Cheap on the Beach

If you were told you could stay on the beach in Southern California for $25 per night, you'd think we were crazy, right? But the ultimate cheapest way to stay here other than crashing on a friend's dirty couch is to camp. If you can get a tent and a sleeping back, you can stay at three beachfront campgrounds: Leo Carillo and Pt. Mugu in the far reaches of Malibu or Doheny State Beach, down in South Orange County. Now, it may not be the Four Seasons, but the Four Seasons doesn't have a property on the sand. (Note: photo courtesy of daytrippen.com, which focuses on Southern California day trips.)

Two for One

Some say Southern California's climate and culture are not unlike that of the ancient Romans. That could be a compliment or a dig, but you can check it out yourself by going to see the Pompeii and the Roman Villa exhibit at the L.A. County Museum of Art on Wilshire ($25/person) then drive up Sunset to the Getty Villa where your museum ticket stub will get you in free without a reservation.

Dirty Dancing...Again

The production of Dirty Dancing at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood is getting past the cheap preview performances and now the company is offering a deal on advance purchase tix. It's $49 per orchestra seat on select Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings (regularly $98) and Friday evenings it's $64. You can also pick up side orchestra seats for $39, from $75. Go here for details.

Getty Update

A hat tip to LA Observed who noted that the Getty Center and the Villa will be offering free parking for evening events and after 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays at the Getty Center. The new parking price at other times is $15.

Neon Tours of L.A.

L.A. is flashy, which is why it's a good idea to visit the Museum of Neon Art downtown. They've got displays of neon signs from long ago and explanations of how it all works. Admission is between $7 and $5 depending on your age. And if you get really interested, try splurging for one of the museum's "Neon Cruises." Each Saturday evening from June through November, a double-decker bus picks you up near the museum and takes you on a unforgettable tour of L.A.'s neon. It's not exactly cheap, $55, but well worth the splurge.