Believe it or not, exploring Los Angeles doesn’t have to be costly.
There are several free museums, loads of scenic hikes and cultural experiences in the various neighbourhoods, there’s iconic landmarks to get a selfie with, so read on to enjoy a free Los Angeles adventure and make the most of this exciting city!
Here are some of LA’s best free experiences that will let you enjoy this vibrant city without even opening your wallet.
1. The Getty Center – A Must-See Masterpiece
The Getty Center is one of LA’s finest treasures—and the best thing is, it has free admission!
This cultural hub in the hills is home to a vast collection of art from masters like Van Gogh, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama. You’ll love wandering the galleries looking at the art work in various rooms, soaking in the impressive architecture, and relaxing in the gardens with a panoramic city view. But it’s the architecture that I think I love just as much.
2. Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory – Iconic LA Views and Stargazing
Griffith Park is LA’s backyard, and it’s free! Even getting into the Obseervatory and looking at all the space exhibits and telescopes are free.
You can hike through scenic trails to get up here, or take the bus, or Uber/taxi, and once here you’ll be wowed by the jaw-dropping views of the Hollywood Sign and cityscape. Come late afternoon and stay to watch the sunset and the lights start twinkling over the City of Angels.
3. Hike to the Hollywood Sign
From your vantage point at Griffith Oservatory you can see the Hollywood Sign, which is fun walk to do. I did it on a tour, which I enjoyed because our guide was funny and had lots of tales to tell of celebs. But you can walk up the trails for free, however I suggest you download a map.
There are trails of various lengths and levels of fitness, so the best thing to do (if you’re not booking a walking tour) is to download one of these free Hollywood Sign hiking maps.
4. Hollywood Forever Cemetery – A Unique and Memorable Experience
Visiting a cemetery might sound unusual, but Hollywood Forever Cemetery is no ordinary resting place. Here, you’ll find graves of legendary stars like Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, and Cecil B. DeMille. Throughout the year, the cemetery also hosts movie screenings and special events.
In summer months they show outdoor movies in here. Everything from spooky horrors among the gravestones to Grease where everyone dresses up and sings along. (You need to buy tickets for the movies though).
5. See a Live TV Show Taping
The home of the big and small screen always needs live audiences to laugh at the jokes. Tickets are free, but you do need to book them well in advance to be sure you get the show you want.
Check here for info on how to see shows like America’s Got Talent, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Jimmy Kimmell Live, The Voice, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and practice your best canned laughter and applause!
6. Visit Farmer’s Markets – A Tasty, Budget-Friendly Shop & Eat
The Original Farmers Market, opened in 1934 and is an LA landmark. It is filled with fresh produce, local food vendors, and some of LA’s best restaurants. It’s connected to The Grove, which is also on my list of the five best places to shop in Los Angeles. Sunday-Thursday 10am-8pm; Friday-Saturday 10a- 9pm. Located 6333 W. 3rd St.
Hollywood Farmer’s Market : Sundays 8am -1pm. Located 1600 Ivar Ave (at Selma Ave).
Silver Lake Farmer’s Market : Tuesdays 1:30pm – 7pm and Saturdays 8am-1:30pm. Located Sunset Triangle Plaza, 1500 Griffith Park Blvd.
Historic LA Downtown Farmer’s Market : Sundays 9am-3pm. Located W. Fifth Street between S. Spring and S. Broadway.
Santa Monica Farmer’s Markets : Downtown Santa Monica (Wednesdays and Saturdays), Virginia Avenue Park (Saturdays). It’s the Wednesday market that is the most popular for its food and where many of LA’s chefs come to buy their fresh produce. Wednesdays and Saturdays: 8am – 1pm. Located 155-199 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica
Marina Del Ray Farmers Market : Saturdays 9am-2pm. Located Parking Lot #11, Intersection of Via Marina and Panay Way.
See all the Los Angeles Farmer’s Markets at Discover LA.
7. LA Museums – Get Cultured for Free!
Several museums in LA offer free admission or specific free days each month.
The Hammer Museum and California Science Center offer free daily entry, allowing you to explore contemporary art or science exhibits without any admission fee. At the California Science Center, don’t miss the space shuttle Endeavour – an incredible sight for space enthusiasts.
The Broad, downtown, is a spectacular building founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad on Grand Avenue. It’s filled with over 2000 pieces of their collection of contemporary art, with permanent and rotating exhibitions. Admission is free, but you might want to get your ticket in advance as space is limited.
A few more to highlight are the Hollywood Bowl Museum, Holocaust Museum, MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), The Nethercutt Collection of antique and vintage cars.
See a full list of LA museums with free entry at DiscoverLA.
8. Olvera Street – A Lively Cultural Hub with Historic Charm
Olvera Street, part of the oldest neighborhood in LA, gives you a taste of Mexico with its colorful stalls, street performers, and traditional food.
Strolling this charming street is free; you can enjoy live music, vibrant murals, and cultural events. It’s the perfect place to pick up affordable souvenirs, experience local arts, and take a self-guided tour through LA’s roots.
9. Get an Insta Shot on the Micheltorena Stairs
Head to Silver Lake, brunch at one of the local cafes, and take a great selfie on the Micheltorena Stairs. Built in 1925, they were painted in 2015 by local artists
I said hi to Kiwi musician Neil Finn on those stairs. That’s Neil Finn of Split Enz fame, for those of you not across New Zealand music! Probably my most famous moment in LA. Oh, except for the time that an actor from Law and Order made me a cocktail in a cool hotel in Beverly Hills…
10. Hollywood Boulevard and Walk of Fame – Stroll with the Stars
It’s a classic LA experience, and it’s free! Hollywood Boulevard is lined with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame so many names you know – and plenty more you’ve probably never heard of.
A short walk will take you to the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre, home to the Oscars. It’s very crowded here, but you can snap your photos, and soak up the Hollywood magic without spending a dime (unless you photograph one of the dressed up superheroes who will want a tip).
11. Venice Beach Boardwalk – For People Watching and Local Art
Venice Beach Boardwalk is known for its quirky atmosphere and street performers, making it one of LA’s best free attractions for people-watching.
Along this stretch of sand, you’ll see local artists, street musicians, skateboarders, and plenty of unique characters. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed day by the beach, enjoying Southern California’s sunshine and vibrant energy. You can get here from Santa Monica Pier by bike or walk the two miles (or grab a taxi!)
12. Exposition Park – Gardens, Museums, and Relaxation
Exposition Park is a great place for a budget-friendly day out. It’s home to the beautiful Exposition Park Rose Garden over 7.5-acres with over 15,000 rose bushes, the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum.
It has free entry to the Science Center and Rose Garden, so you can enjoy educational and scenic experiences in one location!
13. Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills – Window Shopping at its Finest!
A visit to Rodeo Drive is a fun thing to do, even if shopping isn’t on your list. The luxury stores and Beverly Hills atmosphere make for a memorable walk, and you never know – you might even spot a celebrity! Stroll down this iconic street, admire the high-end storefronts, and take in the glamorous side of LA.
Tip: I was pleasantly surprised to find that N Beverly Drive, which runs parallel to Rodeo Drive, has affordable shops like Crate and Barrel, Lulu Lemon and the Cheesecake Factory, for when your wallet begins to burn a hole in your pocket but you don’t have a few thousand to spend!
14. Grand Avenue and Walt Disney Concert Hall – LA’s Architectural Gems
Downtown LA’s Grand Avenue is a cultural corridor, home to the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry.
You can take free self-guided tours around the concert hall, marveling at its curves and architectural beauty. Grand Avenue also boasts art venues like The Broad and the MOCA, where you can see works by artists such as Andy Warhol.
15. Santa Monica Pier – Classic Fun on the Pacific Coast
End your budget-friendly LA tour with a visit to the Santa Monica Pier. This iconic destination has street performers, food stalls, and photo-worthy ocean views, all without an admission fee.
Walk along the pier to the official end of Route 66 and take a photo of the sign, catch a sunset over the water, chat to the fishemen hanging rods over the side, and enjoy the lively energy of this famous spot on the Pacific Coast Highway.
(You can see my driving itinerary from LA to San Francisco and download it for free if you wish).
Bonus Free Events: Beverly Hills Spring Art Show (May 17 & 18, 2025) and Fall Art Show in October
This outdoor art show has been running for 50 years in Beverly Hills, spread over four garden blocks in Beverly Gardens. It’s free to browse all the paintings and sculptures in pop up tents, but guard your wallet lest you see a piece you can’t afford! This is one of the biggest art shows on the west coast.
I stumbled upon it one year and loved looking at the fabulous work, fun people-watching, and grabbing a lobster roll from one of the many food trucks.
