If you have ever wondered what Los Angeles might have been like back when, get on the 110 freeway and head for the Heritage Square Museum. There is a small collection of buildings including Victorian homes, a railroad depot and a church that will take you back to the times when Los Angeles was just starting out.
The docents are very knowledgeable and the special events are fun. On the 3rd weekend of October, they do a thing called "mourning tours" in which actors portray the mourning rituals of different cultures in Los Angeles during Victorian times.
In December, there is a Lamplight celebration, which is an enjoyably unique event to attend for the holidays. In 2008, each house involved in the program represented a different time period in Los Angeles history so holiday traditions could be witnessed through a span of some 30 years.
I believe that the museum is only open for tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check the website for exact times and a calendar of special events.
Pros: Inexpensive, intriguing and completely enjoyable
Cons: Don't wear high heals because there's gravel
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