Having a great time in Los Angeles doesn't have to break the bank. With its mountain trails and canyons, beaches and dense forests, the City of Angels offers some of the most scenic areas in California, all of which won't cost you a dime. Los Angeles also has many colorful streets and promenades, including Hollywood Boulevard, historic Olvera Street and the famous Sunset Strip. Take in the sights, grab a cheap bite and have loads of fun for next to nothing.
This funky, often crowded boardwalk plays host to beach-side cafés and bars, as well as vendors hawking sunglasses, T-shirts, tattoo services and more. Keep your eyes peeled for the Fortune-Telling Cat (who sometimes shows up at La Brea Tar Pits, too) and the Venice Beach Freakshow, where for $3 you can see a live two-headed raccoon, a cyclops baby skull and a tarantula with 12 legs.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291
310-399-2775
Two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, just west of the 101 Freeway, Runyon Canyon is a 160-acre park with a steep trail that takes hikers to spectacular views of the Hollywood sign, Griffith Park and even the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The park attracts dog walkers by the dozens, and you may spot a celebrity or two.
Runyon Canyon Park
2000 N Fuller Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-666-5046
laparks.org
Open since 1909 and free of charge, the Santa Monica Pier offers seafood restaurants, gift shops, bicycle rentals, a video arcade and an aquarium. The pier is best known, however, for Pacific Park, a historic amusement park with a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, elaborate carousel and carnival games. The pier hosts free outdoor concerts every summer.
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-458-8900
santamonicapier.org
Every second Sunday of the month at this enormous Pasadena flea market, 2,500 vendors display their wares to the 15,0000 to 20,000 people who stop by for vintage clothing, antiques, arts and crafts and more. As of March 2010, admission is $8, and children under 12 are admitted free with each adult ticket.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
323-560-7469
rgcshows.com
Stretching 66 miles from La Canada-Flintridge to Mountain Top Junction at State Route 138, this two-lane highway is one of the most picturesque mountain roads in the L.A. area. On your drive, you'll pass cottonwoods, yucca, wildflowers and towering pines amidst a rugged landscape. At mile marker 34.2., turn off into Switzer Picnic Area and hike the easy trail to Switzer Falls, which has a 70-foot waterfall and smaller cascades.
Every March through August, small silver fish leave the ocean at night to spawn on the beach for four consecutive nights, starting with each full and new moon. Grunion have captured the imagination of Southern Californians and can be found at many L.A. beaches, including Cabrillo, Venice, Hermosa, Manhattan and Redondo. Don't forget to bring a flashlight.
