There are tons of free things to do in Los Angeles, giving visitors on a budget something to cheer about. If you're looking to save some money on your next trip to LA, we've compiled a handy list of 20 free Los Angeles activities — all of them exciting, fun and uniquely LA. The best part: these are just a sampling of LA's free attractions, so after you're done checking them off the list, you can get out there and find some free stuff of your own! Better yet, check out
10 more fresh budget-conscious ways to see LA.
1. Head for the beach. And we mean year-round. Walk or jog in the sand along LA’s 75 miles of coastline; explore the tidepools at
Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro; marvel at the muscular bodies at Venice Beach; and admire the surfers at Surfrider Beach near Malibu Lagoon (that’s free to explore, too).
2. Explore unique museums. Some — like the
California Science Center in Exposition Park, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro and the Getty Center in Brentwood — are free all day, everyday (except for parking). Other museums offer special free admission days.
3. Wander around Griffith Park.
Griffith Park is the largest city park in the country — 4,107 acres — and provides a mix of free activities for the whole family. Picnic on one of the broad lawns or hike one of the park’s many free trails. One of the prettiest spots to walk is Fern Dell, a calm, shady hideaway with waterfalls and ferns.
4. Cruise Muholland Drive. One of the world’s most famous scenic drives, Mulholland winds from the Hollywood Hills across the spine of the Santa Monica Mountains west to the Pacific Ocean (almost). Viewing spots along the way allow you to see incredible vistas; some are of the city (all the way to Catalina) and others are of the broad San Fernando Val
5. Tour the Los Angeles Central Public Library. The
Downtown library at Fifth and Flower is one of the city’s most treasured buildings. The structure reflects the Egyptian mania that was sweeping the country in the 1920s, post-King Tut discovery. It was almost destroyed in a 1986 fire but has been magnificently restored with a modern wing added. This is the largest library in the United States in terms of its constituents, and free, docent-led walking tours are the best way to enjoy it. Highlights include the rotunda and murals depicting the history of California.
6. Discover fossil fun. At La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park, the site of the richest discovery of Ice Age fossils in the world, more than 100 tons of fossilized bones representing nearly 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have been unearthed from pools of sticky asphalt dating back to prehistoric time. It’s quite a collection (even Prince Charles asked to visit during an LA trip). You can wander the tar pits themselves, including the big pit still oozing goo near Wilshire Boulevard. The George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries offers free admission on the first Tuesday of every month.
7. Stroll the historic Farmers Market. The LA Farmers Market opened at the corner of Third and Fairfax in 1934 and retains much of its original flavor — the freshest produce, made-to-order peanut butter, gourmet meats and cheeses — while adding a few modern touches (Brazilian barbecue, Cajun chicken, sushi) as well as retaining old favorites such as corned beef and hot donuts. The Grove, an outdoor shopping plaza just next door, expands the market experience with a free trolley ride and dancing water shows every half hour in the central pond.
8. Step into Hollywood history. The forecourt of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre has been one of the most popular free attractions since the 1920s when, during the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s “King of Kings,” actress Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet cement. Hollywood’s biggest stars have been imprinting themselves ever since, including John Wayne, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Harrison Ford and Denzel Washington.
9. Hollywood Walk of Fame. Since the 1960s, more than 2,300 terrazzo and brass stars have been unveiled on Hollywood’s major sidewalks. Among the stars sought out are Marilyn Monroe at 1644 Hollywood Blvd., Steven Spielberg at 7046 Hollywood Blvd., Charlize Theron at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Elvis Presley at 6777 Hollywood Blvd., The Beatles at 7051 Hollywood Blvd., and Johnny Depp at 7018 Hollywood Blvd.
10. Walk the walk in Venice. Every weekend year-round, crowds flock to the Venice Oceanfront Walk where the mild weather and sea air are only part of the attraction. The most amazing street entertainers in the world are here — chainsaw jugglers, swamis on rollerblades, street dancers...you name it. Start at Windward Avenue and walk north, stopping whenever you see a crowd gathered — there’s sure to be someone intriguing in the center. Out on the sand, follow the beat to the drum circle, a Sunday tradition with dozens of drummers playing for hours.
