Frugal Travel Tips for Los Angeles
Los Angeles, home to Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, isn’t the first city travelers may associate with free and frugal attractions. However, for the thrifty traveler, the deals are plentiful.
the getty
Boasting one of the best art collections on the West Coast, the Getty has such a large catalog of works that they have divided the gallery into two separate sites.
The Getty Center in Los Angeles contains the collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. The building is a modern masterpiece and the views are fantastic.
The Getty Villa in Malibu is my favorite of the two, dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The building is truly a Roman-inspired villa surrounded by wonderful gardens.
Admission to both J. Paul Getty museums is free, but there is an $8 charge for parking.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier consists of amusement parks, restaurants, vendor carts, and other street entertainment. One of the main attractions is a beautiful carousel with hand-painted horses. A great place to people watch, admission to the Santa Monica Pier is free.
Chicken Dinner at Knott’s Berry Farms
Imagine a chicken dinner so good a theme park was built around it and you have the chicken dinner at Knott’s Berry Farms. Dinner comes with buttermilk biscuits, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. Finish the meal with a delicious blackberry pie. All at very reasonable family style prices.
The script
Los Angeles is definitely a city with a dominant car culture, but renting a car is not the only option. The local transit called Dash is one of the least expensive of all the big cities. Full fare is $0.25 and yes, a senior discount is available.
The walk of fame
Walking the Walk of Fame between Hollywood Blvd and Vine is a must for first-time visitors. Along the promenade is the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where stars like Marilyn Monroe left their handprints and footprints. It’s still a favorite spot for movie premieres, so the lucky traveler just might find a star.
Borrowing a bit of Hollywood glamor in Los Angeles doesn’t have to be an expensive prospect. There are many free or frugal attractions, transport and food.