Free Things to Do in the Westside

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
Overview

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.

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


Part 1
Brentwood

Home to the world-famous Getty Center, Brentwood is an upscale neighborhood that offers other free attractions like the Skirball Cultural Center, canyon hikes, and the beloved coral trees that line San Vicente Boulevard. 


Primary image for Getty Center
Getty Center

World-class art collection in a spectacular hilltop campus.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Skirball Cultural Center
Skirball Cultural Center

The famed Jewish cultural institution is free on Thursdays.

My Next Trip
Getty View Trail
Getty View Trail

Easy hike through one of LA's most luxurious neighborhoods.

My Next Trip
Primary image for San Vicente Mountain Park
San Vicente Mountain Park

1,500-acre park with a former Nike Missile Control Station.

My Next Trip
Lower Canyonback Trail Swing
Kenter Canyon Hike

Intermediate hike takes you to a swing under a shade tree.

My Next Trip
San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood
San Vicente Boulevard

An eight-mile loop on the median is a popular running trail.

My Next Trip
Part 2
Westwood

Located north of Westwood Village, UCLA features free cultural attractions and Drake Stadium for cardio workouts. The acclaimed Hammer Museum hosts forward-thinking exhibitions and public programs, all free. At Pierce Brothers Memorial Park, you'll find the graves and crypts of legends like Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Kirk Douglas, Hugh Hefner, Peggy Lee, Roy Orbison, Frank Zappa, and Ray Bradbury.


Primary image for Hammer Museum
Hammer Museum

View contemporary art in the heart of Westwood Village.

My Next Trip
Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden at UCLA
Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden

Incredible outdoor collection located on the UCLA campus.

My Next Trip
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden at UCLA
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

"Living museum" spans 7.5 lush acres hidden inside UCLA.

My Next Trip
Three objects from the collections of the Fowler Museum at UCLA
Fowler Museum at UCLA

Explore global arts and cultures from the past to present.

My Next Trip
Drake Stadium at UCLA
UCLA Drake Stadium

Work on your cardio doing laps and running the stairs.

My Next Trip
Marilyn Monroe’s crypt at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary
Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park

The final resting place of legends like Marilyn Monroe.

My Next Trip
Part 3
Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is a global capital of luxury, but you can still find free activities in the ritzy neighborhood. Visitors can stroll the grounds of the historic Greystone Mansion, which spans over 46,000 square feet of living space. Beverly Hills Cop fans will recognize City Hall as police headquarters from the hit 1984 film. Beverly Gardens Park features the Wilshire Electric Fountain, Doheny Fountain, Rose Garden and Cactus Garden.


Photo courtesy of Greystone Mansion & Gardens, Facebook
Greystone Mansion

Take a stroll around the majestic estate and gardens.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Beverly Hills City Hall
Beverly Hills City Hall

Landmark best known as police HQ in "Beverly Hills Cop."

My Next Trip
Primary image for Beverly Gardens Park
Beverly Gardens Park

1.9-mile linear park with gardens, fountains, and sculptures

My Next Trip
Part 4
Miracle Mile

The aptly named Museum Row in the Miracle Mile is home to some of LA's greatest cultural attractions, including the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, LACMA, La Brea Tar Pits and Petersen Automotive Museum. In addition to free public art at LACMA and the iconic mammoths in the Lake Pit, the Miracle Mile also offers Pan Pacific Park and the Holocaust Museum (free to students and California residents).


Night view of Chris Burden's "Urban Light" at LACMA
Los Angeles County Museum Of Art (LACMA)

"Urban Light" is one of LA's most popular public artworks.

My Next Trip
Michael Heizer's "Levitated Mass" at LACMA
"Levitated Mass"

Take a selfie under the 340-ton granite megalith.

My Next Trip
Primary image for La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

The Lake Pit mammoths have become pop culture icons.

My Next Trip
Aerial view of Pan Pacific Park
Pan Pacific Park

Family-friendly park with BBQ pits and picnic tables.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Holocaust Museum LA
Holocaust Museum LA

Visit the oldest museum of its kind in the country.

My Next Trip
Part 5
Culver City

A center for movie production since the 1920s, Culver City continues its legacy with Sony Pictures Studios (located on the former MGM lot) along with other cultural landmarks like the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Helms Bakery and Culver Hotel.


Primary image for Wende Museum and Archive of The Cold War
Wende Museum and Archive of The Cold War

Unique collection of more than 100,000 artifacts.

My Next Trip