Los Angeles – Free Activities

 Los Angeles is a beautiful city in Southern California that is an epicenter of entertainment in the United States. It’s a culturally progressive and diverse place with something for everyone. From the Hollywood Sign to famous movie studios, Los Angeles offers a wide range of things to see and do.

A trip to Los Angeles can be expensive, though, especially for families. But don’t fret when visiting this exciting city, as there is an extensive amount of free activities that can satisfy just about anyone. You can expect to find fantastic food, parks, museums, and more all under beautiful, sunny skies.

 

Hollywood Walk of Fame

When most people think of Hollywood, they think of celebrities, show business, and the Walk of Fame. The Walk is one of Los Angeles’ most crowded tourist attractions and for good reason. It’s iconic and features hundreds of celebrity-signed stars and handprints.

This location has become a hotbed for photography and tourism because of its historical legacy. It’s conveniently located outside of the decades-old TCL Chinese Theatre, which represents Hollywood’s Golden Age.

 

Griffith Observatory

If you are looking for a museum, observatory, and planetarium all in one, Griffith Observatory is the place for you. There, visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows, and more. It’s located on the south face of scenic Mount Hollywood, which makes for some great photo opportunities.

Although some of the observatory’s shows require a small fee, there are many free exhibitions and events every available day.

 

Griffith Park

Just outside of the observatory is Griffith Park. It’s one of the largest municipal parks with urban wildness in the country. Its 4,210 acres range from 384 to 1,625 feet above sea level, providing hikers with a plethora of terrains and views. Griffith Park is the largest historic landmark in Los Angeles and is visible from most of the city due to its location. Paid tours are available, but visitors can opt to explore the entire park for free instead.

The park is home to an abandoned zoo that closed in 1966 and moved a few miles away. The zoo’s original enclosures are still open to the public. There, visitors can go explore and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many tables. While the metal bars have been removed, most of the zoo has remained untouched since its relocation.

In typical Los Angeles fashion, Griffith Park also has an outdoor amphitheater, the Greek Theatre. It’s a 5,900-seat venue that hosts musical performances and other events under the sun and stars in California. The theater was designed to resemble a Greek temple and was built within a canyon for the acoustic benefits.

 

Getty Center

There are hundreds of places to enjoy free activities in Los Angeles but none are as impressive as Getty Center. It features beautiful architecture, famous paintings, historic writings, and stunning photography all within the confines of a massive steel and concrete building.

The main Getty Center, designed by distinguished architect Richard Meier, includes a museum, auditorium, and multiple institutes. Paul J. Getty’s personal collection is featured because of his strong beliefs about the importance of art in society.

With something for everyone, Getty Center is a great option for people of all ages. Guests can explore the five-story museum, take their children to kid-friendly programs, and finish things off with a free concert. Their free guided tours are highly recommended so visitors can get the full experience. Getty Center also includes more than 86 acres of gardens and outdoor areas to traverse.

 

Markets

One of the best ways to learn about an area is to immerse yourself in its food culture. One easy way to accomplish this is by visiting markets.

The Original Farmers Market, founded in 1934, is one of Los Angeles’ most iconic and popular landmarks. Entry is free and the market is full of delicious food and fun souvenirs available for purchase. It’s a cut above a typical farmers market too, as it also hosts a number of festivals, concerts, and auto shows throughout the year.

Grand Central Market is a traditional food hall located in downtown Los Angeles by the Walt Disney Concert Hall. As downtown has grown in population and diversity, Grand Central Market has seen an influx of new cuisines. It offers everything from tacos and chow mein to craft beer and dessert. If you prefer a food hall to farmers market, Grand Central Market is your place.

 

Beaches

California averages 284 sunny days per year, which is 79 days more than the average city. One of the best ways to spend these sunny days is at one of Los Angeles’ free beaches. The Santa Monica Pier and Beach is one of the top choices due to its boardwalk, as well as its amusement park. This beach is over three miles long and is perfect for runners and sunbathers alike.

Zuma Beach is another great, free option in Los Angeles. It has almost two miles of beachfront property. It’s known for its white sand and rough tides and has become a popular destination for swimmers and bodysurfers . It provides a plethora of recreational options like volleyball and fishing. The water at Zuma is slightly cooler than other beaches in the area, but it is still one of the favorites in all of California.

One of Los Angeles’ best features is its diversity. Venice, founded in 1905, is significantly different than other neighborhoods because it was modeled after its namesake in Italy, canals and all. Delightful Venice Beach has a boardwalk featuring hundreds of street performers daily. It is also known for its Muscle Beach, made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger, where bodybuilders gather to work out.

 

California Science Center

If you are interested in learning about science in an entertaining and engaging way, look no further than the California Science Center. Admission, excluding their IMAX film tickets, is completely free.

The Center delves into science through live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and programs. It’s also home to the Endeavour, a space shuttle that completed 25 missions to space, including the first servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope. This unique attraction is one of the best science centers in the country and its affordability makes it a must-see for families.