The best FREE things to do in Los Angeles' -- a series. In today’s vacation travel guide, I’ll cover a few different parts of Los Angeles including the Westside, East LA, South LA, and the Valley.
WESTSIDE
We start at L.A.’s Miracle Mile -- home to some of LA's greatest cultural attractions, including the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits -- all of which you have to pay to enter but there is some epic public art that is accessible for free.
1. ‘Urban Light’
These lamp posts are notorious on Instagram. Now is your chance to capture your own epic photo. The best time to go see Urban light is early in the morning before the LACMA opens and the crowds start to get there. Going really late at night is also an option, plus you’ll get the full effect of the art piece since the lights will actually be on.
2. ‘Levitated Mass’
A 680,000 pound boulder sitting on top of a viewing pathway. Art, am I right?
3. Beverly Gardens Park
Known for its gardens, fountains, sculptures and the Beverly Hills sign!
4. Beverly Hills City Hall
The historic building was designed in the ‘ultra baroque’ style, a type of Spanish revival architecture and completed in 1932.
5. Rodeo Drive
One of the most expensive streets in the world -- it's home to a collection of ultra high end designer shops.
EAST L.A.
1. Mariachi Plaza
The plaza resembles the famous Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico and its name comes from the mariachi musicians that have gathered there since the 1930s, waiting to be hired for a gig.
2. Boyle Hotel
Built in 1889, it earned the nickname “Mariachi Hotel’ because of the many musicians that rented rooms there. It’s right across the street from Mariachi Plaza.
3. Santa Cecilia Restaurant
Located in Mariachi Plaza, you’d be foolish not to try their specialty “tripa tacos.” In any case, whatever you opt for will be delicious.
SOUTH L.A.
1. Watts Towers
Seventeen structures built by one man -- Simon Rodia -- over a period of 33 years -- in his own backyard! It’s now a national historic landmark.
2. Museum of African American Art
Founded in 1976 it aims to educate visitors about the arts through the lens of African American Culture.
3. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
The panoramic view from the top is awesome. You see the entire Los Angeles Basin, surrounding mountains and Pacific ocean.
VALLEY
1. ‘The Great Wall’ of Los Angeles
One of the longest murals in the world at 2,754 feet, the paintings depict the history of California from diverse and traditionally marginalized communities -- and it covers everything from prehistoric times through the 1950s.
Here are links to the rest of the 'What to do in L.A. for free’ series so you can start planning your trip!
Top 10 Free things to do in LA:
• Top 10 things to do in...
Hollywood:
• Hollywood, L.A. | What...
Downtown:
• Downtown L.A. | What t...
The Coast & Beach Cities:
• L.A. Coast & Beach Cit...