Free (or Cheap) Museums in L.A.

Of course, a trip to the Getty Museum and the Getty Villa is a cheap must when you're in Southern California, but there are plenty of other cultural attractions in L.A. that won't break your wallet. For instance:

California African American Museum--Located in Exposition Park near downtown, you can find amazing photography, art and history about the area's African-American community.

California Science Center--Also in Exposition Park, they have some amazing exhibits for children and an IMAX theater (you have to buy tickets for the shows).

Fowler Museum--Situated on the UCLA campus, the Fowler features cutting edge art and photography from around the globe.

Hammer Museum--Located near UCLA in Westwood Village, the Hammer is known for its dynamic, challenging exhibits. Thursdays are free, otherwise adults are $7 and kids 17 and under are free.

L.A. Fire Department Museum--A must for any fire department geek, there are two locations, one in Hollywood and one in San Pedro that features fire boats. These museums are only open Saturdays, but they're fun and informative for both kids and their parents.
Paley Center for the Media--Also known as the Museum of Television, this center's collection of old TV shows and memorabilia in the heart of Beverly Hills is a fun way to break up your day.

Santa Monica Museum of Art--Home to some amazing traveling exhibits and known for their special programs.

Traveltown--If there's a train buff in your group, a trip to Traveltown in Griffith Park is essential. You can walk through antique locomotives and passenger cars and kids can ride a small train around that park.

Mardi Gras at Farmers Market

The weekend of February 20-22 and on Fat Tuesday, February 24, you can go see the annual free Mardi Gras celebration at Farmers Market. There will be live music, including the Grammy-nominated Lisa Haley & The Zydekats, as well as special Cajun delicacies, face painting and mask decorating for the kids, bead throwing, the whole shebang. A taste of New Orleans at 3rd & Fairfax.

No Reservations at the Griffith Observatory

If you're coming to L.A. in the spring, make sure you have time to visit the Griffith Observatory. After a major renovation and a grand reopening a few years ago, one needed to call get reservations for the free admission tickets. Now however, visitors are free to take the winding drive up to the top and get a smog-free view of the L.A. basin whenever they want. Go around lunchtime and eat at the Wolfgang Puck designed cafe.

Off Season at the Hollywood Bowl

If your visit to Los Angeles is too early in the year to enjoy a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, you can still experience its special magic. The Bowl grounds are open all day long during the off-season and you can take a free self-guided walking tour that gives you an overview of the amphitheater and its history, as well as the plants, flowers and animals that suround the grounds. You can also take in the museum, which focuses on the great performers who played the bowl, from Benny Goodman to The Beatles.

Pedal to the Metal

Professional cycling is renowned in Europe, and it's taking off here in California as well. Mark your calendar for February 21 as the Amgen Tour hits the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. It's big news, since all-everything cycler Lance Armstrong will be competing for the first time in three years. Admission is free, there will be entertainment, a health expo and a kid's fitness zone. The details are here.