The big secret about Los Angeles? So many free things to do and places to explore. Enough to keep visitors plenty busy. Here�s a sampling:

1. HEAD FOR THE BEACH. And we mean year-round. Maybe only the hardy swim in the winter but Angelenos consider beach life a year-round proposition. Walk or jog the sand along L.A.�s 81 miles of coastline. Explore the tidepools at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. Marvel at the muscular bodies at Venice Beach. Admire the surfers at Surfrider Beach near Malibu Lagoon (that�s free to explore, too). Department of Beaches & Harbors Visitors Center, 310/305-9545.

2. EXPLORE UNIQUE MUSEUMS. Some -- like the California Science Center in Exposition Park (213/744-7400), Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro (310/548-7562) and the Getty Center in Brentwood (310/440-7300)-- are free all day, everyday (except for parking). Other museums offer special free admission days: Los Angeles County Natural History Museum (free first Tuesday of each month, 213/763-3466), Museum of Contemporary Art (free every Thursday 5-8, 213/626-6222), Los Angeles County Museum of Art (free second Tuesday of each month, 323/857-6000) and Pasadena�s Pacific Asia Museum (free third Saturday of each month, 626/449-2742).

3. WANDER AROUND GRIFFITH PARK. Griffith Park is the largest city park in the country -- 4,107 acres -- a mix of free and fee activities for the whole family. Picnic on one of the broad lawns -- weekends bring out a lively crowd. There�s hiking for all levels. One of the prettiest spots to walk is Fern Dell, near the Western Avenue entrance -- a calming, shady hideaway with waterfalls and ferns. Pay facilities include tennis courts, Autry Museum of Western Heritage, golf course, merry-go-round, pony rides and the zoo. Griffith Park Visitors' Center is located at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, 323/913-4688.

4. CRUISE MULHOLLAND DRIVE. One of the world�s most famous scenic drives, Mulholland winds from the Hollywood Hills across the spine of the Santa Monica Mountains west to the Pacific Ocean (almost). Viewing spots along the way allow you to see an incredible view -- sometimes the city side (all the way to Catalina) and other times, the broad San Fernando Valley. A great jaunt day and night.

5. TOUR THE L.A. CENTRAL LIBRARY. The Downtown library, at 5th and Flower, is one of the city�s most treasured buildings. The 1926 structure reflects the Egyptian mania that was sweeping the country, post-King Tut. It was almost destroyed in a 1986 fire but has been magnificently restored with a modern wing added. This is the third largest library in the U.S. and free docent-led walking tours are the best way to enjoy it (Monday-Friday at 12:30; Saturday at 11 and 2; Sunday at 2). Highlights include the rotunda and mellowed murals depicting the history of California. 213/228-7000.

6. DISCOVER FOSSIL FUN. At La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park, the site of the richest discovery of Ice Age fossils in the world, more than 100 tons of fossilized bones representing nearly 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have been unearthed from pools of sticky asphalt dating back to prehistoric time. Quite a collection -- even Prince Charles asked to visit on an L.A. trip. The George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries offers free admission on the first Tuesday of every month. You can wander the tar pits themselves, including the big pit still oozing goo near Wilshire Blvd. 5801 Wilshire Blvd. 323/934-PAGE.

7. STROLL THE HISTORIC FARMERS MARKET. This market opened at the corner of 3rd and Fairfax in 1934 and retains much of its original flavor -- the freshest produce, made-to-order peanut butter, gourmet meats and cheeses -- while adding a few modern touches (Brazilian barbecue, Cajun chicken, sushi) as well as retaining old favorites such as corned beef and hot donuts. The Grove, the newly-opened outdoor shopping plaza just next door expands the market experience with a free trolley ride and dancing water shows every half hour in the central pond. 323/933-9211.

8. STEP INTO HOLLYWOOD HISTORY. The forecourt of Grauman�s Chinese Theater has been one of the most popular free attractions since the 1920s, when, during the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille�s �King of Kings,� actress Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet cement. Hollywood�s biggest stars have been imprinting themselves ever since: John Wayne, Tom Hanks, Jim Carrey, Harrison Ford, Whoopi Goldberg. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., 323/464-8111.

9. HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME. When the Hollywood honchos realized how limited the footprint space was at the Chinese Theater, they came up with another way to pay tribute to the stars. Since the 1960s more than 2,000 terrazzo and brass stars have been unveiled on Hollywood�s major sidewalks. The honorees are identified by a camera, radio microphone, TV set, record or dramatic mask. Fans turn these stars into flower-strewn memorials to commemorate star birthdays and death days. Among the stars sought out are Marilyn Monroe at 1644 Hollywood Blvd., Mike Myers at 7046 Hollywood Blvd., John Lennon at 1750 Vine St. and Elvis Presley at 6777 Hollywood Blvd., Eddie Murphy at 7000 Hollywood Blvd. and Carlos Santana at 7080 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, 323/469-8311.

10. CHECK OUT THE VENICE BOARDWALK. Every weekend year-round, crowds flock to the beachside walkway where the mild weather and sea air are only part of the attraction. The most amazing street entertainers in the world are here � a chainsaw juggler, a swami on rollerblades and dancers, to name a few. Start at Windward Avenue and walk north, stopping whenever you see a crowd gathered -- there�s sure to be someone intriguing in the center. Out of the sand, follow the beat to the drum circle, a Sunday tradition with dozens of drummers playing hypnotically for hours. All drummers welcome -- if you forgot yours, at least you can join in the spirited dancing.

11. PAY YOUR RESPECTS. Los Angeles�s cemeteries and memorial parks are as much a part of the celebrity world as footprints in cement. At Hollywood Forever, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., fans still gather every Aug. 23 to pay homage to Rudolph Valentino. Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. also rest here. Forest Lawn has two memorial parks worth visiting: in Glendale (1712 S. Glendale Blvd. 800/204-3131), the main attractions are the graves of Walt Disney, Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. At Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills (6300 Forest Lawn Dr. 800/204-3131): Liberace and Stan Laurel. At Westwood Memorial Park (1218 Glendon Ave., Westwood), Marilyn Monroe is buried in a simple wall crypt, number 24. Hugh Hefner has reserved the crypt next to Marilyn�s.

12. WALK THROUGH 200 YEARS OF HISTORY. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Park is L.A.�s birthplace, the site of the original settlement in 1781. At Olvera Street, a bustling Mexican mercado is just to the north. Visitors shop, listen to mariachi music, watch folklore dances and dine at several restaurants. Tour the Avila Adobe, the oldest existing house in L.A. Other restored historic buildings include the Old Plaza Church and the Old Plaza Firehouse. 213/628-1274.

13. VISIT LEIMERT PARK VILLAGE. Located in the heart of the Crenshaw District, Leimert Park Village lures tourists with the distinct African American culture of its shops, art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and jazz clubs.

14. DISCOVER L.A.�s WILDERNESS. Los Angeles possesses a wealth of natural wilderness, which attracts avid hikers and bikers at such sites as Topanga State Park (310/455-2465), Griffith Park (323/913-4688), and the Angeles National Forest (626/574-5200) in Los Angeles. Trails abound in the 65,000-acre Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (805/370-2301), which encompasses steep cliffs, lush rolling hills, canyons, meadows, waterfalls and sandy beaches as well as providing a wilderness habitat for local wildlife.

15. STEP BACK IN TIME A HUNDRED YEARS. The Victorian era had its influence on local architecture as evidenced by the homes in the 1300 block of Carroll Avenue in Angeleno Heights. Still a residential neighborhood, the homes have been restored to their original ornate splendor. The adjoining streets feature Craftsman bungalows interspersed among the Victorians. Raised front lawns and old-fashioned street lamps complete this nostalgic picture, which is a favorite location for film crews. For a small fee, the Los Angeles Conservancy offers walking tours: 213/623-2489.

16. BROWSE AROUND TOWN. Treasure hunt and star gaze along famed Rodeo (pronounced "Row-Day-O") Drive in Beverly Hills, home of the rich and super rich. It doesn�t cost a thing to stroll and ogle on one of the world�s most famous shopping streets. Other shopping and browsing meccas include: Melrose Avenue, Ventura Boulevard, the Silverlake district, Hollywood, Century City, Santa Monica�s Montana Avenue and Downtown�s Fashion District and Jewelry Mart.

17. TRAVEL THE WORLD WITHOUT A PASSPORT. L.A.�s mini-nations enhance the culture and character of this international city. Meet the people and enjoy the foods, arts, music and crafts of Japan, China and a dozen other cultures right here in Los Angeles. Little Tokyo (Little Tokyo Business Association: 213/620-0570) and Chinatown (Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles: 213/617-0396) are just two of the ethnic enclaves that invite you to explore. For a more Kosher experience, head over to North Fairfax Avenue and browse the boutiques, produce stands and galleries. A few blocks south on Fairfax is an emerging Ethiopian neighborhood with half a dozen restaurants and cafes.

18. WATCH TV LIVE. Be a part of a studio audience on your favorite television show, such as �The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,� �Dr. Phil,� and game shows like �Jeopardy!� and �Wheel of Fortune.� Tickets are free but must be obtained in advance. Write for tickets or pick them up in person, since free tickets are available daily at some studio complexes. Remember, tickets and seating for shows are on a first come, first served basis. Most shows have a minimum age requirement of 14. For more information, contact: Paramount Television Audience Shows, Guest Relations, 323/956-1777; Audiences Unlimited at Fox Television Center, 818/506-0043 and Audiences Associates, 323/467-4697. Free tickets are also available outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood and Glendale Galleria.

19. RELAX ON L.A.�s OWN 'RIVIERA'. Everyone's heard of the French Riviera, but not everyone knows that Los Angeles has a "Riviera" of its own: Marina del Rey. The largest man-made small craft harbor in the world, Marina del Rey is home to 6,000 in-the-water private yachts. The harbor offers spectacular views and many outdoor activities, including jogging, roller-skating, bicycling or just relaxing in the park. For a free, boatless adventure, head for Burton Chace Park at the end of Mindinao Way. There you�ll be surrounded on three sides by water and boats will pass by right in front of you. Marina del Rey Visitors Information Center, 310/305-9545.

20. SEE NOHO (NOT SOHO). The NOHO (for North Hollywood) Arts District is a mile square area that is quickly turning into one of L.A.�s artier communities with art galleries, public art, five live theaters, boutiques, vintage clothing stores, ethnic restaurants and outdoor cafes. Be sure to browse Lankershim Arts Center (5108 Lankershim Blvd.), Arts Coalition (5227 Lankershim Blvd.), Sunny Meyer Fine Arts (11223 Magnolia Blvd.) and Art Academy (4926 Vineland Ave.), www.nohoartsdistrict.com.

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Media Contact: Rebecca Pang +1 213-624-7300 rpang@lainc.us