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The Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
LA can be expensive, but some of its greatest experiences, from the Getty to the beaches, cost nothing at all.
LA can be expensive, but some of its greatest experiences, from the Getty to the beaches, cost nothing at all.
Los Angeles has a reputation for being pricey, but it is also one of the great cities for doing a lot on very little. Some of its most celebrated institutions are free to enter, the beaches and hiking trails cost nothing, and entire neighborhoods reward an afternoon of wandering. With a little planning, you can string together a memorable day or two without buying a single ticket.
The honest catch in LA is usually parking, not admission: a free museum can still charge for its lot, and a free beach can sting you at the meter. This guide focuses on genuinely worthwhile free experiences, from world-class art to public landmarks and green space, and flags where the hidden costs hide so you can plan around them.
World-class art, striking modern architecture, and gardens with sweeping city views, all free to enter. Admission is free but parking is paid, and reservations are sometimes required, so check the official website before visiting.
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One of the world's great free attractions, with telescope viewing, exhibits, and unbeatable views of the city and Hollywood Sign. Entry is free; the planetarium show has a fee, and parking can be tight, so arrive early.
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A premier contemporary art museum with free general admission downtown. Reserve a timed ticket in advance, especially for the popular Infinity Mirror Rooms, which can have separate sign-ups.
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A century-old food hall where browsing the stalls and soaking up the energy costs nothing. You will probably want to eat, but it is a free and atmospheric LA experience in its own right.
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A free, ever-changing show of street performers, artists, and skaters along the sand. Bring small cash if you want to tip performers, and keep an eye on your belongings.
Read more →A cavernous downtown bookstore with a famous book-tunnel and arches that have become a free photo destination. Wander the labyrinth upstairs even if you do not buy a thing.
Read more →A historic Mexican marketplace and the symbolic birthplace of LA, free to stroll. Pair it with a walk through the adjacent historic plaza and nearby Union Station.
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Wandering the star-studded sidewalks and past the historic theaters costs nothing. Manage expectations: the area is busy and gritty, and the real draw is the architecture and the people-watching.
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A lovely urban lake with lotus blooms and a skyline backdrop, free to circle on foot. Paddle-boat rentals cost extra, but the walk and the views do not.
Read more →Simon Rodia's astonishing folk-art spires are a National Historic Landmark; viewing them from outside is free, and guided tours have a modest fee. Check current tour hours before making the trip.
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A 1939 architectural masterpiece blending Spanish Colonial and Art Deco styles, free to walk through and photograph. A worthwhile stop in its own right, and a transit gateway to the rest of the city.
Read more →A breathtaking 1893 atrium of wrought iron and warm light, famous from countless films. Public access is limited to the lobby and first landing, but even that brief look is worth it.
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Once the ranch home of cowboy humorist Will Rogers, this hillside park pairs a preserved 1920s ranch house with open lawns, a polo field, and trailheads into the Santa Monica Mountains. It is a rare combination of California history and accessible hiking just minutes from the coast.
Read more →Palisades Park is a slender ribbon of green running along the bluff tops above the Santa Monica coast, famous for its palm-lined paths and sweeping ocean sunsets. It is a free, walkable stretch that links the Santa Monica Pier to quiet overlooks high above the beach.
Read more →Tucked into the rugged Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park spans thousands of acres of oak savanna, volcanic cliffs, and a glassy creek-fed pool. It is one of LA's most cinematic hiking destinations, famous as the longtime filming home of the TV series M*A*S*H.
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The Getty Center and The Broad both offer free general admission and rank among the city's finest, though parking and timed reservations may apply. Griffith Observatory is also free to enter and is one of the best free experiences in the city.
It can be, but it does not have to be. Admission to several top attractions is free, and the beaches, trails, and parks cost nothing. The main hidden costs are parking and food, which you can manage with transit and a little planning.
Absolutely. You can fill multiple days with free world-class art, iconic viewpoints, historic landmarks, beaches, and hikes. Using public transit and packing your own snacks keeps the budget low while still seeing the highlights.
MuseumsLA's museums span Old Master paintings, dinosaurs, movie history, and contemporary art, and several of the best are free to enter.
PlanningYes, you can do LA car-free. Here's how to use the Metro rail, the beach, and a little planning to see the city without ever touching a steering wheel.
Hidden GemsThe quieter corners, folk-art landmarks, and local-favorite spots that most visitors drive right past.