The first thing you’ll notice about Los Angeles is how huge it is. It seems to stretch as far as the eye can see, with heaps of places to explore. Thankfully, this usually means there are lots of the best free things to do in Los Angeles.
Now, to me, Los Angeles feels like a cluster of smaller cities that have come together for a dinner party. You know, the type where all your friends from different aspects of your life (school, work, neighbours, etc) come together.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned traveller to the city, there’s always something to do in Los Angeles. It’s just one of those places where some of the best things to do are totally free.
So, to help you along your way, I’m jotting a few of my favourite spots you don’t want to miss when visiting Los Angeles. Have an amazing time in California.
1.) Head inside The Broad
Home to over 2,000 pieces of art, The Broad is an iconic gallery that and one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles if you love modern art.
Not everyone realises but General Admission tickets to The Broad are totally free. If you don’t make your free reservation online, head over to the ‘standby line’ which allows entry to people who don’t have tickets.
If on the other hand, you’re prepping for your trip in advance, make sure to book a few months before your visit, it’s the best way to secure your entry.
Top tip: If you tend not to like art, you might wanna give the entry a miss.
Read more: Best things to do in Los Angeles
2.) Hike Runyon Canyon (or Griffith Park)
Perched at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains is the perfect place for ramblers and hikers to take a break from city life.
One of the best things about Runyon Canyon is that there’s a trail for each type of hiker (that starts from Fuller Gate).
If you’re looking for a stroll, head on the Runyon Canyon Road trail. If you’re looking to break s sweat, head onto the Star Trail, and if you’re looking for a little cardio exercise, head onto the Hero Trail.
You’ll get some epic views of the city, too!
Read more: Amazing Places in California to Visit
3.) Find the Hollywood Sign
It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the city and has become one of the global symbols of LA, which you’ve gotta see. Yes, it’s just a sign and yes, you’ll probably be done after 30 minutes but you’re in LA, so why not?
One area to get a great shot is at Beachwood Canyon but you’ll find lots of places in the city.
Read more: Best things to do in Los Angeles
4.) Explore the Griffith Observatory and Park
Another classic Los Angeles location is the famous Griffith Observatory featured in one of the most famous scenes of the Oscar-winning film La La Land.
It has stunning views of the Hollywood Hills as well as beautiful Art Deco architecture for you to admire.
Make a day of it by visiting the observatory and then heading to the park for a picnic or simply unwind. It really is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles; especially for views.
Read more: Best things to do in Los Angeles
5.) Stroll through Rodeo Drive
Located in Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is home to some of the most exclusive shopping and dining options in Los Angeles and makes a great place to come and window shop and people watch.
Saunter down this two-mile-long street and take a pit stop at The Beverly Hills Hotel for a scrummy bite to eat at the Polo Lounge.
Read more: Best things to do in Los Angeles
6.) Relax a Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and was once the very end of Route 66.
It’s now home to a carnival that features a vintage merry-go-round and speedy Ferris wheel as well as a roller coaster and snazzy arcade games.
If you’re lucky you might catch one of many free twilight concerts that are staged there throughout the year.
7.) Yoga on Venice Beach
Besides being mega-watt famous and worth a visit in and of itself, Venice Beach is also home to free beach-side yoga classes and concerts.
It also features a pavilion with cute cafes and eateries where you can refuel and chillout too.
8.) Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Although, not my favourite thing to do in the city, no trip would be complete without a visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles where you’ll spot your favourite movie star’s star.
Once you’ve arrived, search for your favourite actors and actress stars, wander around to see whose hands and feet prints easily match yours and remember to take lots of alcohol gel.
All I could think about was how many germs were being passed around when thousands of people touched these every hour. Ha!
9.) See Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
Located right next to the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard, is a must-see landmark in LA.
The impressive façade is one of the most iconic theatres in the country and one you can easily spot when visiting the Walk of Fame.
10.) Enjoy The Getty Centre & Getty Villa
Spend a day soaking up the culture at the Getty Centre, admiring thousands of paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures from across the world.
It’s so incredible and one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles that’s world-renowned. The Exhibitions Pavilion affords fantastic views across Los Angeles, too, so you can make the most out of your visit here.
11.) Discover Sunset Boulevard
This glitzy, showstopper of a Boulevard combines classic Hollywood glamour with modern LA chic.
It has functioned as the centre of Hollywood nightlife since the 1920s and dazzles with neon signs, flashing lights and gleaming billboards.
Make sure to visit Book Soup, the most iconic bookshop in Los Angeles and party it up at places like Whisky a Go Go where artists like Bruce Springsteen, Guns N’ Roses and The Doors took off.
This is one amazing place to experience and much less a ‘sparklers in vodka bottles’ establishment and a much more real and authentic slice of Los Angeles.
Read more: Best things to do in Los Angeles
12.) Gorge at the Grand Central Market
If the stars in your eyes have gotten a little too bright, then you can always head to the Grand Central Market.
Although it might not be one of the free things to do in Los Angeles, you’ll have to stop for a bite at some time during your trip.
Here, you can spend a good few hours getting lost amongst the stalls, sampling delicious cuisine and possibly spend a few dollars gorging on all the local produce that I guarantee you’ll devour as soon as you arrive.
Afterwards, you can head over to Los Angeles Central Library (a 10-minute walk away) and see the most beautiful library on the West Coast. It’s stunning.
Read more: Best things to do in Los Angeles
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