Five Free Things You Can Do In The Area

Just because the single-family homes in the Westchester area start at $600,000 (read: short sale starter home), it doesn’t mean you can’t find a bargain here. At least I can vouch for the acitivites that you can do for free, anyways. If you’re looking for some bargain-basement outings, here are five ideas.

1. Go for a short hike. The view from the trail off of Bluff Trail Road is pretty spectacular. (Check out the pic for yourself). For another serene walk, stroll along the Ballona Freshwater Marsh, bounded by Lincoln Blvd. and W. Jefferson Blvd.

2. Attend a free concert. Playa Vista’s Concert Park Summer series is still going on with shows on August 26th and September 23rd.

3. Take the kids to the park. Got the four-legged variety? Longwood Park in Playa Vista accommodates dogs off-leash. For two-legged kiddies, Shane’s Inspiration Playground in Playa Vista has slides, a moving “picnic table”, mini-climbing walls, and everything else tots to young children could ask for.

4. Check out a Farmer’s Market. True, the organic produce and tasty cuisine will cost you if you decide to buy, but attendance is free. Every Wednesday from 8:30 am to 1pm, check the one out at Westchester Park at 7000 Manchester Ave. On Saturdays, go to the Promenade at the Howard Hughes Center from 8:30 am to 1pm.

5. Watch the planes. Find yourself a nice parking spot. Then camp out for a few hours with some chairs at the grassy spot bounded by W. 92nd Street and South Sepulveda Blvd.