Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Los Angeles, with its designer shops and gourmet restaurants, has many options for the tourist who wants to spend money. But the thrifty traveler will also find plenty in L.A. to keep them busy in the evenings. The City of Angels has much to offer when it comes to free activities.
Many travelers are drawn to Los Angeles to see the sights and the stars (movie stars, that is). The good news is, you don't need money to truly experience Los Angeles. Day or night, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-see. The Walk of Fame is on both sides of Hollywood Boulevard, between Gower Street and La Brea Avenue. It also extends on Vine Street between Sunset Boulevard and Yucca Street. The Walk of Fame pays tribute to some of America's most famous stars and entertainers, including Elvis Presley, Bob Hope and Michael Jackson.
If you'd like some culture, check out Chinatown and Little Tokyo, both in downtown Los Angeles. Take an evening stroll, enjoy the sights and window shop. If you like the water, the Santa Monica Pier is a great place to people watch and breathe in some fresh ocean air.
If you're looking to bump into a few famous people, you've come to the right place. You don't need to dine at a four-star restaurant or shop at a posh botique to land a glipse of a famous person in L.A. Just take a walk through the stars' favorite neighborhoods -- Hollywood Blvd, Sunset Blvd, Rodeo Drive, and the Sunset Strip -- and with any luck, you'll have a few sightings! Even if you don't spot any A-listers, these locations are great for window shopping and just soaking in the surroundings.
Whether your pleasure is art, history or science, Los Angeles has many museums that are often free and open in the evenings. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, located on Wilshire Boulevard, offers free admission after 5 p.m. every night. The art museum is open every day but Wednesday. Several days a week, the doors stay open until 9 p.m. Parking is even free after 7 p.m. in select lots. For more information, visit www.lacma.org.
If it's a Saturday evening, check out the Getty Center. The museum, which stays open until 9 p.m. on Saturdays, is also free. The museum houses an array of visual art, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures amid pristine architecture and peaceful gardens.
If live entertainment is more your style but you don't want to shell out cash for concert tickets, you're in luck. The Los Angeles County Arts Commission sponsors dozens of free concerts throughout the city. Frequently, these concerts are held in the evenings. They take place at community locations throughout the city, from West Hollywood to Pasadena and Santa Monica. Acts range from Celtic to Mariachi, Latin, R&B and beyond. Visit www.lacountyarts.org for more information and schedules.