Free Things to Do in Hollywood & More

Hollywood Sign hillside closeup
Hollywood Sign | Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Overview

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 like the Griffith Observatory and beloved hidden gems at Griffith Park. Explore two eclectic neighborhoods, Los Feliz and Silver Lake, with free activities like biking the LA River, hidden stairs, and LGBTQ landmarks.

NOTE: Due to COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have limited hours. Check individual websites for the latest updates.


Part 1
Hollywood

One of LA's bucket list destinations, Hollywood welcomes millions of visitors every year with attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood, the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and more. You can enjoy Tinseltown landmarks for free, as well as a Jimmy Kimmel Live! taping and outdoor activities like LA's most popular hike.


Hollywood & Highland view of Hollywood Sign
Hollywood & Highland view of Hollywood Sign
Ovation Hollywood

Great views of the Hollywood Sign throughout the complex.

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Red Carpet Entrance at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood
Red Carpet Entrance at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood
Dolby Theatre

Walk the red carpet steps like the stars on Oscar night.

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Primary image for TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX
Primary image for TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX
TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX

Find your favorites in the Forecourt of the Stars.

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Primary image for Hollywood Walk of Fame
Primary image for Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame

More than 2,600 stars line Hollywood Blvd. and Vine St.

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Primary image for El Capitan Entertainment Centre
Primary image for El Capitan Entertainment Centre
El Capitan Entertainment Centre

Request free tickets for a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live!

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Hollywood Bowl Museum
Hollywood Bowl Museum
Hollywood Bowl Museum

Learn the history of the world-famous concert venue.

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Broadview Terrace Stairs | Photo: Joshua Lurie
Broadview Terrace Stairs | Photo: Joshua Lurie
Broadview Terrace Stairs

Hidden stairs located just south of the Hollywood Bowl.

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Runyon Canyon   |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Runyon Canyon   |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Runyon Canyon Park

Stunning views, celeb sightings, and an off-leash dog park.

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Primary image for Lake Hollywood Reservoir
Primary image for Lake Hollywood Reservoir
Lake Hollywood Reservoir

Walk, jog or bike around the reservoir with Hollywood views.

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Saroyan Stairs in Hollywood
Saroyan Stairs in Hollywood
Saroyan Stairs

Climb these hidden stairs in Beachwood Canyon.

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Primary image for Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Primary image for Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Pay your respects to a galaxy of stars and Hollywood VIPs.

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Part 2
Griffith Park

One of the largest municipal parks in North America, Griffith Park features 70 miles of trails and some of LA's most famous attractions, including the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, LA Zoo, The Autry, and Greek Theatre. Explore Griffith Park with free visits to LA icons, along with must-see hidden gems like "the Batcave," Amir's Garden, and the Wisdom Tree.


Primary image for Ferndell Nature Museum
Primary image for Ferndell Nature Museum
Ferndell Nature Museum

Tropical plants and flowers thrive along this winding trail.

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"The Batcave" at Bronson Canyon   |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
"The Batcave" at Bronson Canyon   |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Bronson Canyon

Iconic location of the Batcave, Star Trek and many more.

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Hollywood Sign viewed from Mount Lee
Hollywood Sign viewed from Mount Lee
Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Strenuous hike to spectacular views from atop Mount Lee.

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Primary image for Griffith Observatory
Primary image for Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory

Free entry to the iconic building, grounds, and telescopes.

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Wisdom Tree at the top of Cahuenga Peak
Wisdom Tree at the top of Cahuenga Peak
Wisdom Tree

Steep hike on Wonder View Trail to this lone pine tree.

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Pink bench hidden inside Amir's Garden in Griffith Park
Pink bench hidden inside Amir's Garden in Griffith Park
Amir's Garden

Beloved garden and rest stop for hikers and equestrians.

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Part 3
Los Feliz

Located just south of Griffith Park, Los Feliz is known for Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House and Ennis House; the 1923 Vista Theatre, and beloved watering holes Tiki-Ti and Big Bar. Go for a bike ride along the LA River, climb hidden stairs, see a Film Noir location, or browse an incomparable book collection.


Biking the Los Angeles River at Griffith Park
Biking the Los Angeles River at Griffith Park
Los Angeles River Bike Path

Connect with the scenic bike path at Los Feliz Blvd.

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Prospect Stairs
Prospect Stairs
Prospect Stairs

Three stairways climb up the hillside streets of Los Feliz.

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6301 Quebec Dr.
6301 Quebec Dr.
"Double Indemnity" House

AKA Barbara Stanwyck's house in the Film Noir classic.

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Primary image for Philosophical Research Society
Primary image for Philosophical Research Society
Philosophical Research Society

Browse an extraordinary collection of esoteric books.

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Part 4
Silver Lake

Built around its namesake reservoir, Silver Lake is a trendsetting neighborhood that's well-known for its modern eateries, boutiques, and nightlife. A historic haven for the LGBTQ community, the Mattachine Steps (named for the Mattachine Society) and The Black Cat (site of a landmark gay rights protest) have been recognized by the City of Los Angeles for their importance in the global LGBTQ movement.

Micheltorena Stairs
Micheltorena Stairs
Micheltorena Stairs

Colorful staircase that's perfect for your Instagram post.

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Black Cat Protests 1967
Black Cat Protests 1967
The Black Cat

Site of one of the world's first gay rights protests in '67.

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Mattachine Steps in Silver Lake
Mattachine Steps in Silver Lake
The Mattachine Steps

Named for Harry Hay's pioneering LGBTQ organization.

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