Summer in LA…what can be better? School is out, it’s convertible season and the beaches are calling. How about 10 things to do that are fun, exciting and completely affordable? This summer, Los Angeles features tons of activities, including free summer concerts, film festivals, new art exhibits, happy hours and blockbuster movies — all things that won’t break the bank.
The recently opened 10,000-square-foot facility features a combination of galleries, enabling the
Annenberg Space for Photography to show an unprecedented number of images to the general public in a dynamic environment. Its opening exhibit is a group show of eight Los Angeles-based photographers in the genres of fine art, architecture, documentary, fashion, photojournalism and celebrity portraits. Cost: Free.
Ah, summertime! In Los Angeles, that means
free outdoor summer concerts are in full force, beckoning visitors to get outside and enjoy LA’s epic music scene. From blowout shows to Sunday afternoons in the park, the free summer series in Los Angeles ought to keep you tapping your feet. So get out there, enjoy the weather and tune in to the music. Cost: Free.
Attendance to what is now one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world typically reaches more than 100,000. The numbers give a good idea of the scope of the
LA Film Festival: more than 100 features, 40 shorts and 60 music videos whittled down from a submission pool of 4,500 films. Presented by the
Los Angeles Times, the whole shebang lasts for 10 days (June 18-28) at more than 15 venues, including the Hammer Museum and the Ford Amphitheatre. Cost: $10-20.
Starting May 3, the ancient city of Pompeii comes to
LACMA through a variety of artwork. Organized by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the exhibit primarily focuses on Pompeii’s aristocratic villas and features sculptures, paintings, mosaics and other works of art from Pompeii, making it one of the most anticipated exhibitions this summer. Cost: $20 includes admission to permanent collection, the
Broad Contemporary Art Museum and audio tour.
Don’t miss the new Annenberg Community Beach House, LA newest example of the city’s awesomeness. Think 5-acres complete with pool, tennis/volleyball courts, café, bike valet and more stuff you’d find at a hoity-toity club. Good thing that the Beach House is completely open to the public (no membership fees) and feature a mere $10 adult entry fee. Of course, going the traditional route isn’t a bad option.
Pick a beach, pack up your
beach essentials and, if you’re up for it,
shred some waves
As the West Coast hub for cutting-edge art, LA literally comes alive at night with art walks that exude personality. For hip and electrifying, check out the
Downtown Art Walk. For laid-back, head to
Abbott Kinney First Fridays. For a niche community, San Pedro’s
1st Thursday ArtWalk abides. Cost: Free.
Where else can you hang out with Hollywood’s dead celebrities and watch their movies? We know, it sounds a little morbid, but this event is a local favorite and definitely worth checking out. Bring a picnic dinner, drinks (alcohol permitted), pillows and blankets, and then enjoy DJs before and after the film.
http://www.cinespia.org. Cost: $5 parking, $10 suggested donation.
Yes, LA has so much to offer that first-time visitors get over-stimulated. Head to one of LA’s many spiritual centers to cool down and find some peace. Downtown’s
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels offers stunning architecture as well as a quiet haven from the hustle and bustle. Of course, you won’t want to miss Lloyd Wright’s glass
Wayfarers Chapel, right on the coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. For something a little different, experience the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Pacific Palisades, particularly the serene Lake Shrine Temple dedicated to Paramahansa Yogananda, the yogi who brought yoga to the West. Cost: Free.
Economy woes don’t mean you have to skimp on food during your visit to LA. The ultimate fiscal plan: opt for
LA’s happy hours. Despite the downturn, LA’s top restaurant happy hours have gone upscale, giving you the best at a fraction of the cost. Cost: $10-30.
Last but not least, LA theme parks provide the quintessential summer fun. There’s obviously the action-packed
Universal Studios Hollywood, featuring the
Simpsons Ride and the all-new Creature from the Black Lagoon. (Opt for the Front of the Line Pass to get the most out of your day.) Serious speed-demons should check out
Six Flags Magic Mountain’s TATSU, the world’s tallest and fastest flying coaster, or X2, a recently redesigned fifth-dimension thrill ride. To cool off, head to
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Enjoying the sun on its 1,300-foot lazy river equals a day well spent. Cost: $30-90.
