Believe it or not, exploring Los Angeles doesn’t have to be expensive.
There are several free museums in different areas, and plenty of scenic hikes and cultural experiences. There are also iconic landmarks perfect for taking selfies. free los angeles adventures Enjoy this exciting city to the fullest!
Here are some of LA’s best free experiences to help you explore this vibrant city without opening your wallet.
1. The Getty Center – A Must-See Masterpiece
The Getty Center is one of LA’s greatest treasures. And the most wonderful thing is Free admission!
This cultural center in the hills has huge collection We have collected works of art by masters such as Van Gogh, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama. You’ll love wandering through the galleries and admiring the artwork in the different rooms, soaking up the impressive architecture, or relaxing in the gardens with panoramic city views. But what I love just as much is architecture.
2. Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory – LA’s iconic views and stargazing
Griffith Park is LA’s backyard and it’s free. It’s free to enter the observatory and even see all the space exhibits and telescopes.
You can hike the scenic trails to get here, or take a bus or Uber/taxi. Once you arrive here, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views. hollywood sign And the cityscape. Come late afternoon and stay to watch the sunset. Light begins to shine in the City of Angels.
3. Hike to the Hollywood Sign
from your vantage point griffith observatory can see hollywood signit’s a fun walk. I took a tour and the guide was interesting and told me lots of stories about famous people, so it was fun. You can walk up the mountain for free, but we recommend downloading a map.
With trails of varying lengths and fitness levels, your best bet (if you haven’t booked a walking tour) is to download one of these for free. Hollywood sign hiking map.
4. Hollywood Forever Cemetery – A unique and memorable experience
Visiting a grave may be rare, but hollywood eternal cemetery This is no ordinary rest stop. Here are the graves of legendary stars such as Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, and Cecil B. DeMille. Throughout the year, the cemetery also hosts events such as: movie screening and special events.
Outdoor movies are shown here during the summer. There’s everything from creepy horrors that take place among the tombstones to Grease, where everyone dresses up and sings together. (But you do have to buy a movie ticket).
5. Watch recordings of live TV shows
At home on screens, big and small, you always need a live audience to laugh at your jokes. Tickets are free, but you must reserve in advance to ensure you get the show you want.
Click here for details on how to watch the program. Practice your best laughs and applause on America’s Got Talent, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Voice, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and more.
6. Visit a farmers market – delicious and affordable shopping and food
of original farmers marketan LA landmark that opened in 1934. is filled with fresh foodlocal food outlets, parts of Los Angeles best restaurant. It’s connected to The Grove, which is also on my list of 5 best places to shop in Los Angeles. Sunday – Thursday 10am – 8pm. Friday-Saturday 10:00-21:00. Address 6333 W. 3rd St.
Hollywood Farmers Market : Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at 1600 Ivar Ave (Selma Ave).
Silver Lake Farmers Market : Tuesdays 1:30pm to 7pm, Saturdays 8am to 1:30pm. Located in Sunset Triangle Plaza, 1500 Griffith Park Blvd.
Historic Downtown LA Farmers Market : Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located on W. Fifth Street between S. Spring and S. Broadway.
Santa Monica Farmers Market : Downtown Santa Monica (Wednesday and Saturday), Virginia Avenue Park (Saturday). The Wednesday market is most popular for its food, and many of LA’s chefs come to buy fresh produce. Wednesday and Saturday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location 155-199 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica
Marina Del Rey Farmers Market : Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking lot #11, at the intersection of Via Marina and Panay Way.
See all Los Angeles Farmers Markets discover LA.
7. LA Museums – Experience culture for free!
Several Los Angeles museums offer free admission or select free days each month.
hammer museum and california science center Enjoy free admission every day and explore contemporary art and science exhibits without paying admission. At the California Science Center, don’t miss: space shuttle endeavor – An incredible sight for space enthusiasts.
The BroadA spectacular building founded by philanthropists Eli and Edith Broad on Grand Avenue downtown. It houses a collection of over 2,000 pieces of contemporary art, with permanent and periodic exhibitions. Admission is free, but please give it a try Get your tickets in advance Due to limited space.
Additional highlights include the Hollywood Bowl Museum, Holocaust Museum, MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), and the Nethercutt Collection of antique and vintage cars.
See full list of Los Angeles museums with free admission with DiscoverLA.
8. Olvera Street – a vibrant cultural center with historic charm
Part of LA’s oldest neighborhood, Olvera Street offers a taste of Mexico with colorful food stalls, street performers, and traditional food.
Strolling through this charming street is free. Enjoy live music, vibrant murals, and cultural events. it is perfect place Shop for affordable souvenirs, experience local art, Self-guided tour Through my LA roots.
9. Take an Instagram shot on Michelle Trena’s stairs
heading to silver lakehave brunch at a local cafe and take some great selfies on the Michel Torena stairs. Built in 1925 and painted by a local artist in 2015.
I said hello to Kiwi musician Neil Finn on the steps. For those who aren’t familiar with New Zealand music, this is Neil Finn of Split Enz fame. Probably my most famous moment in LA. Well, except when the Law and Order actor made me a cocktail at a swanky Beverly Hills hotel…
10. Hollywood Boulevard and Walk of Fame – Walk with the Stars
It’s a classic LA experience, and it’s free. Hollywood Boulevard is lined with stars hollywood walk of fame There are many names you know, but there are also many you’ve probably never heard of.
a short walk We’ll take you to the iconic TCL Chinese Theater and Dolby Theater, home of the Oscars. It’s very crowded here, but you can take pictures and enjoy the magic of Hollywood without spending a dime (as long as you don’t take pictures of dressed-up superheroes who ask for a tip).
11. Venice Beach Boardwalk – People-watch and see local art
venice beach boardwalk Known for its quirky atmosphere and street performers, it’s one of LA’s best free attractions for people-watching.
If you look along this sandy beach, local artiststreet musicians, skateboarders, and other unique characters. it is ideal location Spend a relaxing day at the beach enjoying the sunshine and vibrant energy of Southern California. You can bike or walk the 2 miles (or take a taxi) from the Santa Monica Pier.
12. Expo Park – gardens, museums and relaxation
Expo Park is great place For a budget-friendly day out. It is the home of beauty Expo Park Rose Garden More than 15,000 roses are planted on more than 7.5 acres. california science center, natural history museum.
Admission to the Science Center and Rose Garden is free, so you can enjoy an educational and scenic experience all at once.
13. Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills – The best window shopping!
visit to rodeo drive is fun things Even if shopping isn’t on your list, there are things to do. Luxury stores beverly hills The atmosphere will make for a memorable walk, and you might even meet a celebrity! Stroll along this iconic street, browse the upscale shops, and enjoy LA’s most glamorous side.
Hint: I was pleasantly surprised to learn that North Beverly Drive, which runs parallel to Rodeo Drive, is home to affordable shops like Crate and Barrel, Lulul Lemon, and Cheesecake Factory. You can spend thousands of yen!
14. Grand Avenue and Walt Disney Concert Hall – LA’s architectural gem
downtown LA grand avenue A wonderful cultural corridor walt disney concert hall Designed by Frank Gehry.
can take Free self-guided tour Walk around the concert hall and marvel at its curves and architectural beauty. Grand Avenue also features art venues, including: The Broad and mochaHere you can see works by artists such as Andy Warhol.
15. Santa Monica Pier – Classic Pacific Coast Fun
Budget-friendly LA tours santa monica pier. this iconic destination Enjoy street performances, food stalls, and photogenic sea views, all with free admission.
Walk along the pier to the official terminus of Route 66, snap photos of signs, watch the sun set over the water, chat with fishermen hanging their fishing rods next to them, and take in the vibrant energy of this famous spot. Let’s have fun. pacific coast highway.
(See my driving itinerary from Los Angeles to San Francisco and download it for free if you wish).
Bonus Free Event: Beverly Hills Spring Art Show (May 17th and 18th, 2025) and October Fall Art Show
This outdoor art show has been held in Beverly Hills for 50 years and is spread across four garden blocks in Beverly Hills. beverly gardens. It’s free to browse all the paintings and sculptures in the pop-up tent, but watch your wallet so you don’t end up looking at pieces you can’t afford. This is one of the largest art shows on the West Coast.
One year, I stumbled across this store and loved admiring the amazing artwork, having fun people-watching, and picking up lobster rolls from one of the many food trucks.
