20 Free And Fun Things To Do in Los Angeles

1. Head for the beach. And we mean year-round. Walk or jog in the sand along LA’s 81 miles of coastline; explore the tidepools at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro; marvel at the muscular bodies at Venice Beach; and admire the surfers at Surfrider Beach near Malibu Lagoon (that’s free to explore, too).

2. Explore unique museums. Some — like the California Science Center in Exposition Park, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro and the Getty Center in Brentwood — are free all day, everyday (except for parking). Other museums offer special free admission days.

3. Wander around Griffith Park. Griffith Park is the largest city park in the country — 4,107 acres — and provides a mix of free activities for the whole family. Picnic on one of the broad lawns or hike one of the park’s many free trails. One of the prettiest spots to walk is Fern Dell, a calm, shady hideaway with waterfalls and ferns.

4. Cruise Muholland Drive. One of the world’s most famous scenic drives, Mulholland winds from the Hollywood Hills across the spine of the Santa Monica Mountains west to the Pacific Ocean (almost). Viewing spots along the way allow you to see incredible vistas; some are of the city (all the way to Catalina) and others are of the broad San Fernando Valley. Other scenic drives in Los Angeles.

5. Tour the Los Angeles Central Public Library. The Downtown library at Fifth and Flower is one of the city’s most treasured buildings. The structure reflects the Egyptian mania that was sweeping the country in the 1920s, post-King Tut discovery. It was almost destroyed in a 1986 fire but has been magnificently restored with a modern wing added. This is the third largest library in the United States, and free, docent-led walking tours are the best way to enjoy it. Highlights include the rotunda and murals depicting the history of California.

6. Discover fossil fun. At La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park, the site of the richest discovery of Ice Age fossils in the world, more than 100 tons of fossilized bones representing nearly 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have been unearthed from pools of sticky asphalt dating back to prehistoric time. It’s quite a collection (even Prince Charles asked to visit during an LA trip). You can wander the tar pits themselves, including the big pit still oozing goo near Wilshire Boulevard. The George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries offers free admission on the first Tuesday of every month.

7. Stroll the historic Farmers Market. The LA Farmers Market opened at the corner of Third and Fairfax in 1934 and retains much of its original flavor — the freshest produce, made-to-order peanut butter, gourmet meats and cheeses — while adding a few modern touches (Brazilian barbecue, Cajun chicken, sushi) as well as retaining old favorites such as corned beef and hot donuts. The Grove, an outdoor shopping plaza just next door, expands the market experience with a free trolley ride and dancing water shows every half hour in the central pond.

8. Step into Hollywood history. The forecourt of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre has been one of the most popular free attractions since the 1920s when, during the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s “King of Kings,” actress Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet cement. Hollywood’s biggest stars have been imprinting themselves ever since, including John Wayne, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Harrison Ford and Denzel Washington.

9. Hollywood Walk of Fame. When the Hollywood honchos realized how limited the footprint space was at the Chinese Theatre, they came up with another way to pay tribute to the stars. Since the 1960s, more than 2,300 terrazzo and brass stars have been unveiled on Hollywood’s major sidewalks. Among the stars sought out are Marilyn Monroe at 1644 Hollywood Blvd., Steven Spielberg at 7046 Hollywood Blvd., Charlize Theron at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Elvis Presley at 6777 Hollywood Blvd., The Beatles at 7051 Hollywood Blvd., and Johnny Depp at 7018 Hollywood Blvd.

10. Walk the walk in Venice. Every weekend year-round, crowds flock to the Venice Oceanfront Walk where the mild weather and sea air are only part of the attraction. The most amazing street entertainers in the world are here — chainsaw jugglers, swamis on rollerblades, street dancers...you name it. Start at Windward Avenue and walk north, stopping whenever you see a crowd gathered — there’s sure to be someone intriguing in the center. Out on the sand, follow the beat to the drum circle, a Sunday tradition with dozens of drummers playing for hours.

11. Pay your respects. LA's cemeteries and memorial parks are as much a part of the celebrity world as footprints in cement. At the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, fans still gather every August 23 to pay homage to Rudolph Valentino. Cecil B. DeMille and Douglas Fairbanks Sr. also rest here.

Forest Lawn has two memorial parks worth visiting. In Glendale, the main attractions are the graves of Walt Disney, Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. At Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills: Liberace and Stan Laurel. At Westwood Memorial Park, Marilyn Monroe is buried in a simple wall crypt, number 24. Hugh Hefner has reserved the crypt next to Marilyn’s.

12. Walk through 200 years of history. El Pueblo Historical Monument is LA’s birthplace, the site of the original settlement in 1781. At Olvera Street, a bustling Mexican mercado is just to the north. Visitors shop, listen to mariachi music, watch folklore dances and dine at several authentic Mexican restaurants. Tour the Avila Adobe, the oldest existing house in LA. Other restored historic buildings include the Old Plaza Church and the Old Plaza Firehouse.

13. Visit Leimart Park Village. Located in the heart of the Crenshaw district, Leimert Park Village lures tourists with the distinct African American culture of its shops, art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and jazz clubs.

14. Discover LA's wilderness. Los Angeles possesses a wealth of natural wilderness, which attracts avid hikers and bikers to such sites as Topanga State Park, Griffith Park and the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles. Trails abound in the 65,000-acre Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, encompassing steep cliffs, lush rolling hills, canyons, meadows, waterfalls and sandy beaches, and providing a wilderness habitat for local wildlife.

15. Step back in time 100 years. The Victorian era had its influence on local architecture, as evidenced by the homes in the 1300 block of Carroll Avenue in Angeleno Heights. The homes here have been restored to their original ornate splendor. The adjoining streets feature craftsman bungalows interspersed among the Victorians. Raised front lawns and old-fashioned street lamps complete this nostalgic picture, which is a favorite location for film crews. For a small fee, the Los Angeles Conservancy offers walking tours.

16. Browse around town. Treasure hunt and star gaze along famed Rodeo (pronounced "row-day-o") Drive in Beverly Hills, home of the rich and super rich. It doesn’t cost a thing to stroll and people-watch on one of the world’s most famous shopping streets. Explore other shopping and browsing meccas.

17. Travel the world without a passport. LA’s mini nations enhance the culture and character of this international city. Meet the people and enjoy the foods, arts, music and crafts of Japan, China and a dozen other cultures right here in Los Angeles. Little Tokyo and Chinatown are just two of the ethnic enclaves that invite you to explore. For a more Kosher experience, head over to North Fairfax Avenue and browse the boutiques, produce stands and galleries. A few blocks south on Fairfax is an emerging Ethiopian neighborhood with half a dozen restaurants and cafes.

18. Watch TV live. Be a part of a studio audience on your favorite television show, such as “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Dr. Phil,” and game shows like “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Tickets are free but must be obtained in advance. Write for tickets or pick them up in person, since free tickets are available daily at some studio complexes. Remember: tickets and seating for shows are on a first come, first served basis. Most shows have a minimum age requirement of 14. For more information, contact: Paramount Television Audience Shows, Guest Relations, 323.956.1777; Audiences Unlimited at Fox Television Center, 818.506.0043 and Audiences Associates, 323.467.4697. Free tickets are also available outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood and Glendale Galleria.

19. Relax on LA's own "Riveria." Everyone's heard of the French Riviera, but not everyone knows that Los Angeles has a "riviera" of its own: Marina del Rey. The largest man-made, small-craft harbor in the world, Marina del Rey is home to 6,000 in-the-water private yachts. The harbor offers spectacular views and many outdoor activities, including jogging, roller-skating, bicycling or just relaxing in the park. For a free, boatless adventure, head for Burton Chace Park at the end of Mindinao Way. There you’ll be surrounded by water on three sides, and boats will pass majestically in front of you.

20. See NoHo. The NoHo (for North Hollywood) Arts District is a square-mile area that is quickly turning into one of LA’s artsier communities with several galleries, public art, live theaters, boutiques, vintage clothing stores, ethnic restaurants and outdoor cafes. Be sure to browse Lankershim Arts Center, Arts Coalition, Sunny Meyer Fine Arts and Art Academy.

Reported by The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.