Free isn't necessarily the first word that springs to mind when planning a trip to Southern California. From the fabulous restaurants to the amazing shopping possibilities, much of our gorgeous area's sparkling attractions call for you to pick up your wallet and shell out some cash. Thankfully, the best things surrounding the Marina International Hotel in Marina del Rey, California-from miles and miles of picturesque coastline to architectural and cultural destinations rich with California history-really are free. We've taken the time to list a few of our must-see attractions right here:

Step into Hollywood History. The forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theatre 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.

Star gaze at Griffith Observatory. While Hollywood is famous for its cinematic stars, Los Angeles also offers a wonderful spot from which to gaze upon the heavenly stars. The exhibitions and displays found in this painstakingly renovated Griffith Park hot spot are all free, as is an introductory video about the building and its contents.

Window shop Rodeo Drive. Treasure hunt and star search along famed Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, home of the rich and well, the super rich.

Shopping neighborhoods in LA. Rodeo Drive may be the most famous shopping area in Los Angeles, but it's just one of many wonderful shopping destinations in the greater metropolis. Other sources for window and actual shopping include Abbot Kinney Boulevard, La Brea Avenue and the up-and-coming West Third Street neighborhoods.

Explore Exposition Park. Five major attractions within walking distance of each other is a rare occurrence in LA, so take advantage of the USC/Exposition Park area with a walking tour. Attractions include the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the Rose Garden, and the California African American Museum.

Check out the PCH. The famed Pacific Coast Highway-known as the PCH locally-is a sun-drenched road that hugs the gorgeous Pacific Ocean's rugged coastline. One of LA's signature drives, the PCH is definitely among the must-sees in the Los Angeles area.

Walk the walk. Find the most amazing and unusual street entertainers at Venice Ocean Front Walk. From chainsaw jugglers and swamis on rollerblades to street dancers and performance artists, you'll never be short of entertainment on this particular walk.

Discover fossil fun at La Brea Tar Pits. Located in Hancock Park, the La Brea Tar Pits harbor the world's richest discovery of Ice Age fossils. More than 100 tons of fossilized bones representing nearly 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish dating back to prehistoric times have been unearthed from the pools of this sticky asphalt.

Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels. This is one of LA's most innovative buildings, and although it's the third-largest cathedral in the country, its size is no deterrent to its ability to inspire visitors with its warm, inviting interior. A perfect place for introspection, the Cathedral is also open for free walking tours.

Venice Canals. Winding through a quaint neighborhood of upscale and newly remodeled houses, the Venice canals feature arched bridges, the occasional gondolier and LA's beautiful weather-all of which contribute to the serenity one feels while exploring this charming piece of the city. Start your trip between Washington Avenue and Venice Boulevard for a particularly scenic bike trip.

Olvera Street. Shop, listen to mariachi music, watch folklore dances and dine at several authentic Mexican restaurants on Olivera Street, the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles. Take a historic tour of the Avila Adobe, the oldest existing house in the city. Other restored historic buildings include the Old Plaza Church and the Old Plaza Firehouse.

Keeping Up Appearances. While you're out shopping, take advantage of Express Service from Sephora. The famed beauty mecca offers free, quick makeovers for its visitors. Make this makeover spot a definite stop while you're experiencing some of LA's quintessential shopping malls, such as Glendale Galleria, the Beverly Center and Hollywood & Highland Center.

Hone in on LA heritage at our historical museums. Los Angeles is home to numerous free museums that celebrate our area's vast cultural contributions. Take a trip backwards in time at some of our city's most renowned historical landmarks, including the Banning Residence Museum, the Homestead Museum, the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, and the Travel Town Museum.