Low Cost Fun Things To Do For Free

As summer rapidly approaches, several thousands of tourist will make Los Angeles, Ca. their primary destination. And while their pockets may be overflowing with vacation dollars to spend at Disneyland, Universal Studios, LA Live, Hollywood, the local malls, etc., there are dozens of fun – things to do for free –  in LA County.

Now we all know that California, specifically Los Angeles, is one of the most expensive locations in the US. But, believe it or not, you can have a great time and keep most if not all of your money in your pocket. What with the Griffith Park Observatory and various museums alone, you could occupy a ton of “vacation time” learning about history and art while saving big at the same time.

How about getting a bit of culture by visiting one of the many museums in the Los Angeles area. Here’s a short list of free local museums near LAX and their locations:

Museums

The Broad: 221 S Grand Ave Los Angeles 90012 – Located in the heart of downtown LA, The Broad boasts a no-frills approach to displaying artwork from well known as well as up and coming contemporary artists. Open Tuesday – Sunday admission is free. Check in at the Broad website for standby tickets to beat the crowd as the lines can get fairly long for walk-ups

The Getty Center: 1200 Getty Center Dr. Los Angeles 90049 – High atop the hills just West of Bel Air, Ca. resides one of my favorite hangouts for art and culture. With 5 buildings jam-packed with art, furnishings, and photographs, The Getty Center has something for everyone. There are Greek statues, French fashion, handmade tapestries, furniture paintings, and stained glass. It’s all there and much, much more. The Getty provides a breathtaking view, restaurant, and rose garden as well. Perfect, if you want to hang out for the entire day. And the best part, it’s free to the public. Open Tuesday – Sunday (parking is $15.00 – $10.00 after 4:00pm)

LACMA: 5905 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles 90036 –  The Los Angeles County Musem of Modern Art, is home for one of the largest collection of eclectic artwork. Part of the infamous Miracle Mile, LACMA, is an interesting place to visit for contemporary art lovers. One of the main eye-catchers is Chris Burden’s Urban Light, a piece comprised of 202 cast-iron street lights gathered from around L.A. and brought back to working order. Located right in front of the museum on Wilshire Blvd., it has rapidly become one of the city’s most enduring photo-friendly exhibits.

Other collections at LACMA flaunt modernist masterpieces, large-scale modern jobs (including Richard Serra’s substantial swirling sculpture and also Burden’s humming, hypnotic Metropolis II), traditional Japanese screens and without a doubt, L.A.’s the majority of regularly excellent special events. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 11 am–5 pm Friday: 11 am–8 pm Saturday, Sunday: 10 am–7 pm (Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day) Admission is Free for seniors and youth 17yrs and under. S$25.00 for adults –  $21.00 for college students with valid ID

More fun things to do

Annenberg Space for Photography: 2000 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles 90067 – Right in the heart of Century City is where you’ll find the Annenberg Space for Photography. It’s the ultimate home for photography buffs and features shared works from renowned legends to emerging talent. Open Wed-Fri 11am-6pm; Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-6pm and admission is Free