3D to The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM and The Walking Dead Attraction (new!). Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles passes. Ride the Shark Frenzy at Pacific Park Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is LA’s only admission free amusement park, which offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, an oceanfront food plaza and beachside shopping. What better way to kick off the summer season than hopping on rides and indulging in some theme park classic fare? This Memorial Day weekend take your turn on your favorite theme park rides or spend the day staying cool at a water park for a little family-friendly fun. Shark Frenzy is Pacific Park's new spin on the classic Tilt-a-Whirl ride. Getting In: Pacific Park Santa Monica tickets are included in the Go Los Angeles pass. Knott's Berry Farm Knott's Berry Farm is the country's first theme park, so it has a lot of heritage, but it also boasts a lot of new rides, too! Enjoy coasters, slides, and other exhilarating rides as you explore the park. It's a great way to spend an afternoon enjoying the early summer sun! Getting In: Knott's Berry Farm tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Six Flags Magic Mountain Classic theme park lovers won't want to miss out on L.A.'s outpost of the famous Six Flags franchise - Six Flags Magic Mountain. With nearly 20 world-class roller coasters and 100+ rides, games, and other attractions, you'll never run out of fun to pursue at this exciting park! For something different, check out the new Twisted Colossus ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain, a thrill-ride haven for adrenaline-seeking daredevils. Getting In: Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass. LEGOLAND California For the younger crowd, head to LEGOLAND® California where kids will love the Star WarsTM displays and have a blast interacting with LEGO® friends in Heartlake City. See their favorite toys brought to life as they explore this distinctive park, featuring plenty of fun rides and attractions geared towards children 12 and under. Getting In: LEGOLAND California tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Watch the Sun Set Over the Ocean By Evanthomas1 at English Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsCan it get any more Californian than this? Visit one of Los Angeles' many beautiful beaches and enjoy a picnic or bonfire as you wait for the gorgeous sunset that's sure to come on this early summer night. Some beaches that offer fire pits include Huntington City Beach, Point Mugu State Park, and Cabrillo Beach (which also boasts a delightful aquarium). And while you'll most likely have to pay for parking at any beach, your other costs are confined to picnic supplies and beverages, making this a really budget-friendly Memorial Day activity. Getting In: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Go on a Whale Watch Take your L.A. Memorial Day Weekend out to sea and gain a newfound appreciation for the diverse sea life right off the coast of California when you spot whales, dolphins, and more in their natural habitats on a Whale Watch cruise. Embark on a journey hosted by local experts in the whale-spotting business. This cruise will escort you out to a nearby marine sanctuary, where you can see a wide variety of ocean creatures and especially whales, including grey whales, giant blue whales, orcas, Minke whales, and the ever-popular humpback whales. Getting In: Whale Watch tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Enjoy Some Wine Tastings A fan of some great artisan wines? Pop by Barnsdall Park to participate in their Friday-night wine tastings. It's practically a summer tradition in Los Angeles, and tickets pretty moderately priced. Visit the event website for more details and to purchase tickets. This is a perfect event for adults and couples and is much more affordable for those on a budget. Getting In: Wine Tasting is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Take in a Movie -- Outdoors! There are few things that say summer as much as outdoor movie showings. In addition to being a ton of fun, they're really inexpensive, and often, free! This Memorial Day in Los Angeles, there are several different venues hosting a wide variety of popular films, from Crazy, Stupid, Love to Save the Last dance. Venues include the Autry Museum (in Griffith Park), Will Rogers State Historic Park, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and more. Getting In: Movies are separately ticketed and are not included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Roam Local Festivals For the festival lovers out there and those of you who delight in exploring a new city like a local, there are a lot of great Los Angeles area Memorial Day Weekend events to enjoy. From the artsy (and free!) Fiesta Hermosa (May 23 - 25, 2020) to the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, there are options to suit every taste. Getting In: Festivals are separately ticketed and are not included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Eat Locally MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street is a party in Santa Monica in which Main Street transforms into an interactive Monopoly board game. "MAINopoly dollars" will be exchanged for food tastings in the area. There's even a "Go Directly to Jail" VIP lounge for attendees to enjoy a cocktail. Guests are also encouraged to dress in Monopoly-inspired attire. Getting In: MAINopoly is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Remember to Save on Attractions & Activities There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Los Angeles in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Los Angeles pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal
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10+ Free Things to Do in Los Angeles & How to Save on the Ticketed Attractions

Planning a vacation to Los Angeles? Our insiders put together a list of our top free things to do in Los Angeles. Check out these free attractions for fun adventures that won't break the bank. They offer the best of LA's history, entertainment, and scenery. Whether you want to explore the great outdoors or enjoy LA’s diverse cultural scenes, you’ll find something to love on this list. Our local experts put together a list of some of the best free things to do in Los Angeles, all great suggestions that can help round out your vacation itinerary. A Way to Save on Ticketed Los Angeles Attractions We know that this blog post is about listing the FREE things to do in Los Angeles, but, are you looking to visit a few of the ticketed attractions during your vacation? Consider using a Go Los Angeles Card - which includes free admission to dozens of the area's most popular attractions - all for one low price. See all available Los Angeles attractions, passes & prices – Learn more. A Go Los Angeles Card can save you up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. By BrianLiao (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianliao/3007830928/) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons Paramount Ranch Experience the Wild West Hollywood style. Hollywood’s version of the Wild West was created at the Paramount in 1927, and the site has been used for filming ever since. Visiting this Old West town set is free, and you can take all the photographs you want at this “movie ranch.” You’ll also find two easy hiking trails nearby, which can make for a fun (free) daytime activity. If you're interested in touring more movie sites and sets, you can take a few studio tours for less with the Go Los Angeles® Card, including the Warner Bros VIP Tour and a behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Studios Hollywood. Hollywood Lights: The Magic of Movies at the TCL Theatre The TCL Theatre features a spectacular light show accompanied by sound that covers the facade of the famous TCL Chinese Theatre with iconic moving images using 3D projection mapping. The four-minute show plays every 20 minutes starting at 8:30 pm every night. You'll see big-screen moments you'll recognize from movies that have premiered or played at the theatre over the last 90 years. Just head to the front of the theatre and wait for the next show to begin. Insider tip: use a Go Los Angeles Card to save on admission tickets to the TCL Chinese Theatres VIP Tour earlier in the day! Hollywood Walk of Fame & Forecourt of the Stars The Walk of Fame. You can’t visit LA without strolling along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Enjoy a free self-guided tour on Hollywood Boulevard while searching for the names of your favorite celebrities beneath your feet. Along the Walk of Fame, you’ll stumble across world-famous TCL Chinese Theater. At the Forecourt of the Stars in front of the theatre, put your own hands in the handprints of legendary Hollywood celebrities. Both activities are free! The Hollywood Sign By Scott Catron (Sunset on HollywoodUploaded by zaui) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsAlthough you can’t get right up to the sign (it’s fenced off from the public), you can still get a prime (free) view of the iconic Hollywood Sign from several nearby spots. The Hollywood & Highland Center offers an excellent viewing area, or drive up Beachwood Canyon for a closer look. Point Dume State Beach Image credit: malibuhiking.com This Malibu state park is the perfect nature getaway offering a diversity of landscapes. You’ll find wide beaches, coastal bluffs, sand dunes, and rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean. The wide beaches are quieter than most, so you can really relax while basking in the sun. If you have kids with you (or if you’re a kid at heart), explore the shallow tide pools to discover some small sea creatures. The best part? It’s all free. If you'd prefer a more comprehensive overview of Malibu, or perhaps, a celebrity-focused tour, try out a themed Malibu Tour. Stairways built into the bluffs make for safe access to breathtaking ocean views, so snap a few photos while you're there. The Getty Center & Getty Villa The Getty Center in L.A. The J. Paul Getty Museum is one of the top-rated attractions in Los Angeles. And guess what—admission is absolutely free. Although parking (in a garage) costs $15, it’s truly an unbeatable price for what the Getty Center offers. It houses one of the biggest and most beautiful art collections in the world. But another popular reason to visit is for the stunning architecture and some of the best views of LA. Designed by Richard Meier, this structure was built with concrete and steel to overlook all of Los Angeles. You can easily spend quite a few hours roaming the building to take in all the famous works of art, like Vincent Van Gogh’s “Irises.” Just north of Santa Monica, the Getty Center is a very popular attraction that is a cultural high note of Los Angeles. You can also check out the Getty Villa in Malibu to see the Getty’s collection of Greek and Roman art. Although admission is free, you’ll have to reserve timed tickets in advance for the Villa. Venice Beach Boardwalk The boardwalk is perfect for people watching! Image credit: venicebeach.com The Venice Beach Boardwalk practically epitomizes LA with street performers, hard-bodied beach-goers, and a whole slew of interesting characters wandering around. In fact, Venice Beach Boardwalk is the most visited destination in Los Angeles. In addition to the unparalleled people-watching, you’ll enjoy unique shops, cafes, street vendors, and the chance to observe beach sports on Muscle Beach. While the boardwalk itself is free, parking can be up to $15 depending on the lot and time of year While you're in the area, don't forget to stop by Pacific Park - you can get discounted admission with your Go Los Angeles® Card, so you don't need to worry about straining your budget! Downtown Art Walk If you’re in town on the second Thursday of the month, be sure not to miss this exciting local thing to do. Each month has a different theme and features different galleries and art installations, even including performance art and graffiti. This free self-guided tour is a great way to explore the LA arts scene with friends. Griffith Park The Griffith Observatory at Griffith Park. Griffith Park is the largest municipal urban wilderness area in the United States, where you’ll find both landscaped “parkland” and natural terrain. What’s really special about Griffith Park is that it is home to lots of bargain attractions that attract both locals and visitors alike year-round. For no cost, you can take your kids on the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, stargaze through the super Zeiss telescope at the Griffith Park Observatory, or discover old empty train cars at the historical Travel Town Museum. You could also rent a bike and pedal around the park's beautiful expanse, or hike up to the Hollywood Sign. Tip: If you want to catch a glimpse of the stars from the Observatory, get in line before dark! Tip: this is one of the ways you can hike up to the Hollywood sign. If you’re traveling with kids, take them to the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, a historic hand-carved carousel that has attracted visitors since 1937. Runyon Canyon Park The view from Runyon Canyon. Enjoy the natural paradise in the Santa Monica Mountains that is Runyon Canyon Park. Expect to be blown away by scenic views of all of LA and the gorgeous West Coast sunset. As it’s well known for it’s liberal off-leash pet policy, this place is perfect for the dog-lover. Whether you’re bringing your pets or not, pack a picnic and bring a kite for some outdoor fun at Runyon Canyon...all free, free, free! California Science Center The California Science Center’s interactive exhibits appeal to visitors of all ages. The permanent exhibits, featuring human and wildlife environments as well as air and space displays, are all free to the public. There is a fee for parking, but at only $10 per car, you won’t hurt your wallet. The Science Center also has a 7-story IMAX theatre which is not included in the free admission, but you will get into the IMAX for free with your Go Los Angeles Card! Page Museum & La Brea Tar Pits An outdoor exhibit at the La Brea Tar Pits. The La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park is the largest source of prehistoric fossils ever excavated. The largest collection of these fossils is housed in the park at the Page Museum. It’s free to wander around the park and look at the tar pits and outdoor exhibits, but if you want to explore more of the prehistoric, admission to this unique Museum is only $7. Graystone Mansion This historic home is located in the charming, more remote part of Beverly Hills, away from the hustle and bustle of Rodeo Drive and the like. Explore this beautiful historic structure and its stunning gardens during regular business hours. You can always roam the gardens for free, although tours inside the mansion are offered for a modest fee (advance reservations required for interior tours). Levitt Pavilion This outdoor amphitheater in Old Town Pasadena offers free performances throughout the summer months, from musical genres as diverse as jazz/blues, fusion folk, and even interactive musical performances just for kids. With over 50 free shows to choose from in June, July, and August of each year, you can find something to appeal to practically every taste. Be sure to bring a blanket (or chairs) and a picnic dinner to enjoy as you soak up the music. Gagosian Gallery The outpost of the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills is a popular place to visit. This is one of 16 contemporary galleries around the world owned by Larry Gagosian. It’s free to the public and boasts works of modern art by up and coming artists. If you can catch an opening reception each time the collection changes, you might even score some free wine and nibbles. Check out their website for a list of upcoming exhibitions. Travel Town Museum Hop on board to the Travel Town Museum and enjoy the many stationary train exhibits. Young children love to climb through the old empty trains at this Griffith Park historical site. A miniature train ride also runs around the perimeter of the facilities, providing a magical experience for kids. This low-key attraction with a gift shop on location is great for a laid back afternoon. Metro Art Tours Want to learn more about the fascinating artwork of the LA Metro system? Then be sure to join up with one of these free, docent-guided tours, offered through the Metro’s official art site. The various paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and murals scattered throughout the Metro system represent several decades of commissioned artwork and a wide variety of artistic styles and creative voices. A must-do for artsy folk. The Korean Friendship Bell Another famous and free landmark in LA is the Korean Friendship Bell. This was donated by the People’s Republic of Korea to celebrate the United States Bicentennial in 1976. It’s located in San Pedro, with gorgeous views of the Los Angeles harbor. This is a great spot to bring a picnic lunch and spend a couple of hours strolling the lush scenery here. Let's Recap on How to Visit Los Angeles for Cheap So there are some fun ideas for free things to do in in Los Angeles. Remember, if you want to add some attractions to your itinerary that normally cost money, consider purchasing a Go Los Angeles Card. With the Go Los Angeles Card you get free admission to dozens of attractions all for the one low price of the pass. You can save up to 55% off combined admission costs vs paying at the gate. Enjoy!
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