{"id":89199,"date":"2025-01-03T02:00:39","date_gmt":"2025-01-03T02:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/03\/16-fascinating-free-things-to-do-in-los-angeles-in-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-01-03T02:00:39","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T02:00:39","slug":"16-fascinating-free-things-to-do-in-los-angeles-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/03\/16-fascinating-free-things-to-do-in-los-angeles-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Fascinating & Free Things To Do in Los Angeles in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Believe it or not, exploring Los Angeles doesn\u2019t have to be costly. <\/p>\n

There are several free museums, loads of scenic hikes and cultural experiences in the various neighbourhoods, there\u2019s iconic landmarks to get a selfie with, so read on to enjoy a free Los Angeles adventure<\/strong> and make the most of this exciting city!<\/p>\n

Here are some of LA\u2019s best free experiences that will let you enjoy this vibrant city without even opening your wallet.<\/p>\n

1. The Getty Center \u2013 A Must-See Masterpiece<\/h3>\n
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The stunning Getty Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Getty Center is one of LA\u2019s finest treasures\u2014and the best thing is, it has\u00a0free admission<\/strong>! <\/p>\n

This cultural hub in the hills is home to a\u00a0vast collection<\/strong>\u00a0of art from masters like Van Gogh, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama. You\u2019ll 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\u2019s the architecture that I think I love just as much.<\/p>\n

2. Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory \u2013 Iconic LA Views and Stargazing<\/h3>\n

Griffith Park is LA\u2019s backyard, and it\u2019s free! Even getting into the Obseervatory and looking at all the space exhibits and telescopes are free.<\/p>\n

You can hike through scenic trails to get up here, or take the bus, or Uber\/taxi, and once here you\u2019ll be wowed by the jaw-dropping views of the\u00a0Hollywood Sign<\/strong>\u00a0and cityscape. Come late afternoon and stay to watch the sunset and the lights start twinkling over the City of Angels.<\/p>\n

3. Hike to the Hollywood Sign<\/h3>\n

From your vantage point at Griffith Oservatory<\/strong> you can see the Hollywood Sign<\/strong>, which is fun walk to do. I did it on a tour<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

There are trails of various lengths and levels of fitness, so the best thing to do (if you\u2019re not booking a walking tour) is to download one of these free Hollywood Sign hiking maps<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n

4. Hollywood Forever Cemetery \u2013 A Unique and Memorable Experience<\/h3>\n

Visiting a cemetery might sound unusual, but\u00a0Hollywood Forever Cemetery<\/strong>\u00a0is no ordinary resting place. Here, you\u2019ll 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<\/strong>\u00a0and special events.<\/p>\n

In summer months they show outdoor movies in here<\/a>. 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).<\/p>\n

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We bought a cheap picnic blanket and food and had a rumpty old time watching Grease!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

5. See a Live TV Show Taping<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Check here for info on how to see shows<\/a> like America\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n

6. Visit Farmer\u2019s Markets \u2013 A Tasty, Budget-Friendly Shop & Eat<\/h3>\n
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Silverlake Market on a sunny day in LA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Original Farmers Market<\/strong>, opened in 1934 and is an LA landmark. It is filled with\u00a0fresh produce<\/strong>, local food vendors, and some of LA\u2019s\u00a0best restaurants<\/strong>. It\u2019s connected to The Grove, which is also on my list of the five best places to shop in Los Angeles<\/a>. Sunday-Thursday 10am-8pm; Friday-Saturday 10a- 9pm. Located 6333 W. 3rd St.<\/p>\n

Hollywood Farmer\u2019s Market<\/strong> : Sundays 8am -1pm. Located 1600 Ivar Ave (at Selma Ave).<\/p>\n

Silver Lake Farmer\u2019s Market<\/strong> : Tuesdays 1:30pm \u2013 7pm and Saturdays 8am-1:30pm. Located Sunset Triangle Plaza, 1500 Griffith Park Blvd.<\/p>\n

Historic LA Downtown Farmer\u2019s Market<\/strong> : Sundays 9am-3pm. Located W. Fifth Street between S. Spring and S. Broadway.<\/p>\n

Santa Monica Farmer\u2019s Markets<\/strong> : Downtown Santa Monica (Wednesdays and Saturdays), Virginia Avenue Park (Saturdays). It\u2019s the Wednesday market that is the most popular for its food and where many of LA\u2019s chefs come to buy their fresh produce. Wednesdays and Saturdays: 8am \u2013 1pm. Located 155-199 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica<\/p>\n

Marina Del Ray Farmers Market<\/strong> : Saturdays 9am-2pm. Located Parking Lot #11, Intersection of Via Marina and Panay Way.<\/p>\n

See all the Los Angeles Farmer\u2019s Markets at Discover LA<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7. LA Museums \u2013 Get Cultured for Free!<\/h3>\n

Several museums in LA offer free admission or specific free days each month.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"The\"The\"The
The spectacular Broad Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Hammer Museum<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0California Science Center<\/strong>\u00a0offer free daily entry, allowing you to explore contemporary art or science exhibits without any admission fee. At the California Science Center, don\u2019t miss the\u00a0space shuttle Endeavour<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 an incredible sight for space enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

The Broad<\/strong>, downtown, is a spectacular building founded by\u00a0philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad\u00a0on Grand Avenue. It\u2019s 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<\/a> as space is limited.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

See a full list of LA museums with free entry at DiscoverLA<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8. Olvera Street \u2013 A Lively Cultural Hub with Historic Charm<\/h3>\n
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Shopping along Olvera Street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Olvera Street, part of the oldest neighborhood in LA, gives you a taste of Mexico with its colorful stalls, street performers, and traditional food. <\/p>\n

Strolling this charming street is free; you can enjoy live music, vibrant murals, and cultural events. It\u2019s the\u00a0perfect place<\/strong>\u00a0to pick up affordable souvenirs, experience local arts, and take a\u00a0self-guided tour<\/strong>\u00a0through LA\u2019s roots.<\/p>\n

9. Get an Insta Shot on the Micheltorena Stairs<\/h3>\n
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Neil Finn taking the famous Micheltorena steps in Silver Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Head to Silver Lake<\/strong>, 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<\/p>\n

I said hi to Kiwi musician Neil Finn on those stairs. That\u2019s 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<\/a> in a cool hotel in Beverly Hills\u2026<\/p>\n

10. Hollywood Boulevard and Walk of Fame \u2013 Stroll with the Stars<\/h3>\n
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Zoro stands waiting for a photo op on the Hollywood Walk of Fame<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

It\u2019s a classic LA experience, and it\u2019s free! Hollywood Boulevard is lined with stars on the\u00a0Hollywood Walk of Fame<\/strong> so many names you know \u2013 and plenty more you\u2019ve probably never heard of.<\/p>\n

A\u00a0short walk<\/strong>\u00a0will take you to the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre, home to the Oscars. It\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n

11. Venice Beach Boardwalk \u2013 For People Watching and Local Art<\/h3>\n
\n
\"The\"The\"The
The view from Erwin Hotel over Venice Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Venice Beach Boardwalk<\/strong> is known for its quirky atmosphere and street performers, making it one of LA\u2019s best free attractions for people-watching. <\/p>\n

Along this stretch of sand, you\u2019ll see\u00a0local artists<\/strong>, street musicians, skateboarders, and plenty of unique characters. It\u2019s an\u00a0ideal spot<\/strong>\u00a0for a relaxed day by the beach, enjoying Southern California\u2019s sunshine and vibrant energy. You can get here from Santa Monica Pier by bike or walk the two miles (or grab a taxi!)<\/p>\n

12. Exposition Park \u2013 Gardens, Museums, and Relaxation<\/h3>\n
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\"The\"The\"The
The Natural History Museum and roses at Exposition Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Exposition Park is a\u00a0great place<\/strong>\u00a0for a budget-friendly day out. It\u2019s home to the beautiful\u00a0Exposition Park Rose Garden<\/strong> over 7.5-acres with over 15,000 rose bushes, the\u00a0California Science Center<\/strong>, the\u00a0Natural History Museum<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

It has free entry to the Science Center and Rose Garden, so you can enjoy educational and scenic experiences in one location!<\/p>\n

13. Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills \u2013 Window Shopping at its Finest!<\/h3>\n
\n
\"Shopper\"Shopper\"Shopper
Always keep your eyes peeled on Rodeo Drive for famous people!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

A visit to\u00a0Rodeo Drive<\/strong>\u00a0is a\u00a0fun thing<\/strong>\u00a0to do, even if shopping isn\u2019t on your list. The luxury stores and\u00a0Beverly Hills<\/strong> atmosphere make for a memorable walk, and you never know \u2013 you might even spot a celebrity<\/a>! Stroll down this iconic street, admire the high-end storefronts, and take in the glamorous side of LA.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/em> 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\u2019t have a few thousand to spend!<\/p>\n

14. Grand Avenue and Walt Disney Concert Hall \u2013 LA\u2019s Architectural Gems<\/h3>\n
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The spectacular Walt Disney Concert Hall!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Downtown LA\u2019s\u00a0Grand Avenue<\/strong>\u00a0is a cultural corridor, home to the stunning\u00a0Walt Disney Concert Hall<\/strong>\u00a0designed by Frank Gehry. <\/p>\n

You can take\u00a0free self-guided tours<\/strong>\u00a0around the concert hall, marveling at its curves and architectural beauty. Grand Avenue also boasts art venues like The Broad<\/strong> and the MOCA<\/strong>, where you can see works by artists such as Andy Warhol.<\/p>\n

15. Santa Monica Pier \u2013 Classic Fun on the Pacific Coast<\/h3>\n
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Santa Monica Pier, standing almost at the end of Route 66<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

End your budget-friendly LA tour with a visit to the\u00a0Santa Monica Pier<\/strong>. This\u00a0iconic destination<\/strong>\u00a0has street performers, food stalls, and photo-worthy ocean views, all without an admission fee. <\/p>\n

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\u00a0Pacific Coast Highway<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

(You can see my driving itinerary from LA to San Francisco<\/a> and download it for free if you wish).<\/p>\n

Bonus Free Events: Beverly Hills Spring Art Show<\/strong> (May 17 & 18, 2025) and Fall Art Show in October<\/h3>\n

This outdoor art show has been running for 50 years in Beverly Hills, spread over four garden blocks in Beverly Gardens<\/strong>. It\u2019s free to browse all the paintings and sculptures in pop up tents, but guard your wallet lest you see a piece you can\u2019t afford! This is one of the biggest art shows on the west coast.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

More of my Los Angeles posts if you\u2019re still looking for more ideas<\/h3>\n
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Believe it or not, exploring Los Angeles doesn\u2019t have to be costly. There are several free museums, loads of scenic hikes and cultural experiences in<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":89200,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[183,179],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-89199","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spotlight","category-travel"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89199","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=89199"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89199\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/89200"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=89199"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=89199"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=89199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}