10 Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles

The Hollywood Walk of Fame commemorates notable actors and filmmakers by memorialising their handprints, signatures and nameplates with a large golden star embedded in the sidewalk. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, this iconic area is often packed with camera-toting tourists looking to spot their favourites along the sidewalk.

In addition to the Walk of Fame, another popular landmark here is the TCL Chinese Theatre, which has been showcasing the latest Hollywood films since 1927. The theatre itself is an architectural marvel and a piece of Hollywood history.

Griffith Park, located 2.5 miles (4 km) east of the Hollywood Bowl, is one of the largest municipal parks in the USA. It offers a variety of activities for all visitors, including hiking, golfing, cycling and horseback riding. There are over 50 miles (80 km) of trails, many of which are set close to waterfalls and lagoons within the park.

You can also see rare wildlife at the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, catch a concert at the Greek Theatre and enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles at the Griffith Observatory.

The California Science Center is an interactive museum dedicated to space travel, the environment and inventions from different time periods. Its air and space exhibits feature many impressive artefacts, including an Apollo 16 mission spacesuit and a Gemini 11 capsule. Note that the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which travelled into orbit between 1992 and 2011, will be off display for several years, until the future Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public.

You can enjoy an immersive movie experience at the onsite IMAX theatre, conduct fun experiments at the science lab and observe rare marine life at the aquarium.

The iconic Hollywood Sign, with its towering 44-foot-tall (13-metre-tall) letters, can be spotted from just about anywhere in downtown Los Angeles. Erected on Mount Lee in 1923, the sign has become a symbol of the entertainment industry. For those looking to get up close, there are 3 hiking trails leading to the sign, with the shortest one spanning 3 miles (5 km) and starting at the Griffith Observatory parking lot.

If hiking to the summit sounds too strenuous, make your way to Lake Hollywood Park, which has a great viewpoint of the landmark.

Runyon Canyon Park attracts hiking enthusiasts with its challenging trails and hilltop views of downtown Los Angeles. The 160-acre (65-hectare) park has several roundtrip routes ranging between 1 and 3.5 miles (1.6 and 5.6 km). It’s also a popular spot for dog owners as there are off-leash areas (complete with water stations) throughout the park.

Depending on your fitness level, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top of Runyon Canyon Park, where you can rest your legs on benches overlooking the city.

The Original Farmers Market is a historic landmark that has been enticing travelers and locals with its flavours and aromas for almost 100 years. Located at the corner of 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue, this bustling marketplace is a feast for the senses, offering a delightful experience even if you’re just window shopping.

Stroll through the market to enjoy the sights and smells of culinary delights from all over the world, ranging from traditional American cuisine to Mexican, French and Italian. In addition to the delicious foods and fresh produce, you’ll also find a range of specialty shops selling everything from clothing to unique gifts, which are great for exploring even if you’re not planning to spend a dime.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the final resting place of many celebrities, writers, directors and studio owners. Take a stroll through the property to see intricate mausoleums, crypts and niches for icons such as Johnny Ramone, Jayne Mansfield, Rudolph Valentino and Cecil B. DeMille.

The cemetery is not only a historic site but also a cultural venue. During the summer, Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts Cinespia, a popular weekend event where classic films are projected onto Valentino’s mausoleum, creating a unique and memorable experience for movie enthusiasts.

Greystone Mansion is frequently featured in Hollywood films and TV shows, thanks to its grand, Tudor-style architecture and picturesque surrounding gardens. You may recognise it from blockbusters such as the Spiderman and X-Men series, The Big Lebowski and Eraserhead.

As one of the largest homes in Beverly Hills, Greystone Mansion is a significant landmark. While you need to buy a ticket to tour the beautiful interior of the mansion, the park grounds are open to the public for free exploration.

The Broad is a modern art museum that displays over 2,000 post-war and contemporary masterpieces. Located in downtown Los Angeles, you get to visit all of the museum’s exhibits for free all year round.

One of its most impressive displays is the Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama, an immersive installation that you enter to see colourful LED lights bouncing off the mirrored room for 45 seconds. Note that the installation is hugely popular, and you need to make an advance reservation.

The Venice Canals, located between Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Venice Beach Boardwalk, offer idyllic views of charming pastel mansions and picturesque pedestrian bridges. Built in 1905 by millionaire Abbot Kinney, these walkways are popular spots for those looking to enjoy a quiet stroll away from the often-crowded boardwalk.

If you’re looking to enjoy some fun in the sun, Venice Beach and Muscle Beach Gym are just a short walk away from the Venice Canals, making it easy to transition from peaceful relaxation to lively beachfront activities.