Cruising Mulholland Drive: Ride past the homes with million-dollar views, and then stop at the public viewing pullouts to see the splayed-out city in all its smoggy glory. It's even more romantic at night, when the lights of the city and the valley twinkle below.
Evening Jazz Performances: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers free jazz concerts every Friday evening April through November. It's the perfect coda to a satisfying day of art appreciation.
Free Admission Days to L.A.'s Museums: If it's free, baby, it's for me. Almost all of L.A.'s art galleries and museums are open free to the public 1 day of the week or month, and several never charge admission.
Hollywood Bowl Rehearsals: Few people know about the Bowl's morning rehearsals with the L.A. Phil, which are generally open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and absolutely free. Bring coffee and doughnuts and enjoy the best seats in the house.
Going to the Getty Center: I already mentioned it above and I'll mention it again here: One of L.A.'s best attractions is free, though parking has jumped to $15 per car.
Paying Your Respects at the Cemeteries of the Stars: Spend some downtime with Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Karen Carpenter, and all their famous pals at L.A.'s most enduring celebrity hangouts. Six public cemeteries showcase the final performances of Bette Davis, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, and dozens more famous names.
Watching One of Your Favorite TV Sitcoms Being Taped: Alternately boring and fascinating (the old hurry-up-and-wait syndrome), being an audience member gives you the chance to wander the soundstage, marvel at the cheesy three-wall sets that look so real on TV, and get an inside look at the bloopers that never make it to broadcast -- and are often far more entertaining than the scripted dialogue.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
