Looking for free things to do in LA? You’ve just discovered the perfect place! 😊 At Athingstodo.com, we believe that the best memories don’t always need a big budget. Whether you’re a tourist in town or a local looking to explore more, we’ve curated a fun, fresh, and fabulous guide just for you. Dive into the magic of Los Angeles without spending a dime – because your next adventure starts right here!
Our mission is simple: to help you explore LA’s endless charm with ease and fun! 😊 Athingstodo.com is designed to inspire you with curated lists of free attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites. Dive in and discover how to make the most of your time in LA, whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a family outing, or a night under the stars. Let’s get started!
At Athingstodo.com, we believe the best memories don’t have to cost a thing. From family-friendly outings and cultural gems to hidden treasures and outdoor fun, our handpicked guides will help you make the most of LA. Let’s explore together and unlock the city’s best-kept secrets, one free things to do in LA at a time! 🌴✨
Free Things to Do in LA Today
Los Angeles buzzes with energy every day, offering countless free activities to dive into right now. From scenic hikes to vibrant street art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without opening your wallet. Start your day at Griffith Park, where trails lead to breathtaking views of the city skyline and the iconic Hollywood Sign. Wander through the bustling Grand Central Market, soaking in the aromas of global cuisines. For art lovers, the Broad Museum offers free general admission to its contemporary exhibits, though reservations are recommended.
Don’t miss the chance to stroll along Venice Beach’s Ocean Front Walk, where street performers and colorful murals create a lively atmosphere. If you’re near Downtown LA, explore the historic Olvera Street, a cultural hub with free live music and dance performances. These activities are perfect for spontaneous adventures, offering a mix of nature, culture, and urban vibes. Visit in spring or fall for pleasant weather, and check event schedules online for pop-up festivals or markets happening today.
Activity |
Location |
Best Time |
Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Griffith Park Hike |
Griffith Park |
Morning |
Wear sturdy shoes, bring water |
Grand Central Market |
Downtown LA |
Lunchtime |
Explore food stalls, free entry |
The Broad Museum |
Downtown LA |
Afternoon |
Reserve free tickets online |
Venice Beach Walk |
Venice Beach |
Anytime |
Watch for street performers |
Olvera Street |
Downtown LA |
Evening |
Check for free cultural events |
Travel Tip:Â Always check opening hours and book ahead if required, especially for museums.
Free Things to Do in LA This Weekend
Weekends in LA are a treasure trove of free things to do in LA, perfect for unwinding or exploring with friends. Head to the Getty Center, a stunning museum with free entry to its world-class art collections and lush gardens. Enjoy free live music at the LACMA’s outdoor plaza, where jazz or Latin beats fill the air. For nature lovers, Runyon Canyon offers dog-friendly trails with panoramic city views. Check out the Santa Monica Pier for free concerts or movie screenings during summer weekends.
If you’re craving culture, visit Little Tokyo for free festivals like Nisei Week, showcasing Japanese traditions. The Hollywood Farmers’ Market is a vibrant spot to sample local produce and enjoy live performances. Most activities are accessible year-round, but summer and fall bring extra outdoor events. Arrive early to secure parking, and bring sunscreen for daytime adventures. These experiences blend LA’s iconic charm with its diverse cultural pulse.
Activity |
Location |
Best Time |
Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Getty Center |
West LA |
Morning |
Free entry, $20 parking |
LACMA Music |
Mid-Wilshire |
Evening |
Bring a blanket for comfort |
Runyon Canyon |
Hollywood |
Morning |
Leash for dogs, bring water |
Santa Monica Pier |
Santa Monica |
Evening |
Check event calendar online |
Little Tokyo Festivals |
Downtown LA |
Afternoon |
Free parking on select streets |
Best Season:Â Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities.
Free Things to Do in LA with Kids
LA is a playground for families, with free things to do in LA that keep kids entertained and parents stress-free. Take the little ones to the Griffith Observatory, where free admission lets you explore space exhibits and gaze through telescopes at night. The La Brea Tar Pits offers free outdoor viewing of bubbling pits and fossil displays, sparking curiosity. Head to Echo Park Lake for pedal boat watching or a picnic by the lotus beds, a hit with kids.
For creative fun, the Craft Contemporary Museum hosts free family workshops on select Sundays. The Venice Canals provide a stroller-friendly walk with charming bridges and wildlife. Summer brings free splash pads at local parks like Grand Park. Visit in spring for mild weather, and pack snacks to keep energy high. These spots offer a mix of education, adventure, and relaxation for all ages.
Activity |
Location |
Best Time |
Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Griffith Observatory |
Griffith Park |
Afternoon |
Free parking after 6 PM |
La Brea Tar Pits |
Mid-Wilshire |
Morning |
Stay on paths, free entry |
Echo Park Lake |
Echo Park |
Anytime |
Bring a picnic blanket |
Craft Workshops |
Mid-Wilshire |
Sunday |
Check schedule online |
Venice Canals |
Venice |
Morning |
Watch for ducks, stroller-friendly |
Tip:Â Bring snacks and water for park visits, and check for special family events on weekends.
Fun Free Things to Do in LA
LA’s free attractions are packed with excitement, blending iconic sights with offbeat adventures. Wander the Hollywood Walk of Fame, spotting stars of your favorite celebrities underfoot. Catch a free comedy show at UCB’s Sunset Theatre, where improv nights draw big laughs. For a serene escape, visit Lake Hollywood Park, offering stunning views of the Hollywood Sign without the crowds. The Downtown LA Art Walk, held monthly, showcases galleries and street art for free.
Foodies can explore Smorgasburg LA as a part of free things to do in LA, a weekly food market with free entry and live music, though food purchases are extra. For a quirky twist, check out the Time Travel Mart in Echo Park, a free storefront with whimsical displays. These activities shine in fall or winter for cooler temps. Check online for event dates, and wear comfy shoes for walking-heavy days. LA’s fun vibe never disappoints!
Activity |
Location |
Best Time |
Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Hollywood Walk of Fame |
Hollywood |
Anytime |
Start at TCL Chinese Theatre |
UCB Comedy Show |
Hollywood |
Evening |
Arrive early for seats |
Lake Hollywood Park |
Hollywood |
Morning |
Bring a camera for photos |
DTLA Art Walk |
Downtown LA |
Evening |
Check monthly schedule |
Smorgasburg LA |
Downtown LA |
Sunday |
Free entry, bring cash for food |
Tip:Â Wear comfortable shoes for city walks and bring your camera for amazing photo ops.
Free Things to Do in LA at Night
LA’s nightlife sparkles with free activities that light up after dark and there are many free things to do in LA at night. Stroll the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, where street musicians and performers create a festive vibe. Catch a free movie screening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery during summer, blending spooky charm with cinematic fun. The Griffith Observatory offers free stargazing through public telescopes, perfect for a romantic or family outing.
For music lovers, the Twilight Concerts at Santa Monica Pier offer free live bands in summer and is a bets option to explore free things to do in LA. Explore Koreatown’s neon-lit streets, where window-shopping and people-watching are free thrills. Nighttime visits are best in summer for warm evenings. Bring a jacket for coastal areas, and check parking rules to avoid fees. LA’s after-hours scene is as vibrant as its daytime charm.
Activity |
Location |
Best Time |
Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Third Street Promenade |
Santa Monica |
Evening |
Free parking after 6 PM |
Hollywood Forever Movies |
Hollywood |
Summer |
Bring a blanket, arrive early |
Griffith Observatory |
Griffith Park |
Night |
Free telescope access |
Twilight Concerts |
Santa Monica |
Summer |
Check concert schedule |
Koreatown Stroll |
Koreatown |
Night |
Stay in well-lit areas |
Tip:Â Bring a jacket for cool evenings and check event calendars for special night happenings.
Free Things to Do in LA Today for Adults
Adults seeking free things to do in LA today can dive into sophisticated yet budget-friendly experiences. Visit the Hammer Museum in Westwood, offering free entry to thought-provoking art exhibits. Sip free coffee samples at the Original Farmers Market while browsing its historic stalls. For a scenic escape, hike to the Wisdom Tree in Griffith Park, a hidden spot with sweeping views.
Join a free yoga class at Runyon Canyon, where morning sessions blend fitness with fresh air. The California African American Museum in Exposition Park offers free admission to explore powerful exhibits. Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor activities, while indoor spots shine year-round. Check museum websites for free days, and bring ID for age-restricted events. These activities cater to grown-up tastes with culture and relaxation.
Activity |
Location |
Best Time |
Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Hammer Museum |
Westwood |
Afternoon |
Free entry, check exhibits |
Original Farmers Market |
Fairfax |
Morning |
Free parking first hour |
Wisdom Tree Hike |
Griffith Park |
Morning |
Bring water, steep trail |
Runyon Canyon Yoga |
Hollywood |
Morning |
Bring a yoga mat |
CAAM Museum |
Exposition Park |
Afternoon |
Free entry, donations welcome |
Tip: Some art venues require advance reservations—book online to secure your spot.
Free Things to Do in LA This Weekend with Family
Free things to do in LA are packed with free adventures that create lasting memories. Head to the Skirball Cultural Center for free admission to its outdoor courtyard and family-friendly exhibits. Explore the tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Beach, where kids can spot starfish and crabs. The Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica offers free access to its historic pool area and beachfront views.
For a cultural twist, visit the Japanese American National Museum during free admission days, often on weekends. Griffith Park’s Travel Town Museum, a free train-themed attraction, delights kids with historic locomotives. Summer and spring are perfect for beach and park visits. Pack sunscreen and snacks, and check event calendars for family festivals. These spots make weekends special for all ages.
Activity |
Location |
Best Time |
Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Skirball Cultural Center |
West LA |
Morning |
Free courtyard access |
Leo Carrillo Tide Pools |
Malibu |
Low Tide |
Check tide schedules |
Annenberg Beach House |
Santa Monica |
Afternoon |
Free parking nearby |
JANM Museum |
Little Tokyo |
Weekend |
Check free admission days |
Travel Town Museum |
Griffith Park |
Morning |
Free entry, train rides extra |
Tip:Â Arrive early for popular spots and bring picnic supplies for outdoor venues.
Conclusion
Thank you for exploring free things to do in LA at Athingstodo.com! We hope this guide helps you discover the most exciting, memorable, and wallet-friendly adventures in Los Angeles. LA’s magic is everywhere—just waiting for you to experience it, one free activity at a time. Have a fantastic journey, and don’t forget to share your favorite finds with us! Also share with your friends and family and let them explore free things to do in LA.
FAQs:
What Are the Best Free Outdoor Activities in LA?
LA’s outdoor scene is unbeatable for free fun and best option in free things to do in LA. Hike Griffith Park’s trails for Hollywood Sign views, or explore Runyon Canyon for dog-friendly paths. Venice Beach’s boardwalk offers vibrant street art and performers. Visit Lake Hollywood Park for a quiet picnic with iconic views. Tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Beach are perfect for nature lovers. Spring and fall offer ideal weather, while summer brings longer days. Always bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes for trails.
Are There Free Family-Friendly Events in LA?
Absolutely! Griffith Observatory hosts free family days with science demos. LACMA offers free outdoor music nights, great for kids. Echo Park Lake is ideal for picnics and playground fun. Check Grand Park for free festivals like Dia de los Muertos. The Craft Contemporary Museum hosts free craft workshops for families. Summer and fall are packed with events; check online calendars. Arrive early for parking and bring snacks for kids.
How Can I Find Free Night Activities in LA?
LA’s nightlife offers free thrills that’s why there are so many free things to do in LA. Catch free concerts at Santa Monica Pier in summer nights. Stargaze at Griffith Observatory with free telescopes. Wander Third Street Promenade for street performances. Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts free summer movie nights. Koreatown’s vibrant streets are great for evening strolls. Summer is best for outdoor events; bring a jacket for cool nights. Check event websites for schedules and parking tips.
Thank you for exploring free things to do in LA with Athingstodo.com! We hope your journey is filled with unforgettable memories and endless fun. Safe travels and happy adventures!
Don’t forget to check out: Free Things to Do in Nashville: 15 Must-Try Experiences for even more exciting adventures!