Things to Do in Los Angeles

Big. Sprawling. Smoggy. Star-studded. Free. Yes, free. There are numerous free and affordable things to do in the City of Angeles, Los Angeles, California. Hundred of words have been used to describe this multi-district, varied and diverse second largest city in America (New York City is first), home of television and films; seat of entertainment of all descriptions.

L.A., as it is commonly called, was founded in 1781, part of Mexico until a post-war treaty shifted its ownership to the United States (we think Mexico has regretted that ever since!). Incorporated in 1850, the city, officially named for Our Lady, Queen of the Angels, has grown exponentially over the years, now with a based population of 4 million, and a Greater L.A. Metropolitan Area of more than 13 million; that’s why its freeways are so congested.

It’s more than just the hub of American television and film production; it has a surprisingly diverse economy, three public universities as well as a litany of private schools and colleges, and half a dozen professional sports teams; L.A. has hosted the Olympics twice. There is a huge local audience here for all types of entertainment.

Like any big city, it can be crowed and dirty, but Los Angeles, due to its basic location in an earthquake zone has other issues that travellers should keep in mind when planning a trip. L.A. sits in the region known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. Not just earthquakes, but tsunamis, too. It also literally suffers from wildfires. Because of the earthquake risk, there are fewer skyscrapers in L.A. than most other cities its size. The smog? That’s caused by exhaust from cars, mostly, and airplanes, not nature. Los Angeles and its soothing Mediterranean climate are a huge draw; no one should resist as it is a place everyone should see, if only once.