Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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177 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Hollywood
Admission tickets from AU$46
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
Universal City Area
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Open now
Admission tickets from AU$167
Historic Sites • Cinemas
Hollywood
Admission tickets from AU$46
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Chinatown
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Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Central L.A
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Neighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Hollywood
Cemeteries
Hollywood Studio District
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Hollywood Hills West
Architectural Buildings
Downtown
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Hollywood
Neighbourhoods
Greater Echo Park Elysian
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Showing results 1-30 of 177
What travellers are saying
- jonathantakelYeovil, UK120 contributionsLocated just outside the city, you have views for miles. The observatory opens at midday, parking is available, 10$ and hr. You can park for free but you have quite a walk and it is a very steep climb. You can get a very good view of the hollywood sign. The planetarium is a must, got to book but we'll worth it. Give yourself a few hrs to enjoy it all. Take your camera, you will not be disappointed.Written 4 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Aurora Ribka MIndonesia650 contributionsThis is my first time visiting a museum in LA and I was amazed by its architecture. The Paul J Getty museum is open to the public, you can get further information on the website or on Google. There are many beautiful spots for taking pictures. At certain times you can watch performances presented in theatrical seating.Written 7 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carla WArgyle, TX1 contributionWe had a great time at the beach and walking around expecting that Venice Beach is “different” than any other beaches in Southern California. Definitely out for the parking scans and the T-shirt shops where they tell you one price for a shirt and ring up your credit card for double! Venice T-shirt shop did this and charged my daughter $175 for two t-shirts and had the audacity to tell my daughter it was California taxes. I have filled a complaint with the BBB. So watch out to not get scammed on the beach but other than that we had a great time!Written 22 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RachelLondon, UK238 contributionsA gorgeous outdoor mall with lots of places to shop and eat, a mix of high street and luxury brands. We went on the trolley which was fun and free to do. The highlight is def the market where we found lots of delicious eateries to try. A very pleasant afternoon.Written 10 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jehenson81Washington DC, DC25,523 contributionsI was very excited to find out that there are excellent views of the Hollywood sign from Griffith Observatory. It is a little further away than I have seen it in the past and it was a little hazy, but I was able to get some great photos, without having to stop along the narrow roads of the Hollywood Hills to snap a photo or two. Nice alternative.Written 22 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Suzanne MHouston, TX30 contributionsI had been here several years ago with my parents when I was younger. It was much different and much cleaner! It has gone downhill and has changed so much. Pretty disappointed but still think you have to experience itWritten 5 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jehenson81Washington DC, DC25,523 contributionsThis park has a little bit of everything in it. There are picnic areas, a playground, hiking trails, a theater and of course, the iconic Griffith Observatory. There is even a cafe and nature center on the west side of the park. There are also three parking lots and street parking. The parking lot down by the nature center is free all the time and I was able to find a spot there at 9am on a Saturday morning and there were still some spots at 11:30 when I left (for some reason people were ignoring the lots and looking for street parking). The trails are nice and wide, though I would have appreciated more signage. I had a great time.Written 22 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Farhan SLos Angeles, CA5 contributionsThe Venice Canals Walkway is a serene escape with picturesque views and charming footbridges. Ideal for a peaceful stroll, it showcases unique architecture and vibrant plant life. A hidden gem in the city.!Written 6 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- podrozniczka60New Jersey16,642 contributionsWe actually due to time constraints did buy anything here but even just to visit quickly it is a very pleasant mall. We liked the variety of shops and the layout. Even externally this shopping center presents in a surprising and impressive way. Who would think I would ever shop in Assyrian PalaceWritten 25 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- O2046HElindawTempe, AZ206 contributionsNice place to take a stroll and take some photos. Lots of food choices. Difficult to make a decision. Good place to purchase Japanese products. Worth checking outWritten 20 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- EvaBothell, WA1,170 contributionsThe Broad Museum in downtown Los Angeles is a must-visit for modern art lovers. With its striking honeycomb-like exterior designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the museum is a visual marvel before you even step inside.
Once you do, you’re treated to a world-class collection of contemporary art, featuring works by iconic artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Roy Lichtenstein, and Yayoi Kusama.
One of the most popular attractions is Kusama’s *Infinity Mirrored Room*, which offers a mesmerizing, immersive experience. It’s a surreal, reflective space that plays with light and perception, though the lines can be long, so plan ahead.
The museum also boasts impressive works from Jeff Koons, including his massive, shiny sculptures, and a rotating collection from the likes of Jasper Johns, Cindy Sherman, and Barbara Kruger. Each floor is carefully curated, with thoughtful galleries that blend vibrant pop art, abstract works, and politically charged pieces.
Admission is free, though it’s highly recommended to reserve tickets in advance as they can go quickly. Despite the crowds, The Broad has a spacious layout, and natural light pours through the building's unique veil structure, creating an inviting atmosphere. The nearby restaurant, Otium, is a perfect place to grab a bite afterward, offering high-end dining that pairs well with a day of artistic indulgence.
Overall, The Broad is more than just a museum—it’s an experience. The combination of cutting-edge design, a stellar permanent collection, and accessible pricing makes it a cultural gem in Los Angeles.Written 21 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Amilcar GuzmanHarwood Heights, IL1,022 contributionsVibrant and central location to check out some of the coolest Universal studios gear. I enjoyed the great restaurants and chic decor.Written 2 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rick PPhoenix, AZ28 contributionsAmazing views of the Hollywood hills, the Hollywood sign and L.A. I arrived at 12:30, and parked at the North trailhead. The small, dirt parking lot sign said full, but I found one of only two open spots. I took the West trail, which turned out to be closed for renovation, but everyone has been bypassing the closure for what looked like months. The trail can be steep with slippery sand at times. At the South end I made a wrong turn and had to take the paved fire road back up the canyon. Still a good workout for me. The East trail looked as steep as the West, for a challenging climb. It was about 90 minutes round trip. Upon returning, the lot was mostly empty by 2:15 pm. This was a Thursday. Great views. Great memory. Would do it again. A local informed me there is another nice hike just one canyon to the West, and not as busy. Maybe next time!Written 30 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tina M161 contributionsFun to walk the walk of fame.
If you want to hop on a tour bus there are plenty. Shops were mostly souvenir, sex shops and weed stores. There are also vendors that will put your name on a star and take pics.Written 22 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lehcar1Tucson, AZ3 contributionsI have been here many times in the past from Tucson, AZ. This trip I was pleasantly surprised that the actual street and csurrounding area were clean and seemed safe. The vendor stands were nicely stocked and I made sure to visit the taquito stand at the end across from Union Station. My grandmother first took me there as a child and I have taken my daughter and granddaughter as well as others. It is a local icon. We visited the old homesite and purchased some items. There was some music and the weather was sunny and cool. There is a public parking lot across the street.Written 29 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
