Los Angeles is famous for its A-list residents, but you don’t need to have a budget to match theirs in order to enjoy the destination to the fullest. In fact, thanks to the abundance of free attractions, I think it’s easy to discover the delights of LA without spending over the odds. Of course, whether your budget is ample or relatively restricted, it is always good to know what the free local attractions are; so, no matter how much you intend to spend on your holiday, read my guide to find out all about some of the top things to do.
1) Take a drive on the Pacific Coast Highway
The first thing on my list is taking a drive along the utterly breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway, which is one of the most of iconic highways in Los Angeles. Driving down this road – in a convertible, if possible – is a fantastic experience, thanks to the combination of sunshine and the stunning coastal scenery. Presuming you won’t want to drive it in its entirety (it spans several hundred miles), there are a number of shorter sections you can tackle instead.
For example, the route from Santa Monica to Zuma Beach in Malibu, which is just 20 miles long, is known for being particularly impressive. Plus, there are several fantastic places to stop along the way. For instance, if you go to Surfrider Beach, you can watch the local surfers in action. By the way, if trips like this pique your interest, it is worth finding out more about fly drive holidays through companies like Bon Voyage.
2) Absorb art in the Getty Center
Personally, I always enjoy visiting a gallery or two when I’m on holiday, so for me a visit to the Getty Center is an absolute must. Come here and you can see both American and European art dating all the way from the Middle Ages to the present day. It spans a range of disciplines too, including sculpture, paintings, drawings and photography.
Alongside the permanent collection there are temporary exhibitions, so it is always a good idea to check exactly what will be on during your visit. I’d also recommend taking a stroll around the gardens, which are absolutely beautiful. As a quick note, there is one snag worth bearing in mind – while admission to the centre is free, the cost of parking is fairly steep at $15 (which is around the £10 mark).
3) Experience a slice of glamour at TCL Chinese Theatre
In my opinion, no visit to Los Angeles would be truly complete without experiencing a slice of movie-based glamour. There is no better place to do so than the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre, where you can see hand and footprints from a host of celebrities. Plus, this won’t cost you a penny.
Seeing these prints is one of the most popular tourist pastimes, which is no surprise, really, when you consider that those of Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Al Pacino, Johnny Depp and Judy Garland are just a few that can be found here. So, don’t forget to bring your camera!
4) Reach for the stars at Griffith Observatory
The last activity on my list is visiting the wonderful Griffith Observatory. Thanks to recent renovations, it’s bigger and better than ever, and I love the fact that there are just so many great exhibitions, displays and special events you can see here without paying a penny. That said, you should bear in mind there’s a nominal charge for watching shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
