Los Angeles: Endless Summer discounts in your own backyard

I’ve come to dislike the s-word (staycation), but here’s a tip for those planning to stay close to home this summer: Check out the Endless Summer in Downtown LA website. It lists deals and discounts as well as free concerts, art walks and more.

The deal: The Downtown Center Business Improvement District, of all things, has compiled a bunch of deals and freebies that last through the summer. The website is easy to use and has a handy calendar of events. Locals, travelers, just about anyone can cash in on these deals, no registration required.

Here are some examples:

--The trendy Standard Downtown LA [550 S. Flower St.; (213) 892-8080] discounts rooms as low as $145 a night plus tax for those who call and ask for the Endless Summer special rate. (You must reserve by phone to get this rate.)

--Mention “DowntownLA.com” and score a free dessert or appetizer with your entree at Noe restaurant and bar inside the Omni Hotel [251 S. Olive St.; (213) 356-4100]

--Take $3 off an adult ticket to “Cleopatra: The Exhibition” at the California Science Center [700 Exposition Park Drive; (323) 724-3623] by using the promotion code “Cleopatra.” The same code takes $5 off an adult combination ticket to “Cleopatra” and any IMAX film at the museum.

When: The window period for these summer discounts varies by hotel, museum, restaurant, etc.

Tested: First, I searched for a room at the Standard Downtown LA on July 20. The cheapest I found online was $172 plus tax for a medium room with a queen-sized bed. When I called and asked for the Endless Summer rate, the same room on the same night was quoted at $145 plus tax.

Next, I checked on the discount for tickets to the “Cleopatra” show at the science center. Once I used the code, the discount popped up.

Bottom line: Who doesn’t want to save a little even in your hometown? View all events and offers at the website to see what appeals.

Info: Endless Summer Downtown LA