25 Free Things to Do in LA That Let You See This Expensive City on the Cheap
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When you think of Los Angeles, you think of Hollywood and glitz and glamour — you don't necessarily think of it as a place to get a good deal. But believe it or not, the City of Angels has more free things than you might expect, from world-class museums to parks with Pacific Ocean and downtown views. Here's a list of fun and fabulous free things to do in LA.
1. Admire Amazing Art in the Getty Center
One of LA's top museums, The Getty Center, in an ultra modern building with incredible city views, has works from the likes of Isamu Noguchi, édouard Manet, and Vincent van Gogh.
2. Soak Up Fresh Air in Griffith Park
Griffith Park not only has scenic hiking trails, but The Griffith Observatory as well. The iconic attraction, free to the public, is on Mount Hollywood, and it features stargazing exhibits and public telescopes.
3. Window Shop Along Rodeo Drive
There's no cost to window-shop on LA's Rodeo Drive, one of the ritziest shopping streets in the world. You'll find all the top designers here, including Dior, Cartier, and Gucci, as well as local favorite GEARYS on Rodeo.
4. Visit The Broad Museum
Jeff Koons and Cindy Sherman are some of the artists represented at The Broad, a contemporary art museum that houses philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad's massive private collection.
5. Stop to Smell the Flowers
On UCLA's campus, there are two beautiful gardens that are free to the public: the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden and the 5-acre Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden.
6. Walk Along the Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica beach and pier, west of downtown, are musts for anyone visiting LA. Dip your toes in the Pacific and people-watch on the pier, which is lined with amusement rides and an aquarium.
7. Check Out World-Class Contemporary Art
The Marciano Art Foundation is LA's newest contemporary art museum. The free museum is from Guess co-founders Paul and Maurice Marciano, and it's housed in a former Masonic Temple.
8. Sign Up for a Free Walking Tour
Sign up for a free walking tour of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, the site of the city's original settlement in 1781. The complex includes Avila Adobe, LA's oldest building.
9. Browse the Historic Farmers Market
The original Farmers Market, located at the corner of Fairfax and Third, dates back to 1934, and while it's free to browse, bring a few dollars to buy treats like glazed donuts and local cheese.
10. Snap a Selfie With the Hollywood Sign
Take a hike to the famous Hollywood Sign (or close to it). While the grounds around the sign are off-limits, nearby trails in Griffith Park allow for photo-ready views of the iconic letters.
11. Go Hiking in Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park is a 130-acre park, just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard. It's one of LA's major green spaces and has numerous scenic hiking trails, many of which provide views of the Hollywood Hills and Pacific Ocean.
12. Marvel at the Monets in the Hammer Museum
The free Hammer Museum, now under the ownership of UCLA, houses the private collection of industrialist Armand Hammer. Expect works from Claude Monet, Rembrandt, and other masters.
13. People-Watch in Venice Beach
World-famous Venice Beach is known for its over-the-top boardwalk scene. You'll see everyone from street performers and joggers, to artists and muscle heads at this iconic California strand.
14. Join the Tourists on Hollywood Boulevard
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, on numerous blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, is where you'll see the starred names of your favorite celebrities embedded in the sidewalk.
15. Be Part of a Live Studio Audience
If you're a fan Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune, or late-night shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live!, you can be part of the live taping. While the tickets are free, they typically must be obtained in advance. Check sites like TV Tix and 1iota for tickets.
16. Discover the California African American Museum
The California African American Museum has an extensive collection of ceremonial pieces, paintings, textiles, and photographs that vividly tell the story of the African American experiences.
17. Enter Foodie Heaven at Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market, a downtown landmark since 1917, has dozens of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to grass-fed meat. Plus, there are eateries like Eggslut and Horse Thief BBQ. It's perfect for a casual affordable lunch, but there's no charge for looking!
18. Listen to Third Street Promenade Buskers
Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade is a pedestrian-only strip lined with shops and restaurants. It's also home to street performers, including magicians and musicians (singer-songwriter Andy Grammer spent years busking here).
19. Join an Outdoor Yoga Class
Downtown's Grand Park, just minutes from The Broad Museum and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, has free events throughout the year, including live music, art classes, dance performances, and even yoga classes.
20. Tour the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels
Free guided tours of the starkly designed Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels are offered every weekday at 1 p.m. and last a little over an hour. Your guide will discuss this Catholic church's history, art, and architecture of the building and its grounds.
21. Take a Free Brewery Tour
Angel City Brewery, housed in a 100-year-old building in LA's Arts District, offers free brewery tours seven days a week. Learn about how the brewers create their IPAs, pilsners, and stouts — afterward, you can even sip a free sample!
22. Watch Surfers Hang Ten in Malibu
Zuma Beach in Malibu is one of the top beaches in the LA area — and it's public. This gorgeous strand is almost 2 miles long and has lifeguard stations, volleyball courts, and picnic areas, and it's also a popular surfing spot.
23. See Where Hollywood Legends Are Buried
Numerous Hollywood legends, including Tyrone Power and Mickey Rooney, are buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and each Aug. 23, fans still gather to pay tribute to silent-film idol Rudolph Valentino.
24. Learn About the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl amphitheater is an LA institution, and you should spring to see a concert there if possible. Otherwise, you can visit its free on-site museum, which tells the history of the bowl and has exhibits on past performers, including the Beatles.
25. Cozy Up to a Beach Bonfire
Splurge on a bundle of firewood, and come sunset, head to Dockweiler State Beach, which is the only place in LA county where you can legally have a bonfire on the beach (there are 40 fire pits available on a first-come, first-served basis).
More:
The Best Things to Eat, Drink, and Do in LA This Weekend
10 of the Best Restaurants in Los Angeles You Need to Eat at Now
Make Sure These Amazing LA Hotels Are Part of Your Itinerary
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