Los Angeles is known around the world as an epicenter of food and culture in the United States. It has a reputation that precedes it, and one facet of that reputation is that it is an expensive place to visit. However, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to cash out your life savings to visit Los Angeles. In fact, Los Angeles has a plethora of things that you can do for free! In this post I’m going to cover all the free things to do in Los Angeles, listed in no particular order, so that you can have the best time in LA without breaking the bank.
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The Getty
Our first stop is probably one of the most aesthetically beautiful museums in the world. The Getty is situated up in the Santa Monica mountains and is both a museum and a research facility. Featuring works from pre-20th century European artists, the complex is one of the most iconic in Los Angeles. Its distinct white marble buildings and lush, tranquil gardens make it an instagrammer’s paradise. In fact, the museum was featured on the TV Show “The Good Place” where it stood in as the show’s version of heaven. That alone should tell you how beautiful this museum is. Its collection is also superb, featuring tons of paintings and other works of art within its buildings.
Not that many people realize that the Getty is free to enter. But while it is free, you can’t just show up and expect to be let in. You still need to make a timed-entry reservation, which means you reserve both a date and a time to enter the museum. This can be done through their website. The Getty is an LA institution and is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles.
The Getty Villa
The Getty’s sister museum, the Getty villa is an architectural marvel. Situated in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, this museum is as interesting as it is stunning. With views of the Pacific Ocean, this museum focuses more on Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. But the real star of the show of this museum is its grounds. You’ll feel like you’re in Europe with how gorgeous its grounds are. Featuring fountains, water features, statues, and a large variety of plant-life, the museum transports you to another world and will have you forgetting that you’re in Los Angeles.
Just like The Getty, entry to the Getty Villa is free. However, you will need a timed entry ticket, just like the Getty, to enter. The museum itself isn’t huge and can be done in about an hour. Most of your time should be spent in the gardens. It would be crazy not to include this place in a list of the best free things to do in Los Angeles.
The Broad
The third free museum in this list, the Broad is an art museum in LA’s downtown area. Featuring works by artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Liechtenstein, the museum is home to many contemporary artworks, some of which are famous (like the blue balloon dog). It’s not the biggest museum and can be done in about 60-90 minutes depending on how long you admire each artwork. The collection here is staggering, full of thought-provoking art pieces that range from paintings to sculptures to installations. Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room is also located here.
Tickets, just like for the Getty and Getty Villa, are timed entry. Entry to the Infinity Mirrored Room is its own separate ticket, and tickets for that experience go on sale on the last Wednesday of each month for entry the following month.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall
This tall, imposing structure is hard to miss as you’re walking through Downtown LA. Designed to look like large pieces of steel sheet music, the Walt Disney Concert Hall was designed by Frank Gehry and is the home of the LA Philharmonic and the LA Master Chorale. The concert hall also has a lovely patio with trees and water features that is available to the public. The actual performance venue is gorgeous, with wood paneling and a giant organ dominating the space.
On most days, you can go on a free audio tour of the concert hall. The audio tour covers everything from the building’s design and history and can be done from your smartphone. Tours start in the lobby and take you throughout the building. Tours currently run from 10am to 3pm, with last admission being at 2pm. Check the calendar here to be sure tours are running on the day of your visit.
Bradbury Building
This building is a National Historical Landmark, earning that distinction in 1977. Known for its skylit atrium and wrought iron work, it’s just steps away from the Angel’s Flight railway, Last Bookstore, and Grand Central Market. It’s free to enter, although you can only visit the lobby as it is a working office building.
The building has a storied history. It was commissioned by Lewis L. Bradbury and was completed in 1893. There are disputes as to who the actual architect of the building was, with the building’s design being attributed to two different people. But regardless, this building is an LA institution and merits a quick visit if you’re in the area, especially because it’s free. Please note that only pictures from a smartphone are allowed. Professional cameras and video recording are prohibited.
Last Bookstore
I know what you’re thinking, why is one of the top free things to do in Los Angeles a bookstore. Well, if you’re in the know, you know that this isn’t just a random bookstore. I would say that it’s actually one of the best bookstores in America. Featuring thousands of books separated into two floors, the Last Bookstore is more than a bookstore. There are mini-shops within the store that sell different trinkets and products. The bookstore also has installations of books arranged in different patterns are scattered throughout the store.
You’ll find books on every subject and genre here, from fiction to cooking to travel guides to comic books. Note that you need to leave bags larger than a purse at the bag check at the entrance of the bookstore. Interestingly enough, the bookstore is located in a former bank, with the former bank vaults being used to display books. This is a must-do free experience when you’re in LA.
Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park
Featuring the famed Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park is the place to be in LA for hikes and views of the LA skyline. The park’s many hiking trails make it the perfect place for nature lovers, but it’s the other attractions in Griffith Park that give it its unique character. The most famed of them is the Hollywood sign, and lots of different hiking trails offer stunning and up-close views of the sign and the surrounding mountain.
While attractions like the LA Zoo and the Greek Theater require paid tickets, Griffith Observatory can be visited for free. Located on a cliff overlooking Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory is dedicated to astronomy. It features different exhibits on planets, stars, and other heavenly bodies. The planetarium at the center of the observatory is paid, but you can see the different exhibits for free. Don’t forget to go down to the basement to see exhibits on the different planets in our solar system. You can also walk the outskirts of the building for remarkable views of LA.
Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theater
Situated on Hollywood Boulevard, The Walk of Fame consists of thousands of stars representing the celebrities of Hollywood’s past and present. The stars for the most famous celebrities are concentrated near the Pantages Theater, Dolby Theater, and Chinese Theater. Star-hunting is a fun free thing to do in LA, but for another iconic free thing to do, head to the Chinese Theater.
Directly outside the Chinese Theater are hand and foot prints of different celebrities. Some of them are tied to specific movie franchises like the Avengers, Harry Potter, the Hunger Games, and the Twilight Saga. Others are just handprints of celebrities who were chosen to have their hands immortalized in the cement. If you’re in the area, definitely spend some time checking out the different hand and foot prints and find your favorite celebrities.
LACMA Lights
While LACMA itself levies an entry fee, the instagram famous lights are free to visit. Consisting of over 200 street lamps that used to light the streets of Los Angeles, the art installation is open 24/7. It’s also the perfect place for photos in both the daytime and nighttime. The surrounding area also has installations you can take pictures with, including the famous rock wedged between two walls. You can visit the grounds anytime you wish, including at night, which is arguably the best time to see them. This is one of the simpler free things to do in Los Angeles but still shouldn’t be missed.
The Grove and Farmers Market
Located near LACMA and the Academy Museum, the Grove is a small but beautiful shopping mall. Filled with cafes, restaurants, movie theaters, and a working tram, this area is a quintessential LA experience. Walk down its cobblestone streets as you discover a shopping experience unlike any other.
But the main draw is the Farmers Market that is attached to the Grove. Opened in 1934, it is LA’s first farmers market. Known more for restaurants now than fresh produce, the farmers market nevertheless is a cultural institution. Sample different kinds of cuisine and eat at different stalls and booths throughout the market. If you can only eat at one place, make it Pampas Grill, which is famous for its sliced meats. This is one of the free things to do in Los Angeles that will leave you salivating for more.
Venice Beach and the Venice Canals
Venice Beach, where the iconic Barbie movie was filmed, is a stretch of oceanfront shops that is just oozing with character. You can find different restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and the famous muscle beach outdoor gym in the area. It’s also the perfect place to get incredible views of the Pacific Ocean while people-watching and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
The Venice canals, on the other hand, are a nearby settlement that is nicknamed the Venice of LA. Featuring rows and rows of houses interconnected by canals, this area was originally a lot bigger until urban development projects forced it to shrink. While it may not always be full of water as that is dependent on the rains LA gets, the houses and bridges are cute enough to warrant a walkthrough of the neighborhood.
Santa Monica Pier
The end of the famed Route 66, the Santa Monica pier is a classic, and overly-touristed, destination. Featuring shops, restaurants, arcades, and even carnival rides, this boardwalk is famous for its stunning views of the LA coast. While it will cost you money to ride the rides at the small amusement park, it’s completely free to walk down the boardwalk. Be sure to check out the vendors who can engrave your name on a grain of rice as a souvenir and to explore the nearby Santa Monica area as well.
Echo Park Lake
Echo Park Lake is an oasis of serenity in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The most famous thing to do here is to rent a swan boat and paddle on the lake. But it’s completely free to just walk around the lake and take in the views of the surrounding hills. It should take you about 30-45 minutes to walk around the lake and it’s also the perfect area to get in some exercise, which you will find a lot of people doing. It’s one of the free things to do in Los Angeles that kind of flies under the radar, but it should definitely be on your itinerary if you have the time for it.
Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills
The last place on this list is the ultimate window shopping experience. Rodeo Drive is chock full of designer brands like Gucci, Prada, and Hermes. High end stores line the streets, and the south side of the street even includes a small pathway that is slowly making the rounds on instagram. The normal traveler wouldn’t be interested in the stores, but this area is still merits a quick visit if possible.
Nearby Beverly Hills is also a must see area. Home to dozens of mansions, this neighborhood is the epitome of class. While you’re in the area, don’t forget to take a picture with the iconic Beverly Hills Sign. You can also go on a self-guided “homes of the stars” tour by driving around Beverly Hills, looking for the different historic celebrity homes.
The amount of free things to do in Los Angeles is staggering. I hope this post was helpful in crafting your LA itinerary. If you want additional help in planning your LA trip, I have lots of articles written about LA, which you can access below.
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