By the Explorer
If you are looking for some fun things to do in LA or you want to make the best of a trip, and on a budget, this is for you!
- The Getty – From 10am to 5pm you can explore art through time. They have everything including antiques, sculptures, paintings, drawings, and manuscripts. All this art makes a diary of life in that time. It shows history in a beautiful new way. The Getty museum can make a fun and educational field trip. They have over 43,000 pieces of magnificent art in their collection as well as a library! Remember here is a parking fee, so I recommend you park somewhere else. Have a nice time!
- LACMA – The L.A. County Museum of Art or LACMA is one of the top museums of Los Angeles. You can look and explore so many different things! From Gods & Goddesses to Fashion, Greek Ceramics to Cherry Blossoms, there is art for every interest. Another perfect history and art appreciation field trip. Art is an amazing thing born from creativity and history. I hope you enjoy this amazing thing at either one of the art museums in LA.
From the LACMA Cherry Blossom Collection
- The Korean Bell of Friendship – The Korean Bell of Friendship sits in a charming pavilion overlooking the water in Angels Gate Park, Los Angeles. This bell was donated to Los Angeles by the Republic of Korea to celebrate the bicentennial of U.S. independence, honor veterans of the Korean War, and unite traditional friendship between two countries. The pavilion and surrounding park are the perfect place to fly a kite, have a picnic, play outside, or just enjoy a sunny day. And on the first Saturday of the month at twelve you can pass by to hear the bell ring. This is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy.
Griffith Observatory at sunset
- Griffith Observatory – If you are interested or learning about space then Griffith Observatory makes a great free field trip. Check out the public telescopes and many exhibits including Gunther Depths of Space, Wilder Hall of Eye, and The Gottlieb Transit Corridor at one of the premier public observatories in the world! Look out on the lawn for a solar system and relish the beauty of this premier public observatory.
- La Brea Tar Pits and Museum – The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum are a portal to the Ice Age, showing us what it was like so many years ago. Check out the fossil lab, tar pits, and museum. Also check out Hancock Park which is nestled between the pits and museum and is a great place for playing and picnics. Walk down the paths and you might find a live excavation! It is a great, free attraction that everyone should enjoy. Learn about the far history of the Ice Age and let this place portal you back.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Hollywood – The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood sign are iconic things to visit while in Los Angeles. Hollywood is the place of the famous and everybody comes to see it. Striding down the long Walk of Fame or climbing up the hill to the Hollywood sign are great experiences and exercises that you could never forget. At the Walk of Fame you can find your favorite star and the Hollywood sign is a great photospot.
- Greystone Mansion – While the actual mansion is not open to the public the beautiful grounds are. You can visit the grounds from 10:00am – 5:00pm but are sometimes closed when they are filming. Popular movies and shows were made right her including The Muppets, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Spider-Man, and Spider-Man ⫴. This movie-mazing wonderland is great for a calm and walk and a photo so enjoy the beauty of the Greystone Mansion grounds.
- Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens – This 75 acre public garden, outdoor classroom, and research facility is on the campus of UCLA. You can learn about all the different plants of the garden on the first Saturday of every month from 1-2 or if you are a UCLA student/staff, community group, and other party of 10-50 people. It is a great opportunity to go with friends and family to see and learn about the beautiful flowers of the botanical world. Savor the beauty of the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden.
- California Science Center – The California Science Center is great if you have kids and the exhibits are interactive. All permanent exhibits are free and some of the non-permanent exhibits but for those you have to check the website. The California Science Center is a fun move stop or field trip and can get everybody learning with fun. If you are in LA and have kids then planning a visit here is a great free way to let them enjoy the fun of learning.
- Venice Canals – The Venice Canals are right off 25th street in Venice Beach. These canals were all man-made by Abott Kinney. The beautiful canals had fallen into disrepair after the invention of automobiles until it became a luxury livingspot. You can walk along the path through the lovely canals and get good scenery and a workout. The Venice Canals give a touch of Europe to Southern California and are a great place. Maybe you can visit a friend or make new ones at these canals. The “Venice of America” has not just these amazing canals but also a nice beach and boardwalk that are all free to enjoy so please do.
I hope this list helps you enjoy free adventures in LA!
