Day 8: The LA Observatory

Closed to the public in January of 2002, the Griffith Observatory is now open!

With $93 million in renovations, the observatory has received a well-deserved facelift. One of the major individual contributions was made by Leonard Nimoy, known as Mr. Spock amongst Trekkies.

The locale made famous in such movies as Rebel Without A Cause, Bowfinger, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, GoldenEye, The Rocketeer and The Terminator, features new exhibits and a modernized planetarium.

Although there is a $5 parking fee, a shuttle ride to the top of Mount Hollywood is included (kind of like the shuttle to the top of Machu Picchu). Even though you might not have a similar experience to the mystical rendezvous encountered in Peru, you don’t have to pay an entrance fee here in LA.

Day 7: The Getty Museum

The pinnacle of free finds in LA lies perched above the city peering down towards Westwood and Santa Monica. The J. Paul Getty Museum in Brentwood boasts a range of exhibits you would expect to discover at the Louvre or El Prado. And did I mention it is free!!!!!!!

Day 6: Farmers Market

When traveling, there is no better way to immerse into the culture of the destination than by experiencing its rich flavors. Fortunately, LA is home to 4 million people who represent more than 140 countries. So there is no shortage of variety.

However, the city is just as large as many nations and you might end up spending most of your time in one ethnic enclave.

The best way to experience a melting pot of varied dishes is by heading to the historic and original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax.

From Brazilian barbecue and Cajun chicken to sushi and corned beef sandwiches, Farmers Market is an earnest representative of global gastronomy.

If you feel like shopping, next door to Farmers Market is The Grove; an outdoor shopping plaza that is a haven for celebrities.

Day 5: La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park

The richest discovery of Ice Age fossils in the world was unearthed in Los Angeles?

Apparently so…more than 100 tons of fossilized bones representing nearly 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have been found from pools of sticky asphalt dating back to prehistoric time.

Prince Charles even asked to visit the regularly excavated pits during an LA trip.

So you might be thinking they are located on the outskirts of the city. Actually, they are smack dab in the middle. As part of the Page Museum (a branch of the National History Museum of Los Angeles County), the pits are a stones throw from Miracle Mile and within plain view from the Wilshire Boulevard sidewalk.

Day 4: Mulholland Drive

Whether you have a convertible, motorcycle or VW Bug, Mulholland Drive is a cruiser’s glory road.

Forget about drinking and driving on this winding thoroughfare…many incredulous celebrities have fallen to the mercy of LA’s cliffs while admiring cityscape views from the ocean to the valleys.

The 55-mile long S-pin and hairpin road was immortalized by such race car enthusiasts as James Dean, Gary Cooper and Steve McQueen.

Day 3: Hollywood Walk of Fame

You might not know where to find all the famous celebrities in LA, but you are guaranteed to see a few legendary actors below your feet in Hollywood.

More than 2,300 terrazo and brass stars line Hollywood Boulevard and boast such names as Al Pacino and Alfred Hitchcock. If you are in LA, you have to visit this spot. If not for the name game, the street performers are very amusing to say the least.

The other day I saw a look-a-like Johnny Depp in Captain Jack Sparrow costume. A few hours later I was in the subway with him as well. Apparently, I live a few streets away from the guy. I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

Day 2 brings us to Griffith Park:

The largest city park in the country – 4,107 acres – possesses several attractions. From a well-kept budget golf course to LA’s acclaimed observatory, a day adventure in Griffith Park can easily turn into an evening spectacular.

Personally, I am a huge fan of heading out to a spot that overlooks LA’s outdoor Greek Theater. There are few venues in the world that host such a range of artists as The Gipsy Kings and Snoop Dogg in the course of a week.

Nothing beats a free concert, no matter who is playing, and the path that leads to the ultimate bargain seating can be found by pulling all the way in the theater’s parking lot and walking up the road that leads to the observatory.

You might have to dodge a few event security vehicles that pass by on your way up, but they rarely look beyond the scope of the windshield. Head off to the left when the music is crisp and the view is manageable.

Note: You might want to take a set of binoculars, a picnic blanket and all the enriching condiments (soda, booze, etc.). Just make sure to not leave a trace so that others may enjoy the environment at a later date and to keep security from becoming suspicious.

Rumor: There is a guy who lives in the park without a wardrobe. A few friends of mine have been startled by the naked nature man, but I find it hard to believe he is armed.

*The seats are located to the left in the picture shown

For the next 10 days I will be sharing with you the top 10 things to do in Los Angeles on a tight budget. Feel free to chime in if you have a story about any of the places I list.

Day 1) Head towards the ocean and park the car when the smell of incense becomes overwhelming…Welcome to Venice Beach!

Tourists, locals and artists flock to this classic LA destination. Street vendors and performers line the boardwalk and everyone seems to be in awe of each other. The faces may change daily, but most of the time you will run into a few regulars.

No matter what day or time you visit, chances are you will most likely see the Venice Beach staple and SoCal icon, Hendrix on Blades. This character glides up and down the beach strumming an electric guitar with a hip amp. He may be the most notable performer, but Muscle Beach has been known to display some real talent from time to time. After all, this is where our governor got his break.

I wasn’t humming the theme song to the 1970’s show Baretta when I entered Vitello’s restaurant last night. But I couldn’t help but think of the song’s words when I pulled into the Studio City parking lot:

“Don’t do the crime, if you can’t do the time.”

It was outside the restaurant in 2001, where Bonnie Lee Bakley was found murdered. Although Robert Blake (her husband and star of Baretta) was acquitted of the crime, many LA residents compare the result of the case to that of the OJ trial.

Inside Vitello’s, the smell of garlic and the sound of jazz music filled the air. I recognized the vocalist from a few years back and she sent me an imperturbable wink. One of those, I know I’m cool but I feel you kind of vibes.

The Italian fare ranged from Tortellini to the House Specialty, Braciole (top round filled with prosciutto, seasoned bread crumbs, cheese, hard boiled eggs and raisins).

Live jazz is played upstairs every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Visit www.vitellosrestaurant.com for an updated schedule and menu.

Los Angeles is ridden with tourists from all corners of the world. Yet, we Angelinos don’t really notice them as we pass by enveloped in our own daily adventures.

As a travel writer, I am constantly describing the varied cultures, gastronomy and infrastructures of cities throughout the world. However, I seem to have neglected my hometown.

Yesterday, after a few drinks with a couple of backpackers from Australia, I came away from the conversation feeling as though they didn’t really get to see all the city had to offer. So I created this blog in order to provide travelers with a different angle on the LA/SoCal scene.

Having hit the open road as a backpacker two years ago in South America and the Middle East, I know what it’s like to try to see a place on a shoestring. There is nothing quite like the experience of always being a dime away from homeless and a buck short of ordinary.

There are several types of tourists here, from a family of four on their way to Disneyland to a high-power female executive roaming Rodeo. However, my aim is to provide information that everyone can use.