The City of Angels offers up every indulgence you can think of, from the stacked designers shops on Melrose to those booze-soaked nights at Bar Marmont. Los Angeles may be a sun-drenched haven, but it can also be one very expensive playground. Lately, however, everyone (rich and poor) seem to be refraining from overspending, which may keep your piggy bank intact but might create a major gap in your social calendar. If digging deep into those pockets isn’t a viable option right now, here are a few ways to keep occupied without spending the big bucks.

You wanna get high?

Great Park Balloon
Orange County Great Park

It’s a bird...it's a plane...it's a free balloon ride! And you thought you’d never be able to find anything free in the O.C. Get up to 500 feet high in this ginormous tethered helium balloon that holds a sizable group (20 to 30 depending upon participant weight). There are no age, height or health restrictions and it's wheelchair accessible.

Laugh It Off

Improv Olympic
6366 Hollywood Blvd
Some of these performers may be newbies to the improv scene, but why not get in a free show while some up-and-comers of the comedy world get their feet wet? Free shows are often available on Sunday nights (6:30pm Main Stage), Mondays (9pm Main Stage) and Wednesdays (11:30pm Main Stage). These talented improv troupes include students from all levels.

Must have music

Amoeba Music
6400 Sunset Blvd
Imagine if the film Empire Records actually opened a music store. Amoeba has been a music landmark for Angelenos with a wide array of everything from vinyl to CDs, but they also host a slew of musical performances and the shows are always free.

Stepping out from the gym

Santa Monica Stairs
4th Street & Adelaide Drive/4th & Montana Avenue

Meat market mavens may hit the treacherous steps for the attractive eye candy, but this fitness landmark is mainly comprised of work-out enthusiasts. Two staircases tucked into this Santa Monica neighborhood are made of steel and wood and have about 170 steps. It gets really busy on weekends but weekdays are less intimidating. There is also free parking in the neighborhood during daylight hours.

Art Therapy

The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Dr 

Amazing art paired with fantastic architecture, and you’ve got one of the best freebies in town. If you haven’t been to the Getty Villa yet, plan to very soon. Great for a date, a mellow activity, or a great way to fill the hours for those occasional rainy days in L.A.

A Day For Wine

LocalWineEvents.com

You’ll have to pay for a dinner out, but why not cut that bill in half by BYOB. This website provides you with all the restaurants in L.A. that allow you to bring your own bottle with zero corkage fee.

Free Music Mondays
Spend your Monday evening on the East side of Hollywood. Every month, a new band holds residency at the Echo, Spaceland, and Silverlake Lounge, bringing along their friends for a weekly night of free music. Check the websites to see who's up next.