Los Angeles, home to Beverly Hills and Rhode Drive, is not the first city travelers can associate with independent and frugal attractions. However for the thrifty traveler, deals are plentiful.
The gettyHosting one of the best collections of art on the West Coast, Getty has such a large catalog of works that he has divided the gallery into separate sites.
The Getty Center in Los Angeles has a collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. The building is a modern masterpiece and the views are spectacular.
The Getty Villa in Malibu, dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome and Ituria, is my favorite of the two. The building is actually a Roman inspired villa surrounded by amazing gardens.
Admission to both J. Paul Getty Museums is free but there is an $ 8 fee for parking.
Santa monica pierSanta Monica Pier includes amusement parks, restaurants, vendor carts and other street entertainment. One of the top attractions is a beautiful carousel with hand painted horses. A great place for people, admission to the Santa Monica Pier is free.
Chicken Dinner at Not Berry FarmImagine a chicken dinner so good that a theme park is built around it and you can have a chicken dinner at Knott's Berry Farm. At dinner, buttermilk comes with biscuits, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Finish the meal with boyfriend pie by mouth. All at very reasonable family style prices.
The dashLos Angeles is definitely a city with a major car culture but car rental is not the only option. Local transit, called Dash, is the least expensive of all the big cities. The full fare is $ 0.25 and yes, a senior discount is available.
The walk of fameWalking with The Walk of Fame between Hollywood Blood and Vine is a must for the first time visitor. Along the promenade is the famous Gruman Chinese Theater where stars such as Marilyn Monroe left their hands and footprints. It remains a favorite location for the film's premiere so that the lucky traveler can spot a star.
Borrowing a bit of Hollywood glamor in LA is not an expensive prospect. There are lots of free or frugal attractions, transportation and food.