Los Angeles is a city of arts, culture and history. From Chinatown to Olivera Street, a wide mix of racially and ethnically diverse populations have intermingled to create a rich cultural tapestry. But an L.A. vacation doesn't have to break your bank account. A wealth of fun and interesting activities are just waiting to be explored.
At just 8.3 miles in size, Santa Monica is a beach community made for pedestrians. Take a bike cruise or rollerblade along The Strand, the the 22-mile paved bike path that leads from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrence County Beach. The public tables in Chess Park attract world-class players. Play a game if you feel up to the challenge or feel free to watch the intense action. The original Muscle Beach was located in Santa Monica, but is now 2 miles away in Venice. Since its beginning in the 1930s, Muscle Beach has been a magnet for actors, athletes and fitness gurus.
The Getty Center houses a collection of western art that spans from the middle ages to the present. Admission is free although there may be a fee for parking. The California Science Center has exhibits on everything from solar cars to digital sound mixing and their Discovery Room features hands-on activities for small children. The Justice Brothers Racing Museum is an auto sports lovers' dream. Open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. their collection features vintage race cars, motorcycles, restored classics and street rods. Don't miss the Pitts acrobatic biplane hanging from the ceiling.
At over 4,100 acres, Griffith Park is the largest municipal park in the United States and is perfect for hiking, biking, jogging or picnicking. The Symphony in the Glenn arts education program provides free classical music concerts. Just bring a blanket to sit on and a canned food donation for the needy. Enjoy stargazing? Try the Griffith Park Observatory where there's no cost admission to the observatory building and grounds
The Grauman's (Mann's) Chinese theatre has been a Hollywood landmark since 1927, and the footprints of some of Hollywood's most famous stars are enshrined in the sidewalk outside. The Hollywood sign has appeared in numerous movies and is one of the most iconic sights in Los Angeles. You can snap a picture or get a great view from Beachwood Canyon Drive or try Lake Hollywood which includes a dog park.
L.A. is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and even if you can't spend like a fashion mogul you can always dream. Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice houses a collection of eclectic shops which sell everything from home decor and furniture to surf ware. Robertson Boulevard is a Mecca for the fashion conscious, with well know names like Lisa Kline, Kitson and Kiehl's. Montana Avenue with more than 150 stores boasts a diverse mix of privately owned boutiques and designer-label retail outlets.
