mycompass.ca
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Q: We’ve never been to L.A. and will be visiting shortly to attend my brother-in-law’s wedding. You always offer amazing advice for the budget traveler and I’m hoping you can do the same. After the wedding we’ll be able to spend three days there so am hoping you can give us some suggestions.
A:
The City of Angels might look like millionaire’s row with all the luxury estates lining the tony streets of Bel Air, Malibu and Beverly Hills. But anyone can enjoy Los Angeles even if you don’t have deep pockets. For local travel, hop aboard the public transit (yes L.A. has a public bus and metro system). $1.25US gets you a one way trip and a $3US day pass gets you unlimited travel all day long. If you catch the Metro Blue buses, these get you to the major inner city hubs like the Grove Market and Hollywood Boulevard for only 25 cents. L.A. buses run regularly but on Sundays, you’ll have to practice the art of patience. Once you get to L.A. find the nearest visitor information centre. There’s a snazzy new complex that opened on 6801 Hollywood Boulevard next to the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Here load up on maps, brochures and ask for any special coupons to the various attractions. For real deals, the Getty Museum and Getty Villa are free but the money grab is in the parking, $7US. So if you want to take advantage of this, grab a bus. It costs nothing to marvel at the famous foot and handprints left by stars like Marilyn Monroe, James Cagney and Mary Pickford that grace the entrance to Grauman’s Chinese Theater in indelible cement. It’s also free to walk by the many stars that line the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard. Currently, the Los Angeles Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is offering a list of special offers. For more info, visit the Los Angeles Visitors Office online at www.lacvb.com/ and click on Special Offers or call them at toll-free 800.228.2452
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