Broke but want to still enjoy summer in Los Angeles? Here are a few ideas of what to do around the city to keep your dollars in your pocket but still enjoy be out and about.
Malibu
Head up to Malibu to some hidden spots like Lechuza or Broad Beach. Also, while in Malibu, check out Solstice Canyon (free parking, 3998 Solstice Canyon Rd., Malibu, 90265) for a semi-challenging hike up some gorgeous trails. Stop for a break at the ruins of the Roberts Ranch House, a mid-century modern house designed by architect Paul Williams that burned down in 1982. After your Malibu adventures, you’re going to be hungry. Grab a quesadilla at Howdy’s (3835 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, 90265) or a taco from one of the many trucks on PCH that cater to the crusty surf bum set.
Los Feliz
Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival (4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, 90027) is a produced by the Independent Shakespeare Co. The Festival will have performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Winter’s Tale, and A Comedy of Errors running Thursday-Sunday nights from June 28th-September 2nd. Before the theatre, explore Los Feliz. 1739 Public House (1739 North Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, 90027) on Vermont Ave. has a great beer selection and a huge happy hour with free slices of pizza with any alcoholic beverage purchase before 7. Not the pizza and beer kind of person? Toss a frisbee around in the park and grab a avocado sandwich from The Trails Cafe, right inside the park.
Music
The Thursday Night Jazz at the LACMA runs from now-September 28th. Other budget-friendly summer concert series going on through out the city include: Pershing Square Downtown Stage, Saturday’s Off the 405 at the Getty and Made in LA Series at the Hammer Museum.
Dodgers
Enjoy America’s favorite pastime! Los Angeles is super lucky that a game than Dodgers Stadium (1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles, 90012) doesn’t set you back a lot of money. Tickets start at $10 for the cheap seats during day games. This way, you have a few bucks for a Dodger dog and a beer. (maybe)
Manhattan Beach
Head down the 405 to South Bay and bike, roller skate or run The Strand. This concrete path winds up and down the coast and has some of the most gorgeous and eclectically-styled mansions along the path. After a long day in the sun, enjoy a drink at the dive bars that line Manhattan Beach Blvd., or drive 10 minutes north to Dockweiler Beach (12501 Vista del Mar, Playa Del Rey, 90293), the only beach in Los Angeles where it’s legal to have an open bonfire.
Yamashiro Farmer’s Market
Hit one of the local farmer’s markets that offer fresh produce and an array of local and creatively inspired foods. A Thursday night event with great views at the top of the Hollywood Hills is the Yamashiro Farmer’s Market (1999 N Sycamore Ave., Los Angeles, 90068). Check out this list to see when your neighborhood has their market or hit up The veteran Santa Monica Farmer’s Market (Sundays at 2640 Main St., Santa Monica, 90405) or The brand-new Sunset Strip Farmer’s Market (Thursdays at 8755 W Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069).
Outdoor Movies
No summer to-do list would be complete without Cinespia (6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, 90038), the Saturday night outdoor movie screening series at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Try something new and see The Big Lebowski or Pulp Fiction at The Devil’s Night Drive In (240 W 4th St., Los Angeles, 90013), located off W 4th Street in DTLA. If you like the small screen and air conditioning, take a look at the events calendar for the Paley Center (465 North Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, 90210) in Beverly Hills, one of the largest television and media libraries in the country.
