Los Angeles, the sprawling metropolis synonymous with Hollywood dreams and sun-kissed beaches, often conjures images of lavish spending and celebrity lifestyles. While the allure of red carpets and high-end boutiques is undeniable, the City of Angels also boasts a treasure trove of free experiences, making it an accessible destination for budget-conscious travelers. From world-class museums offering complimentary admission days to stunning natural landscapes ripe for exploration, Los Angeles reveals its vibrant spirit without demanding a hefty price tag. Moreover, navigating this vast city can be surprisingly affordable. Embrace the local spirit and opt for the efficient bus and metro system, where a daily fare cap keeps transportation costs in check.
Let’s embark on a journey to discover the 25 best free things to do in Los Angeles, revealing a side of the city that’s both captivating and budget-friendly.
1. Take Advantage of Free Days at L.A.’s Top Museums
Los Angeles is a cultural hub, and many of its esteemed museums offer free admission on specific days. This provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in art, history, and culture without spending a dime.
- LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art): On the second Tuesday of each month, LACMA opens its doors to the public free of charge. Explore its diverse permanent collection, spanning Latin American art, Islamic contemporary art, Spanish Colonial and 19th-century works, modern Mexican and Peruvian silver, Greek ceramics, and a captivating display of fashion from 1900 to 2000. Don’t forget to check the museum’s website for information on temporary exhibitions that may be on display during your visit.
- The Autry Museum of the American West: Delve into the history and culture of the American West at The Autry, which offers free admission every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Discover an extensive collection of over 600,000 pieces, including Hollywood Western memorabilia, artifacts related to Native American history, expansionism, ranching and cowboys, anthropology, archaeology, California history, and pop culture. Explore special exhibits featuring western-style movie posters, scenes from California road trips, stories and art from the Old West, a cowboy gallery, an ethnobotanical garden, and a display highlighting Pueblo pottery.
2. Enjoy the View in Grand Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles at Grand Park, a 12-acre oasis located near City Hall. This meticulously landscaped green space offers a tranquil retreat for locals and visitors alike. Pack a picnic lunch and relax on the lush lawns, or take advantage of the food trucks that often frequent the park. Grand Park is known as "The Park for Everyone" and frequently hosts public events, many of which are free. Visit the park’s website or social media pages to see if there are any events scheduled during your visit. The park is open daily from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM, offering a refreshing respite and stunning views of the city skyline. Children can enjoy the Grand Park Playground, making it a perfect destination for families.
3. Check Out LA’s Best Markets
Los Angeles boasts a vibrant market scene, offering a feast for the senses and a glimpse into the city’s diverse culinary landscape. While indulging in the delicious offerings may come at a cost, simply browsing these markets is a free and enjoyable experience.
- The Original Farmers Market: Step back in time at The Original Farmers Market, a historic landmark that has been operating since 1934. Stroll through the bustling stalls, admiring the gourmet foods, homemade pies, fresh bread, seafood, meat, cheese, and produce. This is the perfect place to gather supplies for a picnic at Grand Park or one of L.A.’s beautiful beaches.
- Grand Central Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Grand Central Market, Los Angeles’ oldest and largest public market, which has been operating since 1917. Explore nearly 50 stalls offering an array of ethnic food from Japan, Germany, China, Italy, the Philippines, Mexico, and Latin America. While the aromas may tempt you to indulge, simply admiring the diverse culinary offerings is a treat in itself.
4. Watch the Surfers Do Their Thing
Southern California is renowned for its surfing culture, and watching surfers ride the waves is a quintessential Los Angeles experience. Head to one of the city’s many beaches and witness the skill and athleticism of surfers as they navigate the Pacific Ocean. Popular surfing beaches include El Porto (Manhattan Beach), Malibu (Surfrider Beach), Redondo, Hermosa, Venice Beach, Ocean Park, Topanga Beach, Sunset Point, and Zuma Beach. If you’re lucky enough to be in town during a major surfing competition, such as the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach or the International Surf Festival in Manhattan Beach, head to the beach and join the crowds cheering on the world’s best surfers.
5. Go on a Self-Guided Walking Tour
Explore Los Angeles at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour. Several apps, such as GPSmyCity, offer pre-designed itineraries that highlight the city’s most interesting neighborhoods and landmarks. Whether you’re interested in downtown L.A., Hollywood Boulevard, West Hollywood, Chinatown, Korea Town, Little Tokyo, Beverly Hills, or Venice Beach, you’ll find a walking tour to suit your interests. This is a great way to discover hidden gems and learn about the city’s history and culture without the cost of a guided tour.
6. Take in L.A.’s Most Iconic Sights
Los Angeles is home to numerous iconic landmarks that are worth visiting, even if you don’t partake in the paid attractions.
- Santa Monica Pier: While riding the Ferris wheel and other attractions at Pacific Park requires a ticket, simply strolling along Santa Monica Pier is a classic Los Angeles experience. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, watch the street performers, and admire the views of the Pacific Ocean. Santa Monica Pier also marks the western terminus of Route 66, making it a popular photo opportunity for road trip enthusiasts.
- Sunset Boulevard: Take a scenic drive along Sunset Boulevard, a 22-mile stretch that winds its way from the Pacific Palisades to downtown Los Angeles. This iconic thoroughfare passes through Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, offering glimpses of palm-lined streets and magnificent mansions.
7. Pay Your Respects at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the film industry’s biggest stars, including legends like Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Fay Wray, and George Harrison. Take a stroll through the serene grounds and pay your respects to these iconic figures. The cemetery also serves as a cultural center, hosting special events throughout the summer.
8. Fly a Kite at the Korean Bell of Friendship
Visit the Korean Bell of Friendship in Angels Gate Park in San Pedro. This impressive bell, a gift from South Korea to the U.S., is a replica of the Emille Bell in South Korea. The pavilion and surrounding park offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a perfect spot for a picnic, flying a kite, or simply enjoying a sunny day. If you happen to be there on the first Saturday of the month, you can hear the bell ring at 11:30 AM.
9. Visit L.A.’s Best Contemporary Art Museums
Los Angeles is a haven for contemporary art enthusiasts, and two of its most prominent museums offer free admission.
- MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art): Explore the MOCA’s permanent collection, which features paintings, photographs, and sculptures from the 1940s to the present, including works by renowned artists such as Rothko, Pollock, and Basquiat.
- The Broad: Created by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, The Broad houses an extensive collection of contemporary art and visiting exhibits. Admission is free, but it’s highly recommended to reserve tickets in advance, especially if you want to see Yayoi Kusama’s Instagram-famous exhibit, "The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away."
10. Pick a Beach, Any Beach
With over 70 miles of coastline, Los Angeles boasts a beach for every taste. Spending a day at the beach is a quintessential Southern California experience. Whether you prefer swimming, sunbathing, surfing, or simply strolling along the shore, the beaches of Los Angeles offer a welcome escape. Popular choices include Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, Malibu Beach, and Manhattan Beach.
11. Enjoy the View From Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory, located in Griffith Park, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin. The observatory also houses a free astronomy museum, where visitors can learn about the cosmos and view the night sky through a powerful telescope. Arrive before sunset to secure a spot in line for the telescope, especially during the summer months.
12. Stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk
Immerse yourself in the eclectic atmosphere of the Venice Beach Boardwalk. This vibrant promenade is home to street performers, artists, vendors, and a diverse array of characters. Watch the bodybuilders at Muscle Beach Gym, browse the unique shops, and soak up the lively energy of this iconic Los Angeles destination.
13. Catch a TV Show Taping
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, and attending a live taping of a TV show is a unique and memorable experience. Many popular sitcoms, game shows, talk shows, and reality shows are filmed in L.A., and admission to tapings is often free. Check websites or ticketing agencies for availability and snag a ticket to your favorite show.
14. Wander the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and find the stars dedicated to your favorite celebrities. This iconic landmark stretches along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, featuring over 2,600 stars honoring actors, musicians, directors, and other entertainment figures.
15. See a Collection of Prehistoric Fossils
Visit the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Hancock Park, home to one of the most significant sources of prehistoric fossils ever excavated. While entering the museum requires a ticket, it’s free to wander the park and observe the tar pits and outdoor exhibits. You may even catch paleontologists actively working to uncover new discoveries.
16. Visit El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument
Step back in time at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, the birthplace of Los Angeles. Explore the Mexican marketplace and Olvera Street, a vibrant street market filled with colorful stalls selling crafts, souvenirs, and delicious Mexican food. Take a free walking tour to learn about the history of Olvera Street and Mexican culture in Los Angeles.
17. See World-Class Art at The Getty Center
The Getty Center, perched atop a hill in Brentwood, houses one of the finest art collections in the world. The museum features European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photographs. While the museum is free to enter, parking fees apply. The building’s architecture and panoramic views of the city are worth a visit, even if you’re not an art aficionado.
18. Tour the Getty Villa
The Getty Villa, located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, is the permanent home of the J. Paul Getty Museum’s Greek and Roman art collection. The villa itself is modeled after the Villa dei Papiri in Italy. Admission to the Getty Villa is free, but timed tickets must be booked in advance, and parking fees apply.
19. Visit the California Science Center
The California Science Center in Exposition Park is a fun and educational destination for visitors of all ages. The museum features interactive exhibits that explore science and technology. Outer space enthusiasts will love seeing the Space Shuttle Endeavour on display. General museum admission is free, but special exhibitions and the IMAX theater require a ticket.
20. Explore Disney’s Incredible Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by architect Frank Gehry, is an architectural masterpiece. While attending a performance may be costly, the dreamy exterior of the building is impressive. Free self-guided audio tours allow visitors to explore the venue, including the artist-designed nooks and crannies.
21. View Art in an Old Trolley Station or On an Art Walk
Explore the art galleries at Bergamot Station Arts Center, located in a former trolley turnaround station in Santa Monica. Admission to the galleries is always free, as is parking. Alternatively, attend a monthly or quarterly art walk in neighborhoods like Laguna Beach or Abbot Kinney in Venice, where galleries host receptions with music and food.
22. Tour Los Angeles City Hall
Visit Los Angeles City Hall, one of the few Art Deco buildings on the West Coast. Free tours are available during regular business hours but require advance booking via email. The 27th-floor observation deck offers panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss the Henry P. Rio Bridge Gallery, which showcases art created in city-run programs.
23. Stroll Through L.A.’s Public Gardens
Escape the urban landscape and explore Los Angeles’ public gardens. The Rose Garden at Exposition Park and the Greystone Mansion Gardens in Beverly Hills are always free. The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden at UCLA offers free docent-led tours and plant sketching workshops. The James Irvine Japanese Garden at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo is also free to visit.
24. Enjoy a Free Comedy Show
Los Angeles is a comedy mecca, and many clubs offer free comedy shows. While some clubs may require a minimum drink purchase, others, such as the Upright Citizens Brigade and Westside Comedy Theater, offer free shows without any obligation. Check their websites or social media for announcements.
25. Take a Hike
With its mountains and canyons, Los Angeles offers a wealth of hiking opportunities. Runyon Canyon’s trails are within walking distance of Hollywood Boulevard, while Griffith Park’s trails, including the hike to the Hollywood Sign, are a short drive from Hollywood or downtown L.A.
The 25 Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles unveils the city’s accessible and captivating side, making it a destination that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. Enjoy your trip to Los Angeles.
