GUEST COLUMNIST
By Mark Blunk, RLACEI Director
R
etirement allows Retirees to have more time for activities they could not engage in while working. The purpose of this article is to share with Retirees some free activities available. These free activities provide Retirees and their families with a chance to enjoy various attractions around Los Angeles at no cost. The aim is to highlight a few places that might be of interest.
Free days are one way to enjoy gardens, museums and other points of interest in the greater Los Angeles area. Be sure to plan in advance, enjoy various locations for free, and enjoy a wonderful day around these opportunities. We are now approaching summer, and I find the botanical gardens throughout the area to be great for scenic walks. Why not walk about a beautiful garden on a free day and get a little exercise at the same time?
Recently I enjoyed a free day at Descanso Gardens, and although it was still a bit early for the blooms, the gardens had plenty of blooms to enjoy among the various garden sites.
Here are two botanical gardens I enjoy:
Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge is a nice getaway for enjoying a botanical garden and seeing the great outdoors. Their free days are not only an opportunity to see the gardens for free, but to get some great exercise while doing so. The free days are the third Tuesday of each month. However, you must make a reservation in advance to reserve free tickets. Reservations become available on the first working day of each month at 10 a.m. If the first day of the month is on a weekend, the tickets open at 10 a.m. on the Monday following. It is best to go to Descanso’s website to plan your free day at Descanso Gardens.
Huntington Library and Gardens
The Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino is truly one of the wonderful day events in Southern California. The gardens alone are amazing, and with the newer Chinese Gardens, the gardens are a special treat for anyone who loves both cultural enrichment and beauty. You will also get a great workout as well. Their “Free Day” is on the first Thursday of each month. Like Descanso, you must make a reservation in advance. Reservations are open on the last Thursday of the month prior and can be made beginning at 9 a.m. until all free tickets are booked. It is also recommended to go to the Huntington’s website for the “free day” and plan your reservation and free day accordingly.
https://www.huntington.org/free-day
My sincere wish is that you will try out one or both free days and enjoy your retirement!
