Frugal travel tips for Los Angeles
Los Angeles, home to Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, isn’t the first city travelers can 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 day. 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 the two 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 for people watching, admission to the Santa Monica Pier is free.
Chicken Dinner at Knott’s Berry Farms
Imagine a chicken dinner so good that a theme park was built around it and you have the chicken dinner at Knott’s Berry Farms. Dinner includes buttermilk cookies, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. Finish off 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. The full rate is $ 0.25 and yes, there is a senior discount available.
The walk of fame
Walking the Walk of Fame between Hollywood Blvd and Vine is a must-see for the first time. Along the promenade is the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater, where stars like Marilyn Monroe left hand and foot prints. It is still a favorite place for movie premieres, so the lucky traveler could have a star.
Borrowing some of that Hollywood glamor in Los Angeles doesn’t have to be an expensive prospect. There are many free or frugal attractions, transportation and food.