Think Los Angeles is all about expensive celebrity hangouts and pricey tourist traps? Think again.
LA might be famous for its glitzy shopping and exclusive restaurants, but the city’s most breathtaking experiences come free. The stellar views at Griffith Observatory and the vibrant street art of the Arts District show LA’s true character without costing anything.
These free attractions help you experience the authentic LA affordably, whether you travel with family or explore alone. Want to find iconic landmarks and hidden gems that don’t need a Hollywood budget? Let’s explore 11 must-see free activities in Los Angeles that both locals and tourists love.
Griffith Observatory and Park
Image Source: griffithobservatory.org
Griffith Observatory sits majestically on Mount Hollywood as a gateway to the cosmos and ranks among Los Angeles’s best free attractions. Visitors can access the building, grounds, and public telescopes without paying any admission charge.
Griffith Observatory Highlights
The Observatory’s 60 exhibits bring space science down to Earth in fascinating ways. Visitors can gaze through the historic 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope free of charge as darkness falls. The doors open Tuesday through Sunday, from noon to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends.
Griffith Observatory Best Photo Spots
These spots offer perfect photo opportunities:
- Eastern and Western Rotundas with their classic architecture
- Outdoor ramps along the Observatory’s sides
- Archway overlooking the Los Angeles skyline
- Western side featuring the Hollywood Sign
- Art Deco doors along the building’s back
Griffith Observatory Visiting Tips
Your experience depends on choosing the right time. Crowds peak during weekends, summer months, and sunset hours. The DASH Observatory/Los Feliz shuttle provides the best access, running daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m..
Drivers should note that Observatory parking requires payment. Free parking spots exist around the Greek Theater if you don’t mind walking uphill. Pro tip: Weekday visits or early morning arrivals help you avoid the biggest crowds.
Looking to improve your Observatory visit? Start at the Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard. Our guides can share insider tips about optimal visiting times and ways to combine your Observatory trip with nearby attractions.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Image Source: LAParks.org
Welcome to one of Southern California’s most exciting spots! The Venice Beach Boardwalk attracts over 10 million visitors annually, making it the second most popular destination in the region. A walk along this two-mile stretch will show you why it ranks among the best free activities in Los Angeles.
Venice Beach Boardwalk Attractions
This iconic destination has an impressive range of facilities. The two-mile boardwalk features hundreds of street vendors among restaurants and food spots. You can explore:
- World-famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym
- Basketball, paddle tennis, and handball courts
- Modern skate plaza
- Fishing pier
- Two children’s play areas
- Scenic bike path
Venice Beach Boardwalk Entertainment
The boardwalk buzzes with a colorful mix of performers and artists. You’ll see everything from dance groups worthy of America’s Got Talent to quirky characters offering “horrible advice for a dollar”. The Venice Beach Skate Park showcases talented skateboarders, while the historic Muscle Beach displays buff athletes working out where legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno once trained.
Venice Beach Boardwalk Best Times
The right timing makes your visit better. Weekdays see fewer crowds than weekends, and mornings bring a peaceful atmosphere as locals tend to “sleep in”. The boardwalk draws about 28,000 to 30,000 visitors each day, so planning helps.
Pro tip: Our Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard should be your first stop. The expert guides there can help plan your perfect visit time and share local secrets about combining your Venice Beach trip with nearby attractions.
Artists work in all kinds of mediums on the boardwalk, from watercolors to graffiti art. Street performers show off their skills through acrobatics and musical performances, which makes each visit special and fun.
The Getty Center
Image Source: Getty Museum
The Getty Center, a masterpiece of modern architecture, sits in the Santa Monica Mountains where exceptional art meets stunning design—and it’s completely free to visit. This cultural gem draws approximately 1.8 million visitors annually and offers a remarkable artistic experience at no cost.
Getty Center Art Collections
The museum holds a wealth of European artworks from the Middle Ages to present day. More than 400 notable European paintings created before 1900 grace its walls. You’ll find masterpieces including:
- Van Gogh’s mesmerizing “Irises”
- Manet’s vibrant “Jeanne (Spring)”
- Turner’s dramatic “Modern Rome”
- Rembrandt’s intriguing “An Old Man in Military Costume”
Getty Center Gardens
Robert Irwin designed the Central Garden, a living artwork that spans 134,000 square feet. This evolving masterpiece features more than 500 varieties of plant material. The landscape transforms dramatically through the seasons. Pro tip: Make sure to see the bougainvillea-draped trellises and the stunning azalea maze around the central pool.
Getty Center Views
Breathtaking panoramas stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the San Gabriel Mountains from this hilltop location. The complex itself amazes visitors with its 1.2 million square feet of Italian travertine that reflects Southern California’s light differently throughout the day.
Our expert guides at the Hollywood Visitor Center, located at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard, can help plan the perfect time for your visit. Best visiting strategy: Weekday mornings have smaller crowds, and the free GettyGuide app enhances self-guided tours of the collections.
The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Saturday hours extended until 8:00 p.m.. While admission costs nothing, note that a small parking fee applies—but the spectacular art, gardens, and views make it one of LA’s best free attractions.
Runyon Canyon Park
Image Source: LAParks.org
Want an outdoor adventure right in Hollywood’s heart? Runyon Canyon Park sits just minutes from the busy streets and draws nearly 2 million visitors each year. This park ranks among the best free activities in Los Angeles with breathtaking city views.
Runyon Canyon Hiking Trails
The park features three distinct trails that suit different fitness levels:
- Hero Trail: A challenging route with steep inclines
- Star Trail: Perfect for casual walks and families
- Runyon Canyon Road: A gentler paved path ideal for beginners
Each path ranges from 1.6 to 3.5 miles and delivers its own special experience. The trails accommodate everyone from seasoned hikers to those who prefer a scenic walk.
Runyon Canyon Viewpoints
The climb rewards you with LA’s most spectacular views. Clear days reveal panoramic sights from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean. Must-see spots include:
- Clouds Rest: Stunning 360-degree views await at 1,040 feet elevation
- Inspiration Point: A perfect spot to rest while taking in Hollywood’s beauty
Runyon Canyon Tips
The park welcomes visitors daily from sunrise to sunset. Here’s what you should know:
- Best Time: Early morning or late evening helps you dodge crowds and find parking easily
- Water: You’ll find fountains throughout the park
- Dogs Welcome: Pet owners love the 90-acre off-leash areas
The Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard stands ready to help. Our guides know the trails inside out and can give you detailed maps and tips about nearby attractions. They’ll help plan your visit’s timing and share secret photo spots along the trails.
Pro tip: Bring your camera – you’ll want shots of the Hollywood Sign, downtown skyline, and if luck’s on your side, a celebrity or two working out at this popular spot.
The Broad Museum
Image Source: www.thebroad.org
The Broad in Downtown LA stands as a beacon of contemporary art. You can explore one of the world’s leading collections of postwar and contemporary art completely free. This architectural marvel showcases over 2,000 works by nearly 200 artists. It ranks among the best free activities Los Angeles has to offer.
The Broad Collections
Contemporary masterpieces await you here. The museum’s collection features amazing works by celebrated artists:
- Jean-Michel Basquiat’s bold street art-inspired pieces
- Jeff Koons’ playful sculptures
- Cindy Sherman’s thought-provoking photographs
- Andy Warhol’s iconic pop art
- Yayoi Kusama’s mesmerizing installations
The Broad Special Exhibits
Kusama’s famous Infinity Mirror Rooms will be the highlight of your visit. The permanent collection features two of these spectacular installations. The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away creates an immersive experience with LED lights and mirrors. Longing for Eternity lets you peek through porthole-like windows into a magical world.
The Broad Visitor Information
The museum opens Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with late nights until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Weekend hours run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Pro tip: General admission stays free, but you should reserve a timed ticket ahead.
Our Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard welcomes you before your museum visit. We can help plan your perfect visit time and share local tips about nearby attractions. We’ll show you how to get same-day reservations for the Infinity Mirror Room experience, which become available daily.
Museum parking costs $17 for three hours with validation. Save money by taking the Metro to Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill Station. You can reach the museum directly through the East West Bank Plaza.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Image Source: Hollywood Walk of Fame
Take a stroll along one of LA’s most iconic landmarks, where Hollywood history meets sidewalk stardom. The Hollywood Walk of Fame runs through 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. This star-studded experience attracts over 10 million visitors each year.
Walk of Fame Highlights
Your trip through entertainment history has 2,800 coral-pink terrazzo stars, each with its own story of fame and achievement. The stars come in six categories. Motion pictures claim 47% of the stars, television gets 24%, and music takes 17%. Fun fact: Around 30 new stars join this legendary lineup yearly. You might catch one of the free public star ceremonies if you time your visit right.
Walk of Fame Photo Spots
Get your Hollywood moments at these picture-perfect locations:
- TCL Chinese Theater area – home to many A-list celebrities’ stars
- Hollywood & Highland intersection – offering the best Hollywood Sign views
- Dolby Theater entrance – where Oscar winners’ stars shine
- Historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel – surrounded by legendary performers’ stars
Walk of Fame Tips
Smart timing makes all the difference at this free attraction. Early mornings or weekdays are a great way to get unobstructed photos and a more relaxed experience. Begin at our Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard. Our expert guides can map out your favorite stars’ locations and share fascinating stories about Hollywood’s golden age.
Pro tip: The official Walk of Fame app helps you locate specific stars easily. The walk spans 1.3 miles, but most action happens between Highland Avenue and Vine Street. Our guided tours let you find the hidden stories behind each star while our knowledgeable guides bring Hollywood’s rich history to life.
The Walk of Fame isn’t just another tourist spot – it’s a living monument to entertainment history. Each star costs about $50,000 to install and maintain. You can hunt for your favorite celebrity’s star or soak in the electric atmosphere. This free attraction gives you a genuine piece of Hollywood magic.
Santa Monica Beach
Image Source: Santa Monica
The pristine sands of Santa Monica State Beach stretch 3.5 miles along the shoreline. This makes it one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles. You’ll discover a sun-soaked paradise with volleyball games and spectacular sunset views without spending anything.
Santa Monica Beach Activities
Your beach day packs plenty of free entertainment options. The beach features:
- Six volleyball courts ready for pickup games on a first-come basis
- Beach soccer courts perfect for casual matches
- A beautiful bike path running three miles along the coast
- The historic Original Muscle Beach complete with retro gym equipment
- Soft, pristine sand ideal for swimming and sunbathing
Pro tip: Most courts stay open for public use throughout the day. Just check if they’re reserved for events before you head over.
Santa Monica Beach Views
The legendary Santa Monica sunset puts on nature’s free show daily. Watch the sky paint itself in vibrant colors over the Pacific as day melts into dusk. Any spot along the 3.5-mile stretch of sand gives you perfect views of the sun sinking into the ocean.
Santa Monica Beach Access
Visitors can enjoy the beach from sunrise to sunset every day. Eight convenient parking lots line the beach, though they aren’t free. Summer months get busy quickly, so early morning arrival works best to grab your spot.
Stop by our Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard before your beach trip. Our expert guides will help plan your perfect beach day with tips about the best visiting times. We know how to combine your beach adventure with nearby attractions and can share quiet sunset spots and popular volleyball court locations.
Insider tip: Local celebrities sometimes visit the beach to enjoy a slice of normal life, so keep your eyes open. Santa Monica Beach gives you one of LA’s most memorable free experiences, whether you want active fun or peaceful relaxation.
Downtown Arts District
Image Source: Discover Los Angeles
Find an outdoor gallery where creativity flows through the streets. The Arts District has transformed from an industrial zone of warehouses and factories into one of LA’s most exciting creative hubs. This area features the city’s largest collection of street art and mural displays.
Arts District Murals
Locals call this place a “virtual outdoor art gallery” where colorful street art, graffiti, and murals turn building walls into canvases. Notable works include Helena’s spray-painted masterpieces and Hueman’s commissioned wall murals. New artists add their vision to this ever-changing outdoor exhibition continuously.
Arts District Galleries
LA’s most innovative art spaces include:
- Art Share L.A.: A 28,000 square-foot creative center showcases exhibitions and events in a former textile recycling factory
- The Box Gallery: A contemporary art space displays state-of-the-art installations
- Hauser & Wirth: A world-class gallery operates from a historic industrial complex
Arts District Experience
This vibrant neighborhood has become one of the best free activities in Los Angeles. Walkable streets lined with boutiques, coffee shops, and bars welcome art enthusiasts. The district started as a haven for struggling artists in the mid-1980s and grew into a thriving creative community.
Our Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard helps plan your visit to the Arts District. Expert guides can map out the perfect art walk route and highlight the most impressive murals and galleries. They share insider tips about the best times to visit, including monthly art walks that attract thousands of culture enthusiasts.
Pro tip: Weekdays offer the best experience when galleries open their doors. Morning light creates ideal conditions to photograph the stunning murals. Bring your camera – the Arts District’s walls make excellent backdrops for memorable photos, with new artistic treasures around every corner.
Watts Towers
Image Source: Watts Towers Arts Center
The Watts Towers, a remarkable example of folk art in America, rise like a dream from the heart of South Los Angeles. These 17 interconnected sculptural towers represent one of the most fascinating free attractions in Los Angeles. Simon Rodia, an Italian immigrant, built them single-handedly over 33 years.
Watts Towers History
The story of this architectural wonder begins with remarkable determination. Simon Rodia started this masterpiece in 1921 and worked for over three decades. He used only the simplest hand tools without any support structure. He spent his days as a construction laborer and nights as an artist, turning his triangular-shaped lot into what would become an iconic Los Angeles landmark.
Watts Towers Architecture
The towers feature an extraordinary mix of materials, including:
- Broken glass and pottery pieces
- Seashells and rocks
- Glazed tiles (over 15,000 pieces)
- Bottle fragments from 7-UP and Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia
- Faucet handles and heating grates
The tallest structure soars 99.5 feet into the California sky, creating a striking silhouette against the urban backdrop. Fun fact: Rodia built everything without machine equipment, support, bolts, rivets, or even drawing board designs.
Watts Towers Visit Guide
Guided tours run on Thursdays and Fridays. These 30-minute tours let you examine the intricate details and learn the fascinating history of the towers up close. Our expert guides at the Hollywood Visitor Center, located at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard, can help you plan the perfect time to visit.
The site opened again in November 2022 after major restoration work. This makes it the perfect time to see this unique piece of Los Angeles history. Pro tip: You can view the towers from outside anytime, but guided tours give you the only chance to step inside the complex and truly appreciate Rodia’s remarkable vision.
Little Tokyo
Image Source: Discover Los Angeles
Little Tokyo brings a slice of Japan right to Los Angeles! This historic district stands as one of just three remaining Japantowns in the United States. You can explore over 140 years of rich Japanese-American heritage here without spending anything.
Little Tokyo Culture
This vibrant district was once home to the largest Japanese community in the United States. Little Tokyo remains a vital cultural center where authentic Japanese traditions come alive through festivals and events. The annual Nisei Week festival lights up August with its grand parade, cultural performances, and traditional Japanese entertainment.
Little Tokyo Gardens
The James Irvine Japanese Garden stands as one of Little Tokyo’s hidden treasures. This urban oasis welcomes visitors with:
- A peaceful babbling stream and cascading waterfall
- Traditional Japanese landscaping
- Quiet meditation spots
- Well-kept foliage
Pro tip: You’ll find this hidden gem by entering through the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center. Check in at the information window and take the elevator to level B.
Little Tokyo Attractions
The district offers free access to some of the city’s most important cultural spots:
- Japanese American National Museum – telling Japanese-American history
- Japanese American Cultural & Community Center – across 150 acres
- Historic Buddhist temples
- The “Home is Little Tokyo” mural showing 100 years of community history
Our Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard helps you plan your Little Tokyo visit. Our guides know the best times to visit, especially during special events like Oshogatsu (New Year’s celebration) or the summer Natsumatsuri Family Festival. They’ll share the best photo spots and help you uncover hidden spots in this cultural hub.
Japanese culture values gardens as an art form that creates harmony with nature. Little Tokyo’s peaceful corners and lively streets make it one of the best free experiences in Los Angeles.
Venice Canals
Image Source: Venice Canals Informative
A peaceful oasis sits between the bustling Venice Boardwalk and trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The Venice Canals feel worlds away from the urban buzz. Built in 1905, they were part of Abbot Kinney’s ambitious “Venice of America” project and remain one of Los Angeles’s most picturesque free attractions.
Venice Canals History
These historic waterways showcase Abbot Kinney’s vision that changed saltwater marshlands into a pedestrian-friendly coastal playground. The original development had seven canals, four islands, and a large saltwater lagoon. Six waterways remain today: Carroll, Linnie, Howland, Sherman, Eastern, and Grand. They stretch about one and a half miles.
Venice Canals Highlights
The serene waterways feature:
- Nine charming footbridges that make perfect photo spots
- A peaceful duck pond
- A children’s play area
- A monarch butterfly garden
- Architecture ranging from modern designs to vintage bungalows
Natural tidal flushing cycles keep the canals pristine twice weekly. Fun fact: Seals and leopard sharks sometimes venture through the open tidal gates during these cycles.
Venice Canals Photography
The best shots start at Washington and Strongs Drive’s corner, where a sign marks the enclave’s entrance. A public boat launch welcomes non-motorized watercraft from 9 am to 6 pm, offering unique photo angles from the water.
Our Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard can help plan your visit. Our expert guides know the best photo spots along these historic waterways. We share insider tips about hidden gems most tourists miss, like the children’s play area and butterfly garden. The Venice Canals remain one of the best free activities for families in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Los Angeles shows that magic doesn’t need deep pockets. The city’s 11 free attractions range from world-class art at The Getty to breathtaking coastal views at Santa Monica Beach. These destinations let you create lasting memories as you learn about the city’s rich culture, natural beauty, and entertainment legacy.
The Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard marks the perfect starting point for your LA adventure. Expert guides help you make the most of these free attractions. They’ll map the quickest routes between spots, tell you about special events, and point out photo spots that most tourists overlook.
Want to learn more about Hollywood’s famous landmarks? Our guides bring iconic locations to life with fascinating stories and insider knowledge you won’t find in guidebooks. The free attractions let you experience authentic Los Angeles without spending money, from the spectacular city views at Griffith Observatory to finding your favorite star on the Walk of Fame.
