Cheap Eagle Rock

If you're in the Glendale/Pasadena area on Sunday, July 31, you might as well slip down to the hip town of Eagle Rock, which sits between them. The town's historical society is having its annual Ice Cream Social with ice cream for $1, free music and a chance to see exhibits about some famous Eagle Rockians (like President Obama).

Cheap Traffic

If you're just coming to L.A. this weekend, Sorry! This is Carmageddon weekend, where the 405 will be shut down for bridge construction from late Friday night to early Monday morning. Because of all the publicity surrounding it, I'm expecting travel to be tight, but not impossible. Avoid Sepulveda Blvd, which paralells the 405. If you're approaching from the north, you'll have better luck with the 5, or Malibu or Topanga Canyons to PCH.

Cheap Disneyland

I know, there's no such thing as Cheap Disneyland. If you're interested in getting to the Magic Kingdom this summer, the "peak" season, there are few if any price breaks. The best deal to get the Disney experience is to buy the one-day Park Hopper ticket ($105/adults, $99 kids), get up early, slog it out all day and stay for the fireworks to get your money's worth. There are slight price breaks on the multi-day tickets, but if Disney isn't your main destination or time is short, don't hesitate to go for the "cheaper" one-day pass.

If you're near Hollywood and Highland between 4:00 and 6:30 Monday through Friday and you're ready for a break, check out the The Grill on Hollywood. During their happy hour, you can get $4 draft beers, $7 Absolute martinis and $4 and $5 appetizers that will keep you from having to go anywhere else for dinner.

Cheap Beverly Hills

Dine cheaply in Beverly Hills, as long as you keep your stub from the Getty Museum. Ingrid's Cafe on Robertson is offering their special Ingrid's Plate for 50% off (a $21 value) when you show up with your Getty receipt.

Cheap Italy

If you're coming to L.A. because you can't afford Rome, you can get some of the Italian experience at the Getty Villa. Perched between Malibu and the Palisades, this is the time of year to walk the porticos and take in the ambiance of antiquity. Just $15 per carload to park, admission is free. Call for reservations at 310-440-7300.

Cheap Star Tours

Actually, maybe not cheap, but worth it if you're into this sort of thing. Gossip site TMZ has hooked up with Starline Tours to give you a "TMZ Hollywood Tour." You're taken by all of the hot spots where celebs (mis)behave and you're supposed to be given some "juicy nuggets" from the TMZ files about what's really going on in Hollywood. (hope they have honey mustard with those "nuggets.") It's $55/adult, $45 child for two hours of fun, pick up at Grauman's Chinese Theater.