Allergic to ‘Irises’? There are plenty of places to just hang out

Since the Getty is free, you’d be hard pressed to find a cheaper place for a date in town, especially on Thursday and Friday nights, when it’s open until 9 p.m.

* Explore the gardens. The 134,000-square-foot Central Garden, designed by Robert Irwin, features a cascading waterfall, azaleas arranged in a “floating” maze and hundreds of trees to seek shelter beneath. Also, on the southeast edge of the museum is a cactus garden soaking up the abundant sun.

* Wander aimlessly. Linking all of the buildings is a series of courtyards--the central one, with its oblong fountain and groves of camphor, native California sycamores and Montezuma cypress, offers long blocks of travertine benches to stretch out on. Walkways covered with fragrant mint and wisteria pop up everywhere, as do unexpected views out the back of gallery pavilions.

* The Westside finally has its own take on Rome’s Spanish Steps. The huge steps to the Entrance Hall are bound to become the Getty’s major meeting place and people-watching hub. This being Los Angeles, Fellini-esque moments are assured.

* Go fossil hunting. Hundreds of twigs, leaves and somehow Italian-looking snails can be found embedded in the travertine throughout the Getty. The best spots are outside the cafe and in the tram arrival plaza. Remember: The travertine is anywhere from 100,000 to a million years old, and these immigrant critters traveled to the Sepulveda Pass all the way from Bagni di Tivoli, Italy. Give them a proper buon giorno.

* If you’re looking for a way to kill time (or entertain a not-ready-for-Renoir 4-year-old), ride the cool tram. There’s nothing else like it on the West Coast.

* In February, the museum will begin presenting music performances on Fridays. For information on movies, lectures and special events, call (310) 440-7300.