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Some of the best things to see and do in Los Angeles don’t cost a cent – bumming around in the beach, strolling down the Venice Boardwalk, hiking up the Santa Monica Mountains, touring the Getty Center, or listening to street musicians on the Third Street Promenade are some fantastic options.

Some of LA’s finest museums, including the Getty Center, the California Science Center, and the California African American Museum, do not charge admission. Many others offer free entry once a week or once a month.

If you’re planning to immerse yourself in Hollywood glamour, City Pass buys admission to five major attractions and tours for a nominal sum. This currently includes Universal Studios, the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, the Hollywood Entertainment Museum, Starline Bus Tours, and Kodak Theatre.

Summer is a great time for free outdoor concerts and events. Venues hosting regular performances include the Santa Monica Pier, the Getty Center, the Skirball Center, and the Water Court near MOCA. Free festivals celebrating LA’s multicultural tapestry take place all year.

Watch your favorite TV stars in action by attending a live taping at a major studio. Free tickets are available through Audiences Unlimited or from studio audience scouts in places such as the Venice Boardwalk or the Farmers Markets.

While hostels are great for gregarious types, chain motels are best for budget travelers in need of privacy. Some motels and hotels offer American Automobile Association members and its affiliates a discount. Bargaining is possible during the slack tourist season. Look for coupon magazines available at gas stations and tourist offices.

Bargains abound in LA, with department stores and boutiques mounting special sales year-round, especially around public holidays. For extra savings, look for coupons in the Sunday Los Angeles Times . Flea markets, vintage stores, and thrift shops offer unique finds at cut-throat prices.

Tanking up for little money is very easy in LA. Fast-food and chain restaurants are ubiquitous, of course, but it’s also possible to eat cheaply at better restaurants. Go for lunch instead of dinner, avoid ordering alcoholic drinks, and take advantage of promotions or “early bird” specials served before the dinner rush.

A fun way to wind down the day, Happy Hours are usually held on weekdays between 5pm and 7pm, though precise hours may vary. Most eateries also offer free snacks or a discounted appetizer menu.

There’s plenty of live theater in LA, but tickets can be expensive. Half-price tickets for selected plays are available on the Internet through the popular Theatre LA.