Los Angeles is one of the most alluring, diverse, and exciting cities in the world—and it can be quite expensive. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. From hidden waterfall hikes to complimentary ballet lessons taught by professional dancers, there are plenty of fun free things to do in L.A. if you know where to look.
Let’s start with the obvious: Los Angeles’ near-perfect weather means outdoor activities at beaches and parks are year-round options for no- or low-cost fun. But there are plenty of indoor freebies too. One of the city’s best-kept secrets is its free-admission museums. In addition to those mentioned in the list below, many others are free or have only a “suggested donation” admission fee, including the Hammer Museum, California Science Center, Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Institute of Contemporary Art, LA Plaza De Cultura y Artes, Wende Museum, Fowler Museum at UCLA, Holocaust Museum LA, and the Los Angeles Maritime Museum.
For more ideas, check out this list of 20 free things to do in Los Angeles:
1. Take in the view from Los Angeles City Hall.
One of the best free things to do in Downtown Los Angeles is in the same spot where you can get a marriage license or apply for a construction permit. Head to the observation deck at the top of City Hall for a stunning 360-degree view of the city.
2. Catch a live TV show taping.
Whether you’re a late-night talk show fan or you love game shows, you can find a free taping that’s up your alley. Score tickets to The Voice, The Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and more. Spaces are coveted, so it’s a good idea to plan in advance to enjoy one of the most thrilling free things to do in Los Angeles.
3. Browse the shelves at a mind-bending bookstore.
The Last Bookstore in Downtown L.A. isn’t just a book shop. It’s an immersive experience. Walk through a tunnel of tomes, see volumes hung mid-air inside an old bank vault, and peer through a peephole made of—you guessed it—books.
4. Soak up the sunset from Dockweiler State Beach.
With 3.7 miles of sandy oceanfront, Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey is a great all-day spot to sunbathe and splash. But the best time to visit is just before sunset. Stake out a free fire ring, break out the marshmallows, and watch the sky put on a show.
5. Pay your respects at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Dotted with flowering bushes and towering palms, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery provides a peaceful resting spot for famous musicians and movie stars. Walk the grounds to visit the graves of Jayne Mansfield, Mickey Rooney, Johnny Ramone, and Toto from The Wizard of Oz.
6. Stargaze at Griffith Observatory.
Perched on Mount Hollywood’s southern slope just above Los Feliz, Griffith Observatory is the most visited public observatory in the world. Plan your trip for a clear night to explore the solar system through public-viewing telescopes. Step into one of the copper-clad domes to peer through a 9,000-pound Zeiss telescope that’s perfectly aligned with the axis of Earth.
7. Roll down the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
If you’re looking for a free thing to do in Los Angeles that also helps you work up a sweat, make your way to Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades and jog, rollerblade, pedal a bike, or walk the 22-mile trail north toward Torrance County Beach. The flat, paved path—known to locals as “The Strand”—is a great way to people-watch, see the city, and simply enjoy fresh air.
8. Immerse your senses in the Infinity Mirrored Room.
Ensconced in a honeycomb-like façade of concrete and steel, The Broad contains incredible contemporary art by Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Jasper Johns. But the most crowd-pleasing installation is Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room. Reserve a free time slot and enter the mirrored chamber lined with hundreds of tiny twinkling lights.
9. Stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a fascinating and free thing to in Los Angeles. No other place says “Tinseltown” quite like the famous sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, which are marked by 2,700-plus terrazzo-and-brass stars, each commemorating a famous celebrity. Find your favorite legend’s star and snap a photo.
10 Hike to a hidden waterfall.
Get off the grid—at least for a couple of hours—in Escondido Canyon Park in Malibu. This 4-mile, out-and-back hike crosses a few shallow streams before reaching Escondido Falls’ beautifully streaming cataract. Visit the waterfall soon after rainfall and you’ll be amazed at the volume of water. Note that if you park in the official parking lot, this technically qualifies as an inexpensive thing to do in Los Angeles. But with a little more leg work, you can find a spot along the Pacific Coast Highway for free.
11. Visit a stunning temple in Chinatown.
Dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea, the Thien Hau Temple is an arresting example of Taoist architecture. If you’re lucky enough to visit during Chinese New Year, you’ll be treated to lion dance performances and firecrackers popping in the sky. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills and Malibu Hindu Temple in Calabasas are two more beautiful places of worship nearby.
12. Listen to world-class jazz.
Every Friday evening from April to November, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosts one of the best free activities in Los Angeles. Pack a picnic and enjoy the joyful tones and rhythms of internationally known names and local acts. Between sets, carve out time to experience the cluster of city street lamps in the nearby Urban Light.
13. Spend an afternoon at the Getty Center.
The serene campus of the Getty Center seems a world away from the hustle of West Los Angeles. You’ll feel fully transported when you ride the free tram from the street-level entrance to this hilltop oasis of culture, where you can stroll through 86 landscaped acres, view works by Van Gogh and Renoir, or join a free daily architecture tour. Note: There is a fee for parking.
14. Attend a workshop at the California African American Museum (CAAM).
CAAM has been a free-admission cultural institution in Echo Park for nearly 50 years. Visit any time to see the permanent collection of more than 5,000 works from Black artists in California and around the world. Time your visit to coincide with one of CAAM’s special programs—the museum hosts talks and workshops with artists, musicians, activists, and thinkers that are always fascinating and always free.
15. Window shop along Rodeo Drive.
Indulge your Pretty Woman dreams without spending a dime with an afternoon of window shopping along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Breeze down palm-lined streets where some of the world’s poshest brands—like Gucci, Valentino, and Van Cleef & Arpels—set up shop. When you need a break, rest your legs alongside the lily pond at the nearby Beverly Gardens Park.
16. Explore L.A. history through a free walking tour.
The Real Los Angeles Tours hosts in-person tours complete with friendly guides, trolley rides, and tasty snacks. But if you’re looking for a free thing to do in Los Angeles, choose one of their self-guided experiences, like the Union Station and Olvera Street Tour. You’ll learn about the city’s earliest years as you explore a historic train station, a 19th-century church, the oldest home in L.A., and more.
17. Learn to dance with the city’s best ballerinas.
Every month during the performance season, the renowned Los Angeles Ballet hosts a monthly Community Day. Would-be dancers of all ages and abilities can get free instruction from company members and soloists. Free fitness classes and lectures are often on the menu too.
18. Visit the Time Travel Mart.
Want a cheap, fun thing to do in Los Angeles that’s completely unexpected? Visit the Echo Park Time Travel Mart. Dubbed “the convenience store for all time-travelers,” the little shop sells quirky knickknacks like cans of high-protein “mammoth chunks” and Victorian iPads (aka notebooks). You can browse the shelves for free, and if you choose to buy something, all proceeds go to support programs for school kids at 826LA, a nonprofit tutoring organization.
19. Smell the roses in Exposition Park.
The legacy of Exposition Park dates back to the late 19th century when this land was used for farming, camel racing, and even housing a high-end brothel. Today it’s home to more than 2,000 fragrant blooms. Admission is free, but parking is not, so find the most affordable way to get here via public transit.
20. Encounter public art on the Mural Mile.
Mural Mile on Van Nuys Boulevard is a stunning display of public art that began as a grassroots effort by local artists. Look for the mural Danny Trejo, an ode to the famous actor by muralist Levi Ponce, and the 3D mural Decolonized by Kristy Sandoval, which incorporates an awning and window grate from an existing structure into the illusion.
For even more free things to do in and around Los Angeles, browse this expansive list that’s grouped by neighborhood. Families should also check out Kids Plan California for ideas on low-cost fun at beaches, theme parks, and kid-friendly destinations all across the state.
