Free Things to Do in Los Angeles (Yes, They Exist!)

Los Angeles is famous all over the world for its sunshine, palm trees, and the free-spirited energy that only a city dedicated to dream-makers can have. You might be thinking that a city this glamorous must come with a shocking price tag, but did you know that some of the most iconic and memorable experiences in LA won't cost you a single dime? Think sunshine, history, art, and incredible views… all for free.

Here are some amazing spots and free things to do in Los Angeles where you can soak up the city vibe!

Griffith Park is famous for being one of the largest municipal parks in the US, covering over 4,200 acres that feel miles away from the city bustle. This enormous park sits at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains and offers a unique blend of rugged natural beauty and incredible cultural landmarks. It’s easily accessible via the Metro system or a short ride-share to the base, where you can often connect to shuttle services, but make sure to check the schedule as it changes.

In this park, you’ll also be able to see the Griffith Observatory, which is a well-known planetarium and science hub. General admission to the exhibits inside is always free, so you can feast your eyes on astounding science and astronomy displays that aren’t just interesting to look at but can also give you insights into the universe as we know it! Apart from the exhibits, you can also appreciate the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin from outside the observatory.

One of the biggest secrets for budget travelers in LA: The Getty Center. This place is a massive world-class museum perched atop a hill with stunning modernist architecture by Richard Meier that doesn’t just showcase beautiful artworks but also stunning views of the city. It’s one of the free things to do in Los Angeles that you wouldn’t wanna miss.

Thanks to the legacy of J. Paul Getty, the Getty Center is free for everyone and anyone to explore. Inside the pavilions, you’ll find masterpieces of European paintings, drawings, and decorative arts, including works from Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt. Outside, you can wander through the intricate Central Garden, which is designed to change with the seasons. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, find a bench, and relax. The best way to get there is by taking the Metro bus line 761, which stops right at the entrance of the Getty Center at Sepulveda Boulevard. From there, you get to ride the iconic free tram up the hillside to the museum complex!

When you want to feel the energy and history of Tinseltown, Hollywood Boulevard is where you need to be. This street is famous for being the symbolic heart of the entertainment industry, where the glamour and history of cinema come together, and where the main attractions are 100% free. 

The iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, featuring over 2,700 brass-rimmed terrazzo stars, stretches along the sidewalks, daring you to find your favorite actor or musician. Discovering these stars is one of the essential free things to do in Los Angeles. Right in the middle of it all, be sure to stop at the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman's). The building itself is an architectural wonder, but the real fun is outside in the Forecourt of the Stars, where you can compare your hands and feet to the concrete impressions left by legends like John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe. To get here easily, hop on the Metro Red Line and get off at the Hollywood/Highland or Hollywood/Vine station, where it drops you right into the heart of the action.

If you're already walking the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard, it’s only right that you complete the entertainment journey by seeing the most famous nine letters in the world: the Hollywood Sign. It’s truly the ultimate, free Hollywood photo opportunity, and a must for anyone looking for free things to do in Los Angeles.

Originally built in 1923 as an advertisement for the "HOLLYWOODLAND" real estate development, it’s now a powerful, 45-foot-tall symbol of dreams and ambition. You can’t hike right up to the letters (it’s restricted and monitored!), but you can get some amazing, free photos from several spots. Your best, low-effort viewpoint is from the Griffith Observatory grounds, or for a closer look, try Lake Hollywood Park. If you're up for an adventure and have comfortable shoes, taking a hike, such as the Brush Canyon Trail (about 3 hours round trip), will give you unparalleled, “behind-the-sign” views of the city.

Now that you know a trip to Los Angeles doesn’t have to drain your travel fund, you can hopefully fill your itinerary with world-class art, stunning nature, and iconic movie history, all thanks to these incredible free attractions.

If you want to pair these free things to do with some other iconic places that do have an entrance fee, like Universal Studios Hollywood or a Warner Bros. Studio Tour, you can save a lot of money by checking out the Klook Pass Los Angeles. It gives you major discounts when bundling attractions, letting you splurge on the big-ticket items without feeling guilty about your budget!

Some other best free things to do in Los Angeles include people-watching along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, going on a food adventure in Little Tokyo, or simply walking the busy streets and seeing what you can find!

Apart from the Getty Center, which is always free, you can also check out the California Science Center, The Broad, and the Hammer Museum. Just make sure to plan ahead because, although they are free, some require reservations beforehand.

To be as close to a no-cost itinerary as you can, focus your travel around neighborhoods with high concentrations of free activities. For example, staying near Hollywood or Downtown LA allows you to access spots like the Walk of Fame, Griffith Park, and free museums on foot or using the efficient Metro Rail system, which saves money on parking and ride shares.