100 Free Things to Do in Los Angeles

Caltrans HQ 100
Caltrans District 7 Headquarters | Photo courtesy of John Kim, Flickr

Here it is, folks! Our list of 100 absolutely free things to do in Los Angeles, the city where arts and culture, attractions, activities, health and wellness, concerts and recreation come free of charge. If you're looking for fun things to do in LA on the cheaper side, why spend anything at all when you can see LA for a whopping $0?

The exterior of Walt Disney Concert Hall
Walt Disney Concert Hall | Photo: Yuri Hasegawa  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
James Irvine Japanese Garden
James Irvine Japanese Garden | Photo: JACCC, Facebook

Downtown LA

The historic heart of Los Angeles, Downtown LA features an extraordinary range of free attractions, from the birthplace of LA and world-class museums to culturally diverse neighborhoods and hidden gardens. Discover DTLA with free activities in the Historic Core, Grand Avenue, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and Exposition Park.

Watts Towers in South Los Angeles
Watts Towers  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

South LA

One of LA's most culturally rich and diverse regions, South LA includes Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw, Inglewood, Leimert Park, West Adams and more. Free activities include a guided tour outside the iconic Watts Towers, the Museum of African American Art at Macy's Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, and a visit to Leimert Park, dubbed "the Black Greenwich Village" by the late John Singleton.

Mariachi Plaza 2020
Mariachi Plaza, Courtesy of Instagram, @alexc43

East LA

The vibrant and historic region of East LA was founded in 1870 by John Strother Griffin, aka "the father of East Los Angeles." Cultural highlights include the famed Mariachi Plaza, the bustling El Mercado de Los Angeles, the Chicano Resource Center, and the pioneering Self Graphics & Art, renowned for its annual Dia de los Muertos festivities.

Hollywood Sign viewed from Mount Lee
Hollywood Sign viewed from Mount Lee  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Hollywood

From the home of the Oscars to the Hollywood Sign and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, you can experience the best of Hollywood without spending a dime. Discover LA icons and beloved hidden gems at Griffith Park. Explore Los Feliz and Silver Lake with free activities like biking the LA River, hidden stairs, and LGBTQ landmarks.

Views of the Central Garden and Pacific Ocean at the Getty Center
Views of the Central Garden and Pacific Ocean at the Getty Center  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Westside

The Westside is the Best Side for renowned cultural attractions and some of LA's best hiking trails. From the Getty Center and Skirball Center to Museum Row in the Miracle Mile, you can experience world-class art for free. Relax in local gardens, or get your steps in with canyon hikes and running trails.

Venice Beach bikes at sunset
Venice Beach at sunset | Photo: Eric Demarcq, Discover Los Angeles Flickr Pool

Beach Cities

It's an "Endless Summer" at LA's Beach Cities, which stretch from Malibu in the north to Venice Beach and down the coast to the South Bay. The sunshine is free, so get your Vitamin D while you're kicking back at world-famous beaches, hiking canyons and nature reserves, and biking along The Strand.

Lake view at SuihoEn (“Garden of Water and Fragrance”) in Van Nuys
SuihoEn (“Garden of Water and Fragrance”)  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

The Valley

One of LA's largest regions, the San Fernando Valley is filled with free cultural attractions and dog-friendly parks. Then head to the nearby San Gabriel Valley for more hidden gems and spectacular hikes in a U.S. National Monument.