Los Angeles is one of the most famous cities in the United States for being home to Hollywood, the most well-known film industry in the world.
Although it may seem incredible, to know some of its tourist attractions it is not necessary to have so much money, some of these are even free. And we will talk about this next, about the TOP 25 free things to do in Los Angeles.
1. Visit the beaches near Los Angeles
The beaches of L.A. they are as famous as the city. One of them is Santa Monica, where chapters of the famous television series, BayWatch, were recorded. In addition to its beauty, its main attractions are its iconic wooden pier and the amusement park, Pacific Park.
In Venice Beach, episodes of "Guardians of the Bay" were also filmed. A fantastic beach always crowded by tourists and locals, with street shows of the most famous in the world.
Leo Carrillo State Park and Matador Beach are quieter but just as great places to spend the day.
2. Be part of the audience of live TV shows
You can be part of the audience on a television show like Jimmy Kimmel Live or The Wheel of Fortune, without paying a dollar.
If you are lucky enough to be able to enter any of these or more, you will get a closer look at the most popular celebrities in Hollywood.
3. Visit the Chinese Theater
The Chinese Theater in Los Angeles is one of the most iconic places in the city. It is next to the Dolby Theater, home of the Oscars and close to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On the esplanade of the theater you will see the foot and hand prints of film and television stars, such as Tom Hanks, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne or Harrison Ford.
4. Get to know the wild side of Los Angeles
Los Angeles is more than Hollywood stars and high-end shopping. The natural landscapes that surround it are also beautiful and worth visiting. In its parks there are beautiful trails to walk, rest or eat sandwiches on a picnic. Some of them are:
1. Elysian Park.
2. Echo Park Lake.
3. Lake Hollywood Park.
4. Franklin Canyon Park.
5. Lake Balboa Park.
5. Visit the Autry National Center of the American West
The variety of exhibits at the National Autry Center for the American West, which explores the history of western North America, is attractive to tourists seeking information about this cardinal point of the country.
These gather paintings, photographs, aboriginal ceramics, weapons collections, among other historical pieces.
This national center is an enclosure dedicated to all expressions of art, a fascinating place where you will see things that the human genius is capable of creating.
Although your entrance has a cost, the second Tuesday of each month you can enter for free.
Read our guide to the 84 best things to do on your trip to Los Angeles
6. Attend a free comedy club
Los Angeles has many comedy clubs where both beginning and established comedians participate.
The Comedy Store, Upright Citizen’s Brigade and Westside Comedy, are three free entry where you probably have to consume some food or drink, but still have a fun afternoon or night.
Go ahead and head to one of these clubs where if you're lucky you might see the first performances of the next Jim Carrey.
7. Visit the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
In the Historic Monument El Pueblo de Los Ángeles you will learn about the history of the city, from its founding in 1781 until when it was known as El Pueblo de la Reina de los Ángeles.
Walk Olvera Street, the main street of the place with the appearance of a typical Mexican town. In it you will find clothing stores, souvenirs, food and crafts.
Other important attractions of the place are the Church of Our Lady of Los Angeles, the Adobe House, the Sepúlveda House and the Fire Station No. 1.
8. Find the perfect Angel Wing
Colette Miller is an American graphic artist who started the project, Global Angel Wings Project, in 2012 to remember that by nature all people have something positive.
The project consists of drawing beautiful paintings of angels wings around the city, so that people find the perfect image of these and take their photos.
Washington D.C, Melbourne and Nairobi are cities that have joined this initiative. Tour L.A. and find your perfect wings.
9. Visit the Japanese American National Museum
At the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo, you'll find a detailed account of the history of the Japanese and Americans.
You will see exhibits such as the most important and representative, “Common Ground: The Heart of the Community”. I know the story from the Issei pioneers to the time of World War II.
One of its most treasured objects is the original Heart Mountain Barracks in the Wyoming concentration camp. In the other exhibits you will get to appreciate a bit of the rich Japanese culture and enjoy its uniqueness.
Admission is free on Thursdays and the third Tuesday of each month, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
10. Visit Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the most attractive cemetery in the world to visit, as famous actors, directors, writers, singers and composers from the art industry are buried there.
Judy Garland, George Harrison, Chris Cornell, Johnny Ramone, Rance Howard, are some celebrities whose lifeless bodies rest in this cemetery.
Enter here and know what other artists are buried in this cemetery. In its interactive map you will find its location.
11. Listen to a free concert
In addition to selling CDs, cassettes and vinyl, Amoeba Music, one of the most famous music stores in California, organizes free concerts that you can attend alone or with your friends.
Record Parlor and Fingerprints also host free music shows. Get there early because space is tight.
12. Attend a parade
Los Angeles is a large city in size and cultures where many activities such as thematic parades are held.
Depending on the date you are in L.A., you will be able to see the Rose Parade, the May 5 Parade, the West Hollywood Costume Carnival, Gay Pride, and Christmas parades.
13. Visit the Annenberg Space for Photography
The Annenberg Space for Photography is a museum displaying photographic exhibits by world-renowned artists.
Enter here and learn more about this fantastic L.A. museum.
14. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the busiest spots in the city, visited by thousands of tourists each year. Being in Los Angeles and not visiting it is like not having been there.
In its entire extension between Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, are the 5-pointed stars of actors, actresses and film and television directors, musicians, radio and theater personalities and figures of other artistic manifestations.
On the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you'll also come across other attractions on Hollywood Boulevard, including the Dolby Theater, the Commerce Center, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
Learn more about the walk of fame here.
15. Visit public gardens
The Los Angeles Public Botanical Gardens are beautiful and perfect for a nature walk. Among the most famous to visit are:
1. James Irving Japanese Garden: its design is inspired by the great gardens of Kyoto.
2. Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden: you will know everything about native plants in the area.
3. Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden: It is within the campus of the University of California. You will be able to know more than 5 thousand species of tropical and subtropical plants.
4. Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden: It has an extensive collection of native plants and it hosts concerts, festivals and seasonal events.
16. Take an art tour on the subway
Enjoy the works of art that decorate the Los Angeles subway stations on the Metro Art Tour, which travels on the Red Line route. They are fascinating.
17. Take free archery classes
Pasadena Roving Archers Academy offers free archery classes on Saturday mornings at Lower Arroyo Seco Park.
The first is free and for a small contribution you will continue to learn thanks to this academy that, since its foundation in 1935, has fostered interest in this sporting discipline.
18. Listen to music at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is one of the most famous amphitheaters in California. So iconic that it has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows.
Admission to the rehearsals of the concerts that will be held there is free. These begin around 9:30 am and end at approximately 1:00 pm. You can call to ask for information about the schedule of events and thus find out who will be present on the date you are in town.
19. Photograph yourself on the Hollywood sign
Going to Los Angeles and not taking a picture on the Hollywood sign is silly. It's like not having been to the city.
This towering sign on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills is one of the most iconic sites in the city. It has been for many years a symbol of the glamor and stardom felt in L.A.
Take a selfie from Lake Hollywood Park or get even closer via the Wonder View Trail. In addition to the photo, you will enjoy beautiful views of the city and beautiful wild areas.
20. Take a Tour of the Los Angeles City Hall (Los Angeles City Hall)
In Los Angeles City Hall are the Mayor's Office and the City Council Offices. The architecture of the building is splendid with its beautiful white facade dominating the place.
In City Hall you will find the Bridge Gallery where works of art related to Los Angeles heritage are displayed, with which you will learn more about the “serious side” of L.A.
On the 27th floor of the building there is an observation deck where you will see the metropolis in all its splendor.
21. Visit Victorian-style houses
The Victorian era had a worldwide influence, especially in architecture.
On Carroll Avenue, in Angeleno, you will find a variety of houses whose design is an example of this interesting era. It will be amazing how they have remained in such good condition despite many years.
Some of these houses have been used as movie sets, television series and music videos, such as Michael Jackson's Thriller. In one of this the first season of American Horror Story was filmed.
You can tour the place on your own or on an inexpensive tour.
22. Visit the Los Angeles Public Library
The Los Angeles Public Library is one of the 5 largest in the United States, a place highly visited by tourists and city dwellers. Its architecture is of Egyptian inspiration and dates from 1872.
It is one of the most iconic and well-kept buildings in L.A. with beautiful murals that show the history of the city. The tour of its facilities is free.
The library is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:30 noon. Saturdays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.
23. Visit the Broad Museum of Contemporary Art
Founded in 1983, the Broad Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the artistic references of the city. You will enjoy a beautiful collection of art, most donated by wealthy private collectors.
Exhibitions have been mounted on the post war, of photographs and in honor of the actor, James Dean.
24. Exercising outdoors
At the Venice or Muscle Beach beaches you can exercise as long as you want. You can ride a bike, skateboard, rollerblades, play volleyball or basketball. All free.
25. Visit Griffith Park
The Griffith is the largest urban park in the US. You can walk its beautiful trails and have access to a beautiful view of the city from one of its hills.
The venue has a zoo and a planetarium at the Griffith Observatory, open Thursday through Friday from noon to 10:00 pm. On Saturdays it is open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Learn more about Griffith Park here.
What to do in Los Angeles in three days?
Although knowing Los Angeles or at least all its emblematic sites requires many days, in just three you will be able to visit most of the ones that are worth investing time.
Let's see how you can do it.
Day 1: you can dedicate it to get to know the most visited and historic urban parts, such as Downtown, an old area of the city with its Church of Our Lady of Los Angeles and the Disney Concert Hall. Take advantage and also visit Chinatown.
Day 2: the second day you can dedicate to the fun and technological part of L.A., such as Universal Studios, a park with many attractions that will occupy you all day.
Day 3: the last day in Los Angeles you can use it to explore its natural areas. Visit Griffith Park, walk along the beach and along the Santa Monica Boardwalk, and enter the amusement park, Pacific Park. Watching the sunset from the pier would be the perfect closing before leaving L.A.
What to do in Los Angeles with children?
This is a list of places that you can visit in Los Angeles with your children without getting bored either by you or by them.
1. Los Angeles Science Center: children will learn the basics of science in a fun and enjoyable way.
The goal is for them to understand through simple activities and displays that everything around us is related to science.
2. Brear Tar Pits: interesting site where you can observe the effect of tar on the different specimens of plants and animals that it has trapped. Children will have a lot of fun because they will feel like Indiana Jones on one of his explorations.
3. Disneyland California: Disneyland is the perfect place for your kids. Everyone is excited to visit and ride the attractions of the most famous amusement park in the world.
At Disney you can photograph yourself with its iconic characters: Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Donald Duck. Although it is not a free park, with what you save on visits to other tourist attractions you can pay the entrance ticket.
4. Aquarium of the Pacific: one of the best aquariums in the United States. You will see many species of fish and marine animals in ponds so large, that you will believe they are in natural habitats.
What places to visit at night in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is one by day and one by night.
You can enjoy classic movies at the Downtown Independent or a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Also go to the Upright Citizens Brigade bar and laugh with their comedians.
The bars that I recommend are Villains Taberns, where they serve the best artisan cocktails. At Tiki Ti you can also enjoy excellent cocktails, one of which is its specialty, Mai Tais.
Conclusion
The city of Los Angeles has everything and for all tastes. Museums, theme parks, beaches, nature, technology, development, art, sports and a lot of luxury. With our tips you will know a lot about her for almost no money.
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