This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Oxy chapter.
With Halloween already two weeks gone and Thanksgiving right around the corner, it is no secret that the holiday season is quickly approaching and the semester is coming to an end. Maybe you’re a senior or maybe you’re going abroad next semester, or maybe you will be around, but regardless, now is the perfect time to get out and explore LA before exam week rolls around! Here are 10 great things you can do without spending any of your holiday season cash!
1. Hiking!
Believe it or not Los Angeles has tons of great hikes! You might have to drive a ways, but the view and the fresh air will be worth it! One hiking spots to definitely check out is Topanga Caynyon (20825 Entrada Road, Topanga Canyon). You can even hike through ancient animal dens and cages at the Old Los Angeles Zoo at Griffith Park (Griffith Park Drive, Griffith Park, 90027, laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithpk.) AND through the ruins of a secret 1930’s Nazi compound known as Murphy Ranch. (Rustic Canyon, Sullivan Ridge Fire Road, Pacific Palisades)
If you want a serious workout, head over to Baldwin Hills to take on the stairs (at least 280) that lead up to the famous Baldwin Hills Overlook (6300 Hetzler Road, Culver City).
2. Go to an indie improve show!
The Clubhouse in Hollywood offers free improv shows every night!
107 N. El Centro Ave., Hlywd. theclubhouseimprov.com.
3. See old, famous costumes!
The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising offers displays of actual costumes from your favorite films and TV shows that you can browse for free!
(213) 623-5821 fidmmuseum.org.
4. Look at art, have celeb encounters, and drinking for free! #winning
The Subliminal Projects in Echo Park offer diverse exhibitions by a large variety of artists. They also are notorious for celeb visits!
1331 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. (213) 213-0078, subliminalprojects.com.
5. Scenic Biking
Bike safely along the 14-mile-long the Metro Orange Line Bike Path beside the Orange Line busway! Not only do you not have to worry about cars, but you can also enjoy the flora and breathe fresh air! This path is planted with 800,000 exotic trees and shrubs.
abikepaths.com/bike-paths/orange-line-busway.
6. Hear free music (and also drink free booze)
Sonos Studios’ not only puts on free listening parties and interview sessions but also serves free booze!
145 N. La Brea Ave., Fairfax District. sonos-studio.com.
You can also hear free live music of all kinds at Trip, a bar in Santa Monica. They even have weekly burlesque and comedy nights, all for FREE! 2101 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica
7. Expand your knowledge (outside of the classroom!)
Zocalo Public Square is home to various panels that discuss grand ideas about pretty much anything and everything you can think of.
zocalopublicsquare.org.
8. Explore sea life
At the Abalone Cove tide pools you can see tons of different species!
5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verde
pvplc.org/_lands/abalone_cove.asps
9. Venture into an oasis
Among the concrete, warehouses, and strip mall that Los Angeles consists of, in the Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park you can lounge in a grassy field, stroll along winding paths, explore areas that are organized by plant type, or having a picnic at one of the picnic tables.
5790 Compton Ave., Central-Alameda. laparks.org/dos/parks/facility/augustus hawkins naturepk.htm.
10. Hang with Turtles!
The UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden has a thriving turtle population!
777 Tiverton Drive, Westwood, CA botgard.ucla.edu.