Vacation on a Budget in Southern California: Los Angeles County

For most visitors, Los Angeles County conjures scenes from 90210 or crime-riddled headlines. In reality, L.A. is a diverse vacation destination filled with art, history and just plain fun, all of which can be experienced within a reasonable budget.

Art & Culture
Contrary to the popular images of Hollywood, L.A.'s art culture encompasses much more than film and television. The Getty Center is a jewel of modern architecture and houses a variety of exhibits from antiquities to modern art. In the Pasadena area, Huntington Library & Gardens reflects a classic style in both art and architecture. The 207 acres is home to Thomas Gainsborough's The Blue Boy and several lush gardens. Free garden tours are offered.

Activity Costs:
Getty Center - 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles
-- Admission: no charge
-- Parking: $10 (subject to availability)
Huntington Library & Gardens - 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino
-- Adults: $15 weekdays; $20 weekends and Monday holidays
-- Children: $6 daily ages 5-11; free under 5 years

Explore Local History
Olvera Street provides insight into California's strong Latino roots. Free docent-led tours are held every Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. The more adventurous can take a self-guided walking tour to the historic Union Station and nearby Chinatown. For those who want to delve further into the area's history, the Page Museum and La Brea Tar Pits can transport you back 10,000 years. Though excavations are active for only a short portion of the year, the Paleo lab is open for public viewing year-round.

Activity Costs:
Olvera Street - 845 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles (costs negligible)
Page Museum/La Brea Tar Pits - 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
-- Adults: $7
-- Children: $4.50 ages 13-17; $2 ages 5-12; free under 5 years
-- Parking: $6 with validation in designated lot

Fun for Families
Griffith Park features five different picnic areas throughout the park, many with play areas for the younger children. It is also home to the L.A. Zoo and the Griffith Observatory. Often overshadowed by its more famous San Diego counterpart, the L.A. Zoo houses hundreds of animals from the cute and cuddly to the slithery and sinister. The Griffith Observatory's moon rock collection and Planetarium are must-sees for the space enthusiast. If you would like to explore the Los Angeles area, but the traffic and congestion of the city itself is a little daunting, head a little south to Long Beach. Shoreline Village is awash with recreation activities for the family. Challenge the kids to an air hockey match at the Pelican Pier Pavilion or rent a surrey to cruise the bay.

Activity Costs:
L.A. Zoo - 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
-- Adults and Ages 13+: $12
-- Children: $7 ages 2-12; free under 2 years
Griffith Observatory - 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles
-- General Admission: no charge
-- Planetarium Admission: $7 ages 13+; $3 ages 5-12; free under 5 (select shows only)
Shoreline Village - Shoreline Drive, Long Beach
-- Costs vary by activity
-- Free special events throughout the year

Senior and student discounts apply at some locations. Also, be sure to confirm hours, prices and restrictions before your visit to avoid any unpleasant surprises. For more ideas and suggested itineraries, visit www.discoverlosangeles.com.

Explore something completely different or discover a new twist on a familiar interest. Los Angeles County has a little bit of everything to make your vacation an adventure.