100 Cheap Things to Do in LA: Outdoors

100 Cheap Things to Do Outdoors

Descanso
Descanso Gardens  |  Photo:  Yuri Hasegawa

With L.A.'s gorgeous weather, there's no need to stay inside. Spend a day in the California sunshine with one of these outdoor activities for less than $20.

For more budget-friendly ways to experience L.A., visit our guide to the 100 Cheap Things to Do in Los Angeles.

Perry's Cafe & Beach Rentals
Photo: Perry's Cafe & Beach Rentals

Perry's Cafe & Beach Rentals



Explore the Santa Monica and Venice beachfront and get some exercise by renting rollerblades or a mountain bike (starting at $10/hour) from Perry's Café & Rentals.

Los Angeles Zoo And Botanical Gardens sign
Los Angeles Zoo And Botanical Gardens sign  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens



Mingle with amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles at the LAIR at Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Zoo admission is $20 for adults, and parking is free.

Yoga in Runyon Canyon
Yoga in Runyon Canyon

Runyon Canyon Park



Visit Runyon Canyon for a star-studded hike and yoga in the park. Although yoga classes are free, donations are recommended. Classes are offered three to four times daily.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery movie event
Hollywood Forever Cemetery movie event  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Hollywood Forever Cemetery



Catch a movie during the Cinespia screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery during the summer. Don't forget a picnic, wine and blankets. Tickets are $16.

Los Angeles Dodgers / Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles Dodgers / Dodger Stadium



Make way to Dodger Stadium to root for the home team. You can't get the full game day experience without ordering a Dodger Dog, one of L.A.'s food icons. Individual game tickets for Top Deck seating start at just $12.

Pacific Park, Santa Monica   |  Photo:  Yuri Hasegawa
Pacific Park, Santa Monica  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Pacific Park



Cap off a day at the beach by riding the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel at Pacific Park, on the historic Santa Monica Pier. Take in panoramic views of the Southern California coastline for $8 per ride. 

Castle Park Sherman Oaks
Castle Park Sherman Oaks  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Sherman Oaks Castle Park



The whole family will enjoy the fun challenges of miniature golf in the lush surroundings of Sherman Oaks Castle Park. An 18-hole round of mini golf is $6.50 for adults ages 13 to 64, $5.50 for children (5-12) and seniors (64+). Children age 4 and under are free with a paid adult.

Grand Park
Grand Park

Gloria Molina Grand Park



Stroll through Grand Park on Tuesdays for their weekly farmers market. Vendors offer produce, flowers and prepared foods. No need to leave Fido at home - Grand Park offers complimentary pet valet in their dog run, located at Spring Street between First and Temple.

Observatory
Griffith Observatory  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Griffith Observatory



Indulge your love of all things astronomical at the Griffith Observatory. Take a hike through Griffith Park, then catch a show for $3-$7 at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium (rate varies depending on whether you are an adult, senior, student, child, or Friends Of The Observatory member.)

Dockweiler
Dockweiler Beach  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Dockweiler Beach



Warm up on a chilly night with a bonfire at Dockweiler Beach. Although beach admission is free, parking costs between $3 and $13 during the summer.

Hotel Bel Air
Hotel Bel Air

Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection



Along with its sister property, the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Hotel Bel-Air offers its guests and the local community outdoor yoga on the front lawn every Saturday from 10-11:15 a.m. Non-hotel guests are requested to give a $15 donation that will benefit a local charity.

Venice Beach Sign
Venice Beach  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Venice Beach



Get a workout while people-watching at Venice Beach. Afterward, relax with a cocktail at High, the Hotel Erwin's rooftop lounge.

Mondrian
Mondrian  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Mondrian Los Angeles



Visit the pool at the Mondrian for panoramic views of L.A. and a see-and-be-seen crowd.

Chester Washington
Chester Washington Golf Course

Chester Washington Golf Course



Take your clubs to Chester Washington Golf Course during twilight hours on weekdays for rates as low as $14.99, depending on tee time.

Los Feliz Golf
Los Feliz Golf Course  |  Photo: Joshua Lurie

Los Feliz Golf Course



If you're a novice golfer, the Los Feliz Golf Course is for you. Green fees are only $8 on the weekend, perfect for those learning the basics. In the 1996 film, Swingers, Ron Livingston asks Jon Favreau whether he should play Goofy in a scene that was filmed at Los Feliz Golf Course.

Descanso
Descanso Gardens  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Descanso Gardens



Get in touch with nature during a stroll through picturesque Descanso Gardens. General Admission is $9, seniors and students $6, and parking is free.

Pershing Square Park
Pershing Square  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Pershing Square



Outdoor fun isn't limited to the summer months. During the winter, grab your skates for Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square.

Expo Park
Exposition Park Rose Garden | photo: Wikamedia Commons

Exposition Park



Catch an outdoor movie during Street Food Cinema in Exposition Park. Take your pick from a variety of food trucks, and enjoy music curated by the Viper Room. Tickets are $10.