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?
Here are some of the best free things to do in LA where you can still enjoy everything this city has to offer!
1. Take a walk in Griffith Park
Photo by Pedro Marroquin on Unsplash
Griffith Park is one of the largest parks in the US, covering over 4,200 acres that feel miles away from the city bustle. The park is also home to the Griffith Observatory, one of LA's most iconic science and astronomy landmarks. General admission to the exhibits is always free, so you can browse through displays that offer a real window into the universe.
Outside, the panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin are worth the trip on their own. For a deeper dive into the park, consider joining a Griffith Observatory half-day hiking tour for a guided experience of the trails and views.
2. Explore free art at the Getty Center
Photo by Antonio Venezian on Unsplash
One of the best-kept secrets for budget travelers in LA: the Getty Center. This well-known museum sits atop a hill and is home to European paintings, drawings, and decorative arts from masters like Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt. The modernist architecture by Richard Meier also makes it one of the most visually impressive free museums in Los Angeles.
Thanks to the J. Paul Getty legacy, admission is free for everyone. But, if you want to make the most out of your visit, book a Getty Center half-day guided museum tour for expert context on the collection!
Klook Tip: Parking at the Getty costs around $25 USD, but the Metro bus or ride-share drops you right at the entrance for free!
3. See legendary sights on Hollywood Boulevard
Michael Jackson’s terrazzo star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
When you want to feel the energy of LA, Hollywood Boulevard is where you need to be. It's the symbolic heart of the entertainment industry, where cinema history runs along the sidewalks in the form of over 2,700 brass-rimmed terrazzo stars. Finding your favorite actor or musician on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most classic free things to do in Hollywood.
Right in the middle of it all, stop at the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman's). The architecture alone is worth a look, but the real fun is 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 with ease, hop on the Metro Red Line and get off at Hollywood/Highland or Hollywood/Vine. If you want to see it all without all the walking, the Los Angeles and Hollywood city sightseeing bus pass is a great way to cover more ground.
4. Have a photoshoot at the iconic Hollywood Sign
Take a photo at the famous Hollywood Sign as a memorabilia
If you're already walking the Walk of Fame, it's only right to complete the Hollywood journey by seeing the most famous nine letters in the world: the Hollywood Sign.
You can't hike up to the letters directly (it's restricted and monitored), but several free viewpoints give you great shots. For something closer, Lake Hollywood Park is a popular and accessible option. You can also book a Hollywood Sign express walking tour if you'd rather explore with a guide.
Klook Tip: The best light for photos of the Hollywood Sign is in the morning, when the sign faces the sun directly.
5. Walk the Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice beach boardwalk | Photo Credits: Darya Sannikova on Pexels
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is one of those places that has to be seen to be believed. Stretching along one of the most free beaches in Los Angeles, it's a non-stop parade of street performers, skaters, artists, and muscle beach regulars that puts on a show every single day at no cost.
If you'd rather see Venice and downtown from two wheels, the best downtown LA bike tour is a fun way to cover the coastline and city highlights in one go.
Ready for your Los Angeles trip?
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
Now that you know a trip to Los Angeles doesn't have to drain your travel fund, you can fill your itinerary with art, nature, iconic landmarks, and the kind of only-in-LA moments that don't cost a dime.
If you want to pair these free things to do in LA with bigger ticketed attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood or Warner Bros. Studio Tour, check out the Klook Pass Los Angeles. It gives you major savings when bundling attractions, so you can spend on the big experiences without blowing your budget.
FAQs about free things to do in LA
What can you do in Los Angeles for free?
There's a lot more to do in Los Angeles for free than most people expect. Griffith Park, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Getty Center, and Venice Beach Boardwalk are all completely free to visit. Neighborhoods like Little Tokyo, Arts District, and Abbot Kinney are also great for free walking explorations with plenty of interesting street art and food markets to browse.
What free museums are there in Los Angeles?
LA has a solid lineup of free museums in Los Angeles. The Getty Center is the most well-known since it's always free and houses an impressive collection of European art. Other options include The Broad (free general admission on select days), the Hammer Museum (always free), and the California Science Center.
Some require advance reservations even when free, so it's worth checking their websites before you visit!
Are there free beaches in Los Angeles?
Yes! All public beaches in Los Angeles are free to access. Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, Zuma Beach, and El Matador State Beach are all open to the public at no charge. Some beaches have paid parking lots nearby, but using public transit or arriving early can help you avoid that cost.
For a full breakdown of the best options, check our guide to the best beaches in Los Angeles.
What are the best free things to do in Hollywood?
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre Forecourt of the Stars, and views of the Hollywood Sign are all completely free. You can also walk around the Hollywood and Highland area, browse the architecture along the boulevard, and take in the neighborhood's classic movie-industry atmosphere without spending a thing.
What are the best free hiking trails in Los Angeles?
Runyon Canyon Park and Griffith Park are two of the most accessible free hiking trails in Los Angeles, both offering great city views and a range of trail difficulties. Brush Canyon Trail near the Hollywood Sign is another popular option for those who want closer views of the letters. For a bigger challenge, Temescal Canyon in Pacific Palisades offers a rewarding coastal hike.
Our guide to hiking and walking tours in LA has more picks across the city.
More Los Angeles travel guides for you
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
