When you think of Hollywood, you think of high priced movie tickets, misbehaving celebrities, and tourist attractions with outrageous fees.
If you will put your wallet away, I will show you how to have a good time for free.
Kodak Theatre: home of the Oscars. Aside from the auditorium where the event takes places, you can just look around. If you want to go it, it runs about $17, good, but you can get a City pass that will let you into several attractions for $49. But this is about free.
Inside the Kodak is a mall, complete with the world famous Graumans Theater, where celebrities walk the red carpet to their premier.
You will find all your favorite stores and eateries, some at great prices. If you are traveling from outside the U.S. then they also have a store where you can make purchases without all the tax.
Back to free. For about five blocks you can look at the stars that Hollywood has laid out. Stars like The Olsen Twins, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and the forever fine, George Clooney.
At the Grauman, they do it all in footprints, complete with shoe imprints and words written in cement.
It is always a bustle of activity at this site. To avoid the tourist onslaught you might go before 10am, which is the official opening time for all things Hollywood.
Attend a Taping of your favorite show. Now, before you sign up for a sitcom, please know that it takes hours. In fact, it is almost a full day by itself. Also, most of the shows do not shoot during the summer or holidays, so plan accordingly if it is you goal to attend a taping.
Some of the top shows you can get free ticket at are:
Ellen
Dr. Phil
Tyra Banks Rumor does have it that this show is moving to New York due to America’s Top Model schedule.
Price is Right Once they announce the new host, and then order your tickets. With this ticket you can even become a contestant.
Most of the Talk shows take just a couple of hours to tape, so you can still roam around and have fun.
Back at Hollywood/Highland there is a huge amount of people dressed up as just about any movie character you can think of. On Friday nights some regulars put on a great show. Price, donation only. Just think, if you do not like the show, you can just leave. This is standard everywhere in Los Angeles. Street performers earn their living just making people happy.
The main point of Hollywood is taking a good walk. Some of the film schools and studios are just a quarter-mile away, so you have no need to worry about getting lost.
You can view the famous Hollywood sign at the Kodak. There is nothing wrong with a free view. Paris Hilton lives under that sign, along with some of your other famous celebs. You can even hike to a certain point near the sign.
On Tuesday nights in the summer they have a free jazz concert. You can also be part of a wine and cheese tasting for $10, but that is optional.
Finally, take the train at Hollywood/Highland up to Universal City Walk. It is a great site to take pictures without having to pay the price to the park. It is the free zone, sort of like Downtown Disney. Again, food and stores, but not the same ones. You will soon be able to go skydiving inside City Walk. You can also play games, watch movies, or just hang out and watch people ride the bull.
In the summer you can see free movies and concerts every night. That saves a lot of cash.
You can see what the schedule is at http://www.citywalkhollywood.com .
If you choose to be an observer, so that you can spend your money on other things, then there is plenty to do. All it takes is one $5 all day bus pass, and Hollywood is your oyster.
