Whether you’re a Pacific Northwesterner making the drive down from Seattle, or flying in from anywhere in the world, LA has this magnetic pull that’s almost impossible to resist.
However, LA also has a reputation for being expensive, and it’s not totally undeserved. Between flights, accommodations, car rentals, and dining out, costs can add up fast. But some of the most memorable experiences the city has to offer are completely free.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend or a full week of adventure, weaving a few free activities into your itinerary is a smart way to stretch your budget. Today, I’m rounding up all the best free things to do in Los Angeles so you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.
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Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
This guide is packed with epic and iconic activities across LA that cost zero dollars to enjoy. This is your ultimate cheat sheet for getting the most out of LA without spending a dime. Before diving into all the free activities, let me share a bit more about LA and what to expect.
Is Los Angeles worth visiting?
Yes, for sure! Los Angeles is one of those cities that genuinely has something for everyone. It’s famous for its entertainment industry of course, but there’s so much more beneath the surface.
For example, the food scene is extraordinary (check out my guide to unique restaurants in Los Angeles for proof), the art and culture scene rivals cities twice its size, and the outdoor access means nature is nearby.
What I love most about LA is how layered it is. Every neighborhood has its own personality — Silver Lake feels artsy and eclectic, Beverly Hills is glamorous and polished, Venice Beach is free-spirited and creative. You could visit a dozen times and still feel like you haven’t scratched the surface!
How expensive is it to travel to LA?
Los Angeles isn’t the cheapest vacation destination, but it’s doable on a budget if you plan ahead. Flying from Seattle, you can often find round-trip flights for as low as $60–$120 each way if you’re flexible with your dates and book through sites like Kayak that compare rates. I highly recommend you fly into Burbank vs. LAX. It’s a much chiller airport!
I highly recommend a car in LA if you want to explore beyond a few neighborhoods, though ride shares are aplenty and they’re cheaper than in Seattle. Rental cars generally run $40–$80 per day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Turo is a great option for renting a car from locals that fits your vibe and budget.
Budget hotels and Airbnbs in neighborhoods like Koreatown or Mid-City can run $80–$130 per night, while staying in Santa Monica or West Hollywood will cost you more. Aim to book 4–6 weeks ahead if possible for better rates.
The good news? Once you’re there, plenty of the best experiences in the city are completely free!
What to do in Los Angeles for free
From iconic landmarks to hidden neighborhood gems, here are more than 20 of the best free things to do in Los Angeles. I’ve organized them by category to make trip planning easier.
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Griffith Park & Griffith Observatory
website | get directions | neighborhood: Los Feliz | cost: free with paid parking and some paid attractions | best for: families, views, stargazers
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country at over 4,200 acres and a ton of awesome hiking trails. It sits right in the heart of the city with jaw-dropping views of the Hollywood Sign and LA skyline. The crown jewel attraction within it is Griffith Observatory, which is free to visit and a great way to beat the heat (hello AC!).
Once inside, you can look through telescopes, check out exhibits on space and astronomy, and soak in one of the best vistas in all of Southern California. Go early on weekends to snag paid parking, or take a ride share and enjoy the uphill walk.
Note: planetarium shows cost extra and sell out early on busy days. However, if you can make it work I highly recommend doing it. It’s narrated by a local actor and is so well done!
Hiking
Los Angeles is an outdoor lover’s dream, and the hiking options throughout the city range from super easy strolls to solid half-day adventures. Here are a few of the best free trails to add to your itinerary.
Runyon Canyon Park
website | get directions | neighborhood: Hollywood Hills | cost: free | best for: city views, dog-friendly hikes
Runyon Canyon Park is the quintessential LA hike and you might just see a celebrity or two. It’s a 160-acre park with multiple trail options ranging from easy to challenging, all offering epic views of the Hollywood Hills, Hollywood Sign, and downtown skyscrapers.
Dogs are welcome on leash, and the park draws a fun mix of locals and tourists. The main trailhead at the top of Fuller Avenue fills up fast on weekends, so plan to arrive before 9am.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
website | get directions | neighborhood: Pacific Palisades | cost: free (parking fee may apply) | best for: scenic trails and ocean views
This one is a little more off the beaten path, and that’s exactly why I love it. The historic ranch of cowboy philosopher Will Rogers is open to visitors, and the trails here lead up to Inspiration Point, a ridge with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Bay.
It’s a great spot if you want a quieter hike away from crowds. Note that parking fees may apply on weekends.
Walk around Hollywood
website | get directions | neighborhood: Hollywood | cost: free | best for: first-timers, pop culture fans
A walk through Hollywood is a free activity and rite of passage. Start at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where over 2,700 stars honor celebrities of film, television, music, and theater.
Take your time noticing the icons from Marilyn Monroe to Michael Jackson embedded in the sidewalk. TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s) is where you’ll see the celebrity handprints in the pavement.
While you’re in the neighborhood, swing by the Hollywood Bowl Museum for a free, fascinating look at the history of one of America’s most beloved outdoor music venues.
And if you’re open to something a little unconventional, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of the most beautiful and interesting spots in the city. It’s the final resting place of many old Hollywood legends, with gorgeous grounds open to the public for free.
Farmers markets
LA has an incredible farmers market scene, and visiting is a great free activity for people watching.
The Original Farmers Market
website | get directions | neighborhood: Mid-Wilshire | cost: free to enter | best for: foodies and families of all ages
The Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax has been a Los Angeles institution since 1934. Wandering through the stalls is completely free, and the eclectic mix of vendors, produce stands, and old-school eateries makes it a great few hours.
It’s also right next to The Grove, which is a fun outdoor shopping and people-watching area with a gorgeous musical fountain.
Silver Lake Farmers Market
website | get directions | neighborhood: Silver Lake | cost: free to enter | best for: weekend browsing
If you want to feel like a true Silver Lake local, head to this weekly Saturday market. You’ll find local produce, artisan goods, and some incredible prepared food vendors.
The surrounding Silver Lake neighborhood is also worth wandering for great murals, indie coffee shops, and a very laid-back vibe.
Hollywood Farmers’ Market
website | get directions | neighborhood: West Hollywood | cost: free to enter | best for: 2-for-1 sightseeing
Another great option on Sundays is the Hollywood Farmers Market. It’s a good size and the perfect excuse to see the Walk of Fame and other area attractions while also learning about local farms and makers.
Santa Monica Farmers Market
website | get directions | neighborhood: Santa Monica | cost: free to enter | best for: laid-back beach town vibes
Santa Monica actually has three farmers markets. The one downtown is on both Wednesdays and Saturdays. I like this one because it’s close to the pier and around a lot of great shops to pop into afterwards. There’s also one on Main Street on Sundays and in the Pico neighborhood on Saturdays.
Olvera Street Market
website | get directions | neighborhood: Downtown | cost: free to enter | best for: Mexican goodies
Olvera Street is worth a visit. It’s one of the oldest streets in the city and home to a vibrant Mexican marketplace full of color, crafts, history, and delicious authentic foods.
Venice Beach & the Venice Canals
website | get directions | neighborhood: Venice | cost: free | best for: people watching, beach days, skaters
Venice Beach is one of the most colorful, chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable stretches of real estate in Los Angeles. The boardwalk is lined with street performers, artists, vendors, and characters you won’t find anywhere else.
Head to the skate park to watch some seriously impressive tricks, or stroll down to Muscle Beach to catch the outdoor gym crowd. A short walk from the boardwalk, the Venice Canals are a total hidden gem. This residential waterway is lined with charming houses and bridges that feels like a completely different world.
Santa Monica Beach & the Santa Monica Pier
website | get directions | neighborhood: Santa Monica | cost: free (rides on the pier cost extra) | best for: beach days, sunset views, families
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most iconic landmarks in Southern California, and visiting is completely free. Stroll on the pier, take in the views of the Pacific Ocean, or watch the sunset behind the ferris wheel. You can even take the paved beach path all the way to Venice Beach.
Rides and games on the pier cost extra, but just being there is an experience in itself. It doesn’t get much more LA than that.
The beach itself is wide and beautiful, perfect for a lazy afternoon in the sand. The Third Street Promenade, just a few blocks away, is a great free stroll with street performers, shops, and lots of people watching.
Museums
LA has a world-class museum scene, and several of the city’s best institutions are completely free, at least on select days.
The Getty Center
website | get directions | neighborhood: Brentwood | cost: free (parking fee applies) | best for: art lovers, architecture buffs, garden enthusiasts
The Getty Center is one of the most spectacular museums in the country, and admission is completely free. The architecture alone is worth the trip. Richard Meier’s stunning complex sits high above the city with panoramic views of LA and the Pacific Ocean.
Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. The Central Garden is gorgeous and changes with the seasons. Note that parking onsite is $20, so plan to take the Metro or ride share to avoid the fee.
The Broad Museum
website | get directions | neighborhood: Downtown | cost: free (timed entry required) | best for: contemporary art fans
The Broad is a stunning contemporary art museum in downtown LA with free general admission, although you’ll need to reserve timed entry tickets in advance on their website.
The collection features works by Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Jasper Johns, and many other major contemporary artists. The building itself, with its honeycomb veil exterior, is architecturally striking for your photos.
MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
website | get directions | neighborhood: Downtown | cost: free | best for: contemporary and modern art
MOCA has one of the most significant collections of art from the 1940s to the present anywhere in the world. It’s right across from The Broad Museum, so you can do both in one day.
Hammer Museum
website | get directions | neighborhood: Westwood / UCLA | cost: free | best for: contemporary art
Affiliated with UCLA and always free, the Hammer Museum is a gem of the LA museum scene. It’s known for showcasing emerging and underrepresented artists, and its programming — talks, screenings, public events — is some of the most thoughtful in the city. The courtyard café is a great spot for a break between galleries.
California Science Center
website | get directions | neighborhood: Exposition Park | cost: free (IMAX and Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit cost extra) | best for: families, space enthusiasts
The California Science Center is home to Space Shuttle Endeavour, and general admission is free (the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center exhibit requires a separate ticket, but is absolutely worth it).
The museum covers ecosystems, the human body, technology, and more. It’s hands-on, interactive, and great for all ages. Located in Exposition Park, which also houses the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (free on select days) and the California African American Museum (always free), it’s the perfect spot to spend a few hours.
Other museums worth noting: the Autry Museum of the American West offers free admission on the second Tuesday of each month, and the Museum of Tolerance has select free days throughout the year. Keep an eye on their websites for free days.
LACMA exterior and free jazz concerts
website | get directions | neighborhood: Mid-Wilshire | cost: free to visit outdoor areas | best for: art, music, date nights
The exterior of LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) is home to the iconic Urban Light installation featuring 202 vintage street lamps. It’s one of the most photographed spots in all of LA and is completely free to visit day or night.
LACMA hosts free jazz concerts on the plaza most Friday evenings from April through November. Bring a blanket, grab food from a nearby spot, and enjoy live music under the LA sky. It’s one of those perfect, only-in-LA experiences.
Tour Walt Disney Concert Hall
website | get directions | neighborhood: Downtown | cost: free self-guided tours | best for: architecture lovers, music fans
Designed by Frank Gehry, Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the most striking pieces of architecture in the entire country. The gleaming stainless steel exterior is iconic on its own, but you can also take a free self-guided audio tour of the interior.
Explore the gorgeous main auditorium, home to the LA Philharmonic, as well as rooftop gardens that offer great views of downtown.
The Bradbury Building
website | get directions | neighborhood: Downtown | cost: free to view lobby | best for: architecture enthusiasts, film buffs
One of the best free things to do in Los Angeles is gawk at all of LA’s architecture. The Bradbury Building is one of the city’s most beautiful historic landmarks and most people drive right past it without realizing it’s there. Built in 1893, this National Historic Landmark is famous for its stunning Victorian-era atrium with ornate ironwork, glazed terracotta tile, open-cage elevators, and a soaring skylit roof.
It’s been featured in dozens of films. Visitors can view the lobby and first floor for free during business hours. It’s a quick stop that’s absolutely worth it.
La Brea Tar Pits
website | get directions | neighborhood: Mid-Wilshire | cost: free to explore outdoor grounds; museum has admission | best for: families, history lovers, curious minds
The La Brea Tar Pits are one of the most surreal and fascinating natural landmarks in Los Angeles. This prehistoric site sits in the middle of the city with ongoing excavations still unearthing new fossils from the Ice Age. So if you’re traveling with a family, this is hands down one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles.
Wandering the outdoor grounds and viewing the active tar pits and life-size mammoth statues is one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles. The Page Museum charges for admission, but you can still have a meaningful visit outside. It’s especially cool for families, since kids are absolutely mesmerized by the bubbling tar.
Murals and public art
Exploring LA’s street art and public murals is one of the most rewarding free activities in the city.
The Arts District
get directions | neighborhood: Downtown / Arts Dstrict | cost: free | best for: street art, urban exploring
The Arts District on the eastern edge of downtown is essentially an open-air museum. Just wandering the streets you’ll encounter massive murals, sculptures, and installations around every corner.
The neighborhood also has incredible coffee shops, restaurants, and galleries for when you want to take a break from walking.
Silver Lake murals
get directions | neighborhood: Silver Lake | cost: free | best for: mural walks, neighborhood exploring
You can say visiting this hip neighborhood is another one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles. And lucky for us, Silver Lake also has a thriving street art scene woven into its residential and commercial streets. Sunset Boulevard and Rowena Avenue are both great corridors for mural spotting. You can take a self-guided mural walk to find all the best ones.
Pair your mural walk with a stop at a local café and you’ve got yourself a perfect low-key afternoon.
Gardens
LA has some stunning public gardens worth visiting — and several of them are free or have free admission days.
Exposition Park Rose Garden
website | get directions | neighborhood: Exposition Park | cost: free | best for: spring visits, nature, photography
Right next to the California Science Center, the Exposition Park Rose Garden is a gorgeous seven-acre garden featuring over 20,000 rose bushes with hundreds of varieties.
It’s free to visit and especially stunning from late March through November when the roses are in bloom. A lovely, unhurried spot that’s easy to pair with a visit to the nearby museums.
Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
website | get directions | neighborhood: San Marino / Pasadena | cost: free on the first Thursday of each month | best for: garden lovers, art enthusiasts
The Huntington is one of those places that locals have been coming back to for decades, and once you visit, you’ll immediately understand why. Set on 207 stunning acres, the grounds include over a dozen distinct botanical gardens: the Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, Desert Garden, Rose Garden.
You’ll find an artwork collection in several galleries that includes major works like Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy and Thomas Lawrence’s Pinkie, alongside impressive American and European art from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Window shopping on Rodeo Drive
get directions | neighborhood: Beverly Hills | cost: free to stroll | best for: celebrity spotting, classic LA vibes
You might not be buying a designer bag on this trip, but that doesn’t mean Rodeo Drive isn’t worth a stroll. Window shopping along one of the most famous streets in the world is free and an undeniably classic LA experience.
Beverly Hills as a whole is fun to explore on foot: the wide, manicured streets, the beautiful homes just north of Sunset Blvd, and the people watching are top-tier entertainment. It costs nothing to look — and in Beverly Hills, looking is half the fun.
Plan the rest of your Los Angeles trip
Now that you’ve got a solid list of free things to do in Los Angeles, it’s time to fill in the rest of your itinerary. Here are a few more resources to help you plan the perfect LA trip.
- 4 Days in LA: The Perfect Los Angeles Itinerary
- Best Unique Restaurants in Los Angeles
- Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles
- How to Spend a Weekend in Nearby Santa Barbara
- Perfect Itinerary for Nearby San Diego
Overwhelmed by trip planning?
I’m a licensed travel planner and would love to plan you a custom itinerary to fit your budget!
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