Summer for Free in L.A. (Final Part): Free Time, Free Fun

Huntington Library’s Japanese Garden. – Photo Courtesy the Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens

By Ea Nicole Madrigal

Each week Beacon Media News has provided a quick glimpse at free entertaining activities in Los Angeles in hopes that this summer can be one to remember (and one that won’t break the bank). I’ve offered up my perspective and descriptions of different activities (most that can be enjoyed by the entire family) during the quick weeks of summer. However, as you know very well, school is just around the corner and it is time to squeeze the last remainders of fun out of summer for all that its worth.

In this last edition of the “Summer for Free” series, I’m offering up five more suggestions of free activities around the San Gabriel Valley. After I make my choices, it will be up to you (and your loved ones, dog, or friends) to go enjoy them for yourselves. I hope that this summer series proved that as expensive as life may seem at times in Los Angeles, there may be a free fun day ahead just around your own corner.

Here are five more suggestions for summer time fun for free (in no particular order):

-The Tournament of Roses House Tour: Ever wonder what the beautiful, enormous home is on Orange Grove Boulevard? Or do you really love the Rose Parade and want to learn about the historic house connected to the Parade’s history? According to the Tournament of Roses website, the house is open for “weekly public tours at no cost, each Thursday at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. through Aug. 27. Reservations are not required except for groups of 10 or more people.” The Tournament of Roses House is located at 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd. in Pasadena.

-Eaton Canyon Hiking Trail: If Runyon Canyon Hike is affiliated with Hollywood, then Eaton Canyon characterizes the best known hike in the San Gabriel Valley. Remember, all of the rules of hiking apply here; this hike is for beginners to intermediate hikers (including some infamously slippery rocks at times). Yet, the waterfall payoff at the end and the relatively non-steep environment make it ideal for a leisurely day out. But, beware of weekends: Like Runyon Canyon, hiking on Saturday or Sunday means the trail will be packed.

-Historic Properties of Sierra Madre: Referred to as the “Foothill Village,” nothing represents a glimpse into the frontier and historical roots of greater Los Angeles County than the City of Sierra Madre where the word “town” still applies well. For this activity, you don’t even need to exit your car. Take a drive by the historical properties of Sierra Madre, including a beautiful church built in 1888 reminiscent of old world architecture. Remember, many (if not all), of these properties are currently occupied; so, admire them from car window. Go to this website for more information: http://www.smhps.org/historic-properties.html

-Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens: Your first reaction to this suggestion is likely, “Wait, this can’t be free.” But on the contrary, a little known fact is that this beautiful, sprawling property (recently renovated) filled with wildlife, gardens, and museums is free the first Thursday of each month. In order to take advantage of this, you should follow what the Huntington’s website states: “Admission to The Huntington is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month with advance tickets. Hours on Free Day are 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.” With regard to culture in Los Angeles, the Huntington tops all other museum offerings.

-Farmers’ Markets: Okay, well at the end of your visit to this location, your day may not have ended up entirely free. However, there are several farmers markets throughout the SGV each week. If you are new to the area or just looking to familiarize yourself with new parts of the Valley, a farmers market offers up more than fresh produce and wares; these locations are excellent places to meet neighbors and friendly faces who are out to seize the beautiful day (just like you). Some of the markets run on a seasonal basis, such as the City of San Gabriel with a market open on Thursdays during April-September from 4-8 pm. Whereas, others, like Pasadena’s (at Victory Park) is open every Saturday.

So, don’t hesitate, meet new people or bring your friend, the SGV can be very fun (and free).

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