Known as the home of celebrities, movie studios, upscale boutiques and restaurants, Los Angeles is a popular tourist destination. Los Angeles visitors have the opportunity to experience the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, visit a variety of amusement and theme parks, and enjoy hundreds of bars and night clubs. For those individuals interested in keeping their spending to a minimum, the city also offers several free activities during the summer months.
In July, August and September of each year, the Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park hosts a free summer concert series. The concerts take place each week on Thursday through Saturday nights. Sunday afternoons provide musical performance and other shows designed for children. Each year, the park features different artists, many of them native to the Los Angeles area. The performers represent a wide range of musical styles, with the summer concert series usually featuring several different Latin, hip-hop, and rock artists.
Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park
2230 W. 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90057
213-384-5701
levittla.org
On varying Friday nights from May through September, the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County hosts the Active Arts series. This series provides guests with free lessons or activities in dancing and singing.
In May through September, the center hosts the Dance Downtown series twice a month. This series features free beginner dance lessons every other Friday and live music. On National Dance Day in July, guests can attend the Biggest Dance Ever event that includes free dance lessons and live music. On Friday nights in June through September, guests can participate in the Friday Night Sing-Alongs. Different musical themes are selected each month and live musicians accompany the participants.
Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-972-3660
musiccenter.org
Individuals interested in science and nature can beat the summer heat by visiting the California Science Center. The center's permanent exhibits are free of charge while the traveling exhibits and the IMAX shows require an admission charge.
The center's permanent exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including inventions, biology, ecosystems and aerospace. Visitors can also interact with hands-on exhibits available throughout the center.
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
323-724-3623
californiasciencecenter.org
In Topanga State Park, 36 miles of hiking and biking trails are available to visitors for no charge. Many of the trails provide views of the Pacific Ocean. Hikers also have the opportunity to see rock formations, earthquake faults, fossils, waterfalls and oak forests. Picnic areas are available at locations throughout the park.
Topanga State Park
20825 Entrada Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90290
310-455-2465
parks.ca.gov
The Griffith Observatory and its grounds are open to the public free of charge. The observatory building includes dozens of exhibits as well as free public telescopes. The observatory grounds include almost three miles of hiking trails that provide views of Los Angeles as well as the Hollywood sign.
Griffith Observatory
2800 E. Observatory Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
213-473-0800
griffithobservatory.org
Los Angeles beaches provide visitors with free entertainment and recreation options, such as swimming, sunbathing and people watching. Some of the area's most popular beaches include Venice, Hermosa, Manhattan and El Matador. Each beach is home to its own unique culture, from elite celebrities to relaxed surfers.
