Discover a wealth of free things to do in Los Angeles or low-cost activities that are not only fun, but budget-friendly. From exploring world-class art galleries to strolling along the endless beaches, there’s something for everyone. You can also enjoy outdoor concerts, hike through breathtaking trails, or visit iconic landmarks like the Griffith Observatory—all without breaking the bank. Plus, if you’re willing to take a short trip, you can experience the excitement of pro sports events Las Vegas has to offer, adding even more to your affordable adventure. Whether you’re staying local or heading out of town, unforgettable experiences are within reach.
LA, a city of contrasts, beckons with its diverse range of activities. From the majestic Santa Monica mountains to the endless Pacific Ocean, it’s a playground for adventure. Whether you’re exploring its unique suburbs, indulging in great food, or experiencing its vibrant shopping and entertainment scene, there’s never a shortage of new and exciting things to discover.
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Best free things to do in Los Angeles
These are a few of my favourite things:
1. Enjoy world-class art galleries for free
The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, are all situated on Grand Ave in downtown Los Angeles within easy walking distance.
The Board and the MOCA LA offer free entrance to a world of contemporary art that enriches, provokes, and inspires. Book your entrance time online for The Broad.
The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall on South Grand Ave Los Angeles. Photo: Julie Coghlan-Smith©
Inside the spacious galleries of The Broad presenting the minimalist work of Jeff Koons, whose work embraces pop culture toys and advertising. Photo: Julie Coghlan-Smith©
2. Visit endless beaches and stretch your legs for free
From Malibu to Long Beach, the choice is endless. Stretch your legs, enjoy the sunshine and get some sand between your toes.
Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach offer endless people-watching, a mish-mash of souvenirs, cheap clothing, tattoo salons, bars, coffee shops and restaurants.
A visit to Venice Beach is a must for one of the top things to do in LA. Photo: Julie Coghlan-Smith©
The author on Santa Monica beach in front of the famous Santa Monica Pier. Photo: Julie Coghlan-Smith©
3. Walk the Venice Beach Canals and Marina Del Rey
Tired of the beaches? Take a few steps off the sand on Venice Beach and find a labyrinth of canals and walkways. Lose yourself in the romance of eclectic cottages, luxurious villas, modern architecture and seaside cabins. Keep walking to skirt the edges of Marina Del Rey’s endless yacht basin and berths, offering plenty of cafes and bars for a cuppa or glass of wine.
Exploring Venice Canals. Photo: Julie Coghlan-Smith©
4. Wander beautiful gardens and European art at the Getty Center
The Getty Center is free to visit—book your time slot online—but parking is $25.00. However, the parking fee is a small price to enter this place of architectural beauty, endless views of LA, and exquisite gardens shaped from the living palette of abundant plants. And, of course, there are art galleries that house internationally renowned European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photography.
The Getty Center and Pin Cushion Proteas border the exquisite water labyrinth a central focal point for the magnificent gardens. Photo: Julie Coghlan-Smith©
5. Window shop on Rodeo Drive
A day wandering Rodeo Drive is a must to bask in the height of sophistication and exclusive brands. It’s the place to do lunch and find high fashion.
6. Explore endless hikes and views in the heart of the city
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. It commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin, with a clear view of the Hollywood sign to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. It is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset and the night lights twinkle into life.
Park for free in a lower parking lot and hike up to a world of astronomy, science and mind-blowing information about our planet’s small space in this enormous universe.
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park is an extremely popular hiking and running park in Hollywood West Hills, with a great view of downtown LA and the Pacific West Coast. On a clear day the view goes on forever.
Hiking Runyon Canyon Park offers incredible city views. Photo: Julie Coghlan-Smith©
7. Discover Ice Age Los Angeles at La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits is an extraordinary visit in the heart of urban oil-rich Los Angeles. The world famous tar pits have yielded millions of fossils to shed light on the mammoths, sabre-tooth lions, and other prehistoric animals that once roamed LA.
Entrance and parking fees are applicable, but it is a worthwhile and a mind-expanding experience, even though it is a little pricey.
The Tar Pits is an active paleontological research site formed around bubbling, sulphur-smelling tar pits where natural asphalt has bubbled up from the ground for tens of thousands of years, the bones of trapped animals, perfectly preserved for centuries. Photo: Julie Coghlan-Smith©
8. Stroll down Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard
A visit to LA is incomplete without a stroll down the famous Sunset Boulevard looking for your favourite star’s star. Do not be conned into the expensive parking lots. Take a few side streets and find easy free parking and a short walk to the eclectic boulevard and renowned Grauman’s TLC Chinese Theatre—tours of the theatre and its celebrity-studded history are available.
Besides its ornate interior and Chinese architecture, one of its most distinct features is the famous Forecourt of the Stars, with nearly 200 celebrity handprints, footprints, and autographs immortalized in the concrete.
A visit the the Chinese Theatre is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. Photo: Julie Coghlan-Smith©
9. Friday nights in Santa Monica
If you love vintage cars and want to spend a sociable evening talking about them, head to the Lot 5 South parking lot at the corner of Ocean Park Boulevard and Pacific Avenue. It is the meetup place for vintage car owners and local folk. Pack a picnic, watch the sunset, and chat with the proud owners and restorers of immaculate vehicles from a throwback era of romance.
Friday night classic cars at Santa Monica Lot 5 South is one of the best things to do in LA. Photo: Julie Coghlan-Smith©
10. Join a yoga studio if you are staying in LA for awhile
Many yoga studios offer affordable introductory fees for classes. I joined the Yoga Tree Community Centre and met wonderful people while getting time on my mat four to five times a week for as little as $39.00 for four weeks, all included. Not only did I stretch out my legs after all that walking, but I also did some core work. I met interesting people in a local community.
Part of travelling is having conversations with people from different backgrounds and communities. For me, this is one of the gifts of travelling. I never miss an opportunity to engage, enrich, and educate myself through the stories of the people I meet.
House-sitting for free accommodation
House-sitting involves taking care of someone’s home and pets while they’re away, and in return, you get to stay in their house for free.
I recently spent a month in LA, house-sitting a mean cat, a ponderous tortoise, and a lively dog. Your accommodation is free, and you have the use of a car. With just a few responsibilities, you have the freedom to explore the city beyond its fabled guise and on your terms. In just four weeks, you’ll discover there is so much more to LA than Hollywood.
Writer Julie relaxing while house sitting in LA with Sam. Photo: Julie Coghlan-Smith©
Getting around LA – Ride the Metro
Los Angeles is a treasure trove of art galleries and museums, many of which are free. While parking can be expensive, there’s a more affordable and convenient option. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, branded as Metro, is efficient, easy to navigate, and inexpensive. It’s a reliable way to explore the city without the worry of expensive parking. Tickets are cheap, and weekend parking is free. However, LA is a city of freeways designed for cars, and having a car means more flexibility.
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Have you been here? Want to go or have other tips or comments. We'd love to hear from you.