Traveling to Los Angeles can be expensive, so I've put together a list of free things to do. This is a compilation of exploring LA across 3 years!
The Getty
The Getty is one of those places that feels expensive but is actually free to visit. Come for the art and architecture, then stay for the gardens and panoramic views of Los Angeles; reserve a free timed ticket before visiting and keep in mind that parking costs extra.
See MoreHollywood Sign
Hiking to the Hollywood Sign is a classic LA experience that never really gets old, with several routes offering different distances and views. The sign originally read “HOLLYWOODLAND” when it was installed in 1923 as an advertisement for a real-estate development, and it was only supposed to last about 18 months.
See MoreLake Hollywood Park
Lake Hollywood Park is one of the easiest places to get a clear view of the Hollywood Sign without committing to a hike. Bring a blanket, sit on the grass and stay for sunset, but remember that it is surrounded by a residential neighborhood, so follow posted parking rules and keep noise down.
See MoreGreystone Mansion & Gardens: The Doheny Estate
Greystone Mansion is a historic Beverly Hills estate surrounded by landscaped gardens that are free to explore. Admission and parking for the grounds are free, but weddings, private events and filming can occasionally limit access to certain areas, especially on weekends.
See MoreVenice Canals
The Venice Canals are a peaceful residential pocket just a short walk from Venice Beach, making it easy to experience both in one trip. The canals date back to Abbot Kinney’s 1905 vision for a seaside community called “Venice of America,” so enjoy the walk while being respectful of the people who live there.
See MoreVenice Beach Boardwalk
Iconic boardwalk with shops along the beach. The skatepark is also iconic with people coming from all over the world to skate here.
See MoreRunyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon is my favorite quick hike in Los Angeles because it is short, steep and rewards you with wide-open views of the city. There are multiple routes depending on how challenging you want the hike to be, and designated areas allow dogs off leash; check current trail alerts and bring water because there are no restrooms inside the park.
See MoreThe Last Bookstore
The Last Bookstore is a massive independent bookstore housed inside a former Downtown LA bank. You can wander through rooms filled with books, vinyl and art, explore the old bank vaults and take photos inside the famous book tunnel—all without needing to purchase anything.
See MoreSanta Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier has been part of the coastline since 1909 and is home to the symbolic western end of Route 66. Walking the pier and enjoying the ocean views is free, while the amusement rides, games, food and parking cost extra.
See MoreUrban Light
Urban Light is Chris Burden’s outdoor installation made from 202 restored cast-iron streetlamps that once illuminated streets around Los Angeles. It was one of the first places I visited when I came to LA ten years ago, and it still feels different every time—especially when the lamps turn on after dark.
See MoreRodeo Drive Walk Of Style
You do not have to spend anything to enjoy Rodeo Drive—window shopping and people-watching are part of the experience.
See MoreBeverly Hills Sign
From Rodeo Drive, walk over to Beverly Gardens Park for a photo with the Beverly Hills sign and its restored lily pond.
See MoreAngels Flight Railway
Angels Flight is the self-described shortest railway in the world, carrying passengers between Hill Street and Grand Avenue since 1901. The short ride currently costs $1.50 each way, or less with a loaded TAP card, and the lower entrance is directly across from Grand Central Market.
See MorePoint Dume
Point Dume is one of my favorite places in Malibu, with dramatic cliffs, rocky coves, bluff-top trails and expansive ocean views. The final beach scene from the original Planet of the Apes was filmed here, and during whale-migration season you may even spot gray whales from the overlook.
See MoreGriffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is one of LA’s most iconic viewpoints, with free admission to its exhibits and public telescopes. The planetarium shows and nearby parking may cost extra, but you can also explore the surrounding Griffith Park trails for different views of the Observatory, Hollywood Sign and city skyline.
See More
BookBaldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook gives you one of the most complete views of the Los Angeles Basin, stretching from the skyline to the ocean and surrounding mountains. You can earn the view by climbing its 282 steps or taking the winding trail, then explore the quieter side of the overlook for one of my favorite low-key sunset views.
See MoreKorean Friendship Bell
The Korean Friendship Bell is a 17-ton bronze bell overlooking the Pacific Ocean from Angels Gate Park in San Pedro. South Korea presented it to the United States in 1976 to commemorate the American Bicentennial, and because it has no internal clapper, it is ceremonially rung by striking it from the outside with a wooden log.
See MoreThe Getty Villa
The Getty Villa is completely different from the Getty Center—you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a piece of ancient Rome. Admission is free with a timed reservation, but parking is currently $25, so plan to carpool if you can. It’s genuinely one of the prettiest places I’ve ever filmed in LA.
See MorePlaya Del Rey Beach
Playa del Rey is a quieter coastal escape with beautiful ocean views and photo-worthy residential streets. It’s a great alternative when you want a beach day without the energy and crowds of Venice or Santa Monica. Parking availability varies, so give yourself time to look for a spot.
See MoreManhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is one of LA’s more peaceful and polished beach communities. Walk along the pier, explore the nearby shops, or continue down The Strand for beautiful coastal views. Visiting the beach is free, but most convenient parking is metered.
See MoreHermosa Beach Pier
Hermosa Beach is one of the most underrated beach areas in LA. Its walkable pier plaza is filled with restaurants and bars, giving it fun vacation—or even bachelorette-weekend—energy. Pair it with Manhattan Beach since the two are right next to each other.
See MoreThe Grove
The Grove is an LA staple where you can walk around, people-watch and enjoy the atmosphere without spending anything. It’s especially magical during the holidays, when the entire property transforms with decorations, lights and its famous Christmas tree. Entry is free, but parking and shopping are not.
See MoreThe Original Farmers Market
Located directly beside The Grove, the Original Farmers Market has been part of LA since 1934. It’s packed with food stalls, specialty shops and longtime local vendors, making it a fun place to explore even if you aren’t buying a full meal. I’ve also been told that some of the best pickles are hiding here—let me know if you find them.
See MoreAscot Hills Park
Ascot Hills is a low-key hiking and sunset spot with beautiful views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline. The trails feel much quieter than LA’s better-known hikes, making it a great place to escape the crowds. Visit around golden hour for the most picturesque views.
See MoreWalt Disney Concert Hall
Walt Disney Concert Hall is worth visiting even if you aren’t attending a performance. Walk around Frank Gehry’s curved silver exterior, explore the public spaces and look for the Blue Ribbon Garden. I especially love visiting in the morning, when the light is soft and it feels like a peaceful escape from the busyness of downtown.
See MoreTCL Chinese Theatre
The TCL Chinese Theatre is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable landmarks and has hosted major movie premieres for nearly a century. Visit the famous forecourt to look for celebrity handprints, footprints and signatures. Exploring the exterior is free, while movies and guided tours require tickets.
See MoreHollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is touristy, chaotic and something everyone should probably experience at least once. Walk along Hollywood Boulevard searching for familiar names, then pair it with the TCL Chinese Theatre since they’re in the same area. The Walk of Fame is free, although nearby parking usually isn’t.
See More