11 Fun and Free Things To Do
In Los Angeles
By Carrie Green Zinn
Are you looking for some fun and free things to do in Los Angeles?
Welcome to Los Angeles! Its the very vibrant and sprawling city where the sun always shines. L.A. is known as the city of dreams, with its glamour and movie stars.
As Californians, we spend a lot of time in L.A. and have found a bunch of really fun things to do – and all for free!
However, there’s a side to the City of Angels that often goes unnoticed – a treasure trove of free things to do that can rival any paid attraction.
L.A. is safe and has a lot of hidden free activities that make it an ideal destination for everyone. You don’t have to spend money in L.A. to have a good time!
Grab your sunscreen and your walking shoes.Get ready to enjoy L.A., one fun adventure at a time.
Quick & Easy Links
Flights & Hotels: I recommend Expedia
Vacation rentals: I recommend VRBO
Car Rental: I recommend Hertz
Tours: I recommend Viator
Gear: Check out my Travel Stuff
Create Your Travel Memory Books with MILK
Enjoy these 11 Free Activities in L.A. and have a great time!
Any visit to Loas Angeles is going to dip into your wallet! No need, however, to spend more than you want to see great places and have fun adventures!
#1 Hike Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park is home to 160 acres of hiking and views, in the Santa Monica Mountains, right in Hollywood!
Enter at North Fuller Ave off Hollywood Blvd.
Take a simple walk through gorgeous neighborhoods off Hollywood Blvd and enter a beautiful hiking paradise.
There are plenty of trails with lots of incline if you’re looking for real exercise. It’s the best for stunning views of the whole city, and flora and fauna for days.
The edges of some trails offer peeks at homes of the rich and famous, featuring both modern and mid century architecture.
It is a favorite spot for dog walking and sunsets. You can even have a view of the iconic Hollywood sign.
#2 Views From Griffith Park & Observatory
Griffith Park, located on Mt. Hollywood, overlooks the L.A. Basin, at 2800 East Observatory Ave.
It’s over 4000 acres with over 50 miles of trails perfect for hiking and biking.
The park is known for its stellar views and awesome planetarium at the Griffith Observatory.
The Los Angeles Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and Autry Western Museum are also in the park.
The Planetarium costs under $10 but visiting the observatory is free!
Park along the road leading to the observatory to avoid the parking lot fee.
#3 Climb To The Iconic Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is on Mt. Lee, which is also in Griffith Park.
Park at 3200 Canyon Dr.
There are three routes to the sign:
~ The Easy Mt. Hollywood Trail
~ The Moderate Brush Canyon Trail
~ The Difficult Cahuenga Peak Hike Trail
Be sure to check on the day you want to go for any closures due to overcrowding or mountain lion sightings!
Parking is limited at the trail heads, so go early and grab a spot.
There are bathroom facilities at the Griffith Observatory.
#4 Visit The Getty Museum
The Getty Museum, 1200 Getty Center Dr., designed by Richard Meier, is an archotectural gem! It’s one of my most favorite art museums.
In the hills above western L.A., The Getty offers views, views, and more views.
The permanent collection is vast and really varied in style.
There’s a range of American and European favorites to keep you busy for a long time.
What I like best, however, are all the outdoor spaces.
The gardens and architecture embrace the sculptures and fountains. The design is so integrated with the environment that a primary feature of the museum is the structure itself, not simply the art within.
You pay for parking ($15or $20) down below, take a free tram ride to the entrance and stay all day if you want.
There are several café areas for indoor or outdoor relaxing.
#5 Shop At The Original Farmer’s Market
The Original Farmers Market, on 3rd St. just south of West Hollywood, was established in the 1930’s, and is a great place to stop when you are hungry!
Parking is free for 90 minutes with validation.
The vendors are known for their produce, meats, fish, and lots of ready-to-eat dishes.
It’s a family favorite spot since my parents had a lovely conversation with Paul Newman there many years ago!
#6 Stroll Venice Beach & Venice Canals
Venice Beach and the Venice Canals are a must see in L.A.
Of course, you have to go to the iconic Venice Beach and walk on the boardwalk to see the performers and skate boarders.
It’s fun for a bit, but also sadly is an area known for its many young homeless people.
Just north of the main entrance to the boardwalk area are the canals designed after Italy’s Venice.
There are no Italian gondoliers, just beautiful homes on the water with charming paths and bridges connecting them.
It’s really quiet and pleasant and VERY different than the Venice Boardwalk and the famed Muscle Beach scene.
#7 People Watch On Rodeo Drive & Beverly Hills
Rodeo Drive and a free and personal Beverly Hills home tour is such a fun activity.
Simply drive along Sunset Blvd into Beverly Hills and turn right into the neighborhoods.
Give yourself a tour!
No need for the open-air bus or the Map to the Stars. The DIY version can be just as much fun.
There are truly gorgeous homes and gardens to see.
A lot of the mansions are, of course, gated and surrounded by walls of bushes, but it’s quiet on many of the streets and an easy way to fantasize about living your best L.A. life in BH!
Then park in the public lot at the top of Rodeo Drive and go window shopping!
Yes, you may see some celebrities, but you might just have a blast posing like one!
#8 Of Course, The Beach
So many beaches, so little time!
From Santa Monica to Malibu are the most beautiful of L.A. beaches.
Picture perfect, weather always great, and blue water and waves to for days!
Plug it in to your GPS, get in traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and get to the beach!
These are iconic beaches with the dreamy California sand, surfers, rock formations, and warm waves.
Top choices, in this order:
~El Matador State Beach in Malibu
~Hermosa Beach in Hermosa Beach
~Manhattan Beach in Manhattan Beach
Looking for the best beachfront dining experience in L.A.? Check out The Best Beachfront Restaurant in California!
#9 Walk The Hollywood Walk of Fame
& TCL Chinese Theater
The Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theater is not my favorite spot in L.A. but you need to see it at least once!
The stretch of Hollywood Blvd passing the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater tends to be packed with tourists, cameras, and street impersonators asking you to pay for photos with them.
Get your shots of the sidewalk stars and handprints for free. Keep your purse close and move on!
Parking is very challenging here! Walk from where you are staying, or take an Uber because the aggravation is not worth it!
#10 Roam The Hollywood Forever Cemetary
Just under 2 miles away from Hollywood Blvd. is the quiet and serene Hollywood Forever Cemetery, on Santa Monica Blvd.
This is a great Free Activity to see where some of the great stars are buried, like Rudolf Valentino and Judy Garland.
Enjoy the peacocks that roam freely around and pay tribute to your favorite stars.
#11 Hang Out At The Santa Monica Pier & Beach
Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica Beach are among L.A.’s top tourist spots that you have to visit.
You can walk or bike along the trail above the beach, hang out in the sand, and stroll the pier for free.
If the spirit moves you, take a ride in the amusement park on the famous Ferris Wheel and eat cotton candy!
Enjoy the people watching while you are at it.
It’s a very beautiful coast line with some of L.A.’s most luxurious hotels, shops, and restaurants across the street.
Parking is tricky, but you can usually find a meter spot if you don’t want to go into one of the many garages.
Where is the best place to stay in L.A.?
I personally recommend the West Hollywood/Laurel Canyon area. It’s safe, beautiful, and a superb neighborhood launching spot for all kinds of excursions!
→ Best Affordable Hotel on Susnset Blvd – The Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel. It’s in a great spot for lots of restaurants, Beverly Hills, and wallking distance to Runyon Canyon. There’s a beautiful pool and a decent breakfast.
When is the best time to visit L.A.?
As you know, the whole point of L.A. is that the weather is pretty great all year long, so it’s a perfect getaway weekend whenever you need a little pick me up! If you are thinking about LA or NYC, consider the time of year and the weather!
There are rainy and foggy days throughout winter and spring, so if you are looking for the hot beach and tanning days, then summer is your best bet!
Most of the 11 free things to do in Los Angeles are outside, so bring your sunscreen and hat!
What is the best way to get around in L.A.?
Traffic and parking in L.A. can be a big challenge sometimes, but more manageable than public transportation.
Obviously, use your GPS when driving!!!
Public transportation is available, but is simply not the way to go, especially if you’re short on time.
With the invention of ride apps like Uber and Lyft, don’t feel obligated to get behind the wheel if you don’t want to.
Are you ready to do all the free things in Los Angeles, California?
In a nutshell…
L.A. has so many outdoor, free, and exciting things to do. So, fill in your visit with some relaxed and inexpensive activities.
Be in touch when you check out the 11 Free things to do in Los Angeles and let me know which is your favorite!
Carrie
Carrie Green Zinn is the owner and author of Carrie Green Zinn – A Travel Blog, which helps travelers become inspired to explore and step out of their comfort zones. Carrie focuses on family vacations, empty nest travel, and girlfriend getaways. Her work is informed by her life as a former dancer, therapist, and school psychologist. She brings her passion for writing, photography, and making the world a smaller place to her ever growing blogging audience.
