What are Fun & Cheap Things to Do in L.A.?

• The Hollywood sign in L.A. Hollywood Sign image by crossgolfing from Fotolia.com

  From walking down Hollywood Boulevard to following the paparazzi as they track celebrities, Los Angeles has numerous activities and attractions. There are a vast array of free and inexpensive places to see while visiting the place where movies are made and celebrities live. There are several museums to visit such as the Getty Museum which does not charge an admission.

Free Attractions

• The Griffith Observatory has several exhibits, including public telescopes and a planetarium. As of November 2010, the observatory is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon until 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

  Be a part of the studio audience during television taping of shows such as the Jay Leno show, America's Funniest videos and a number of other shows taping, or take a chance on getting chosen to be a contestant on The Price Is Right and other game shows. All you need is a reserved ticket and the tickets are free to everyone. Tickets can be reserved by visiting the network website for your favorite show or by visiting the ticket booth, located at Universal City Walk.

  The Hollywood Bowl has several different areas with a variety of exhibits including historical information and cultural events. Documentaries and vintage movies are shown in various areas as well as several displays of photographs. As of November 2010, the hours of admission are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until show time and Sunday from 4 p.m. until show time during the months of June through September and on Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. from the end of September until the middle of June. The bowl is closed from Dec. 22 until Jan. 1.

Activities Under $10

• Take a free walk through the historic Farmers Market that has kept the majority of its original features since 1934. For under $10, have a burger and old fashioned hand-dipped malt at Johnny Rockets where the employees perform dances to old rock and roll music. As of November 2010, the Farmers Market is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Activities Under $20

• Grauman's Chinese Theatre is where some of Hollywood's biggest stars have left their mark since 1927, by making hand prints and footprints in the cement in front of the theater. The theater has a 30-minute guided tour available that will provide visitors with a detailed history of the theater. The tour is free of charge, however, if you want to watch a movie in the historical theater, various films are shown daily from noon until midnight and admission is $11 for adults and $7 for children.

Activities Under $30

• You will have the opportunity to get a souvenir picture of you posing with a celebrity, walk the red carpet and give your awards speech at Madame Tussauds wax museum. The museum has several realist looking, wax figurines of famous celebrities. As of November 2010, the museum is open every day of the year with the exception of Oscar day. Admission hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. The admission cost is $25 for adults, $18 for children ages 4-12, $20 for seniors age 60 and up, and children under four are free.

  Spend time with the ghosts of the Queen Mary during a paranormal tour. A haunted encounters passport on the Queen Mary includes numerous activities such as a ghost sighting scavenger hunt, souvenir paranormal passport, a self-guided tour of the ship and a haunted encounters tour. As of November 2010, the passport includes seven activities at a cost of $27.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors aged 55 and older and $15.95 for children aged 5-11. It is recommended that you visit the website or contact the ship by telephone for their open hours as they vary according to season.