LA is my free day

With apologies to Frank Sinatra LA is my free day.

And with thanks to our friends in the City of Angels as we plan our return next year.

For sending us a list of surprisingly days out you can have for free in Los Angeles.

A LA-La Living Museum

LA is home to more museums, galleries, and cultural institutions than any other US city, with many offering free entry.

You like your Jeff Koons, he of the Bilbao Guggenheim florid dog.

Well, The Broad in Downtown have jazzy Jeff, Yayoi Kusama and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Now few things are as LA as the Hollywood sign, 100 years old this year.

And this here gets personal as I missed out on our day trip to the best vantage point to the free Griffith Observatory because of a 24-hour bug.

Although I did have the consolation of recuperating in the boutique Kimpton La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood.

Now Los Angelinos are often accused of living on a different planet.

Well, space cadets or not we’re all able to reach for the stars at The California Space Center.

With over 100 permanent exhibitions, including the NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour. Free general admission.

The outdoor life

Now, we’re all used to the grandeur of the Great Canyon (and yes, it is all that) but LA boasts its gargantuan gorges, like the  Runyon Canyon,  favoured by celebrities and the Bronson Canyon, loved by superheroes as the home of the Batcave.

For those more interested in strolls or picnics than hikes, the reservoir at Lake Hollywood Park has a direct view of the sign and is accessible by car and a short walk.

While as we all know that LA is all about image, then go people spotting and take a selfie at Muscle Beach Venice Hall of Fame.

Where to stay

Accommodation is consistently one of the biggest travel expenses so it’s good to get some local knowledge from the locals.

To maximise savings when booking a hotel, keep in mind that the lowest prices for hotel rooms are typically found just 15 days before your stay.

To find a good deal, go beyond the most-popular neighbourhoods and look at options in surrounding areas such as the San Gabriel Valley or near the Los Angeles International Airport.

With 98 direct, non-stop weekly flights from the UK and Ireland to Los Angeles this summer, offering more than 28,000 seats, there are plenty of options to find a flight that fits your budget.

For more budget-friendly ways to experience cool California activities in LA, check out their guide to the 100 Cheap Things to Do in Los Angeles.