The Riverside Press-Enterprise
ALWAYS FREE
Arlington Garden, Pasadena
This is the only free public garden in Pasadena, located on 3 acres originally slated to become part of a freeway extension that was never built. It’s open every day during daylight hours and features Mediterranean, desert and scrub oak landscaping. It started as a patch of dirt in 2005 and now is a haven for birds, bees, butterflies and people who enjoy nature. Wooden benches are scattered around the site for relaxation. 275 Arlington Drive. 626-578-5434, arlingtongardenpasadena.org.
The Broad, Los Angeles
Open Tuesdays through Sundays. Always free but get advance tickets. This museum features contemporary art from the collection of developer Eli Broad. It’s a piece of art in itself, although it doesn’t look like much from the outside. The general collection is always free to view, though you need reservations. Some same-day tickets are released daily, so check online early. There’s a parking garage that charges a few bucks. 221 S. Grand Ave. 213-232-6250, thebroad.org.
California Citrus State Historic Park, Riverside
Learn about the era when citrus was king in Southern California; visit 200 acres of groves that produce navel and Valencia oranges, grapefruits and lemons; and stop by the museum visitor center. Hiking and biking trails are available. Citrus tastings are sometimes available. Free guided tours. Learn more by calling 951780-6222. The visitors center and museum are open Fridays through Sundays. Parking is $7. 9400 Dufferin Ave. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649.
California Science Center, Los Angeles
Open daily. This fascinating museum in Exposition Park is chock full of things to see. Kids love this place, but so do adults. All permanent exhibits are free, but there’s an extra charge for the IMAX theater shows and some attractions. Note that the space shuttle Endeavor is temporarily not exhibited. Parking at Exposition Park
is $15, or you can ride the Metro. 700 Exposition Park Drive. californiasciencecenter.org.
Cave of Munits, West Hills
Always open. Ready to get outdoors? Why not hike to an interesting cave just a short drive from town? This trail in the Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve begins as a nice stroll but results in some real rock scrambling into the cave, so watch the youngsters. This chimney cave was reportedly the home of a powerful Chumash Indian shaman. Wear sneakers or hiking boots. Head to El Escorpion Park and park there. There’s a short, steep hike or a longer, more leisurely one, depending on your druthers. 24501 W. Vanowen St., West Hills. modernhiker.com/hike/hike-to-the-cave-of-munits.
Centennial Farm, Costa Mesa
Open daily (but check the calendar). This place is fun. On the south side of the O.C. Fair & Event Center, this 3-acre working farm features favorite animals and fruit and vegetable gardens to teach kids about where our food comes from. Free parking. 88 Fair Drive. ocfair.com/centennialfarm.
Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale
Open daily. This cemetery built in 1906 — the first to call itself a “memorial park” — changed the way people have been buried ever since. Millions of people have visited its fountains, architecture and replicas of great world art such as Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” There’s even a museum open Tuesdays through Sundays. Celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Walt Disney have been laid to rest here. British author Evelyn Waugh found it so fascinating he even set a novel here. Stop at the information kiosk at the entrance. (Note that other Forest Lawn locations also have artworks on display.) 1712 S. Glendale Ave. 888-204-3131, forestlawn.com/parks/glendale.
Fort Macarthur Museum San Pedro
Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. This interesting bit of military history allows visitors
to take a look at underground bunkers and weaponry that were built to protect Los Angeles Harbor from enemy attacks. It was part of the Army coastal defense system from 1914 to 1974. Scenes from movies such as “Pearl Harbor,” “The Usual Suspects,” “Private Benjamin,” “Tora! Tora! Tora!” and more have been filmed here. Note that the Angels Gate Park, with its Korean Friendship Bell, is nearby. 3601 S. Gaffey St. 310-5482631, ftmac.org.
Getty Center Brentwood
Open Tuesdays through Sundays. Free, but order tickets online. Especially good on clear days when you can see all the way to Catalina Island. The world’s richest museum offers priceless art treasures, including Van Gogh’s “Irises,” which was the most expensive painting ever sold when the Getty bought it. Specializing in medieval to modern art and decorative arts, it’s also a center for scholarship. The billion-dollar white complex sits atop a hill in West Los Angeles. Kids enjoy riding the free tram to the top from the parking garage, so bring your lunch and nonalcoholic drinks. Admission to the Getty is free, but timed admission tickets must (temporarily) be ordered online. Parking costs $20, or $15 after 3 p.m. Active and veteran U.S. military personnel with ID park free. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. Getty.edu, 310-440-7300.
Getty Villa Museum, Pacific Palisades
Open Wednesdays through Mondays. On a spectacular site, this replica of a Roman country house contains the Getty’s collection of old and rare Greek and Roman antiquities. The villa itself is an attraction, with its mosaics, art, gardens and architecture. It’s modeled after the Villa dei Papiri, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., which destroyed Pompeii. Picnics are allowed, so bring your lunch and nonalcoholic drinks. Admission is free, but timed admission tickets must be ordered online. Parking costs $20, or $15 after 3 p.m. 17985 Pacific Coast Highway. getty. edu/visit/villa.