Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles in 2025

Los Angeles is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but it can also be one of the most expensive. Between the theme parks, fine dining, and luxury hotels, it is easy to think that you need a big budget to experience the city. The truth is that Los Angeles offers an incredible number of things to do that do not cost a single dollar. From world famous landmarks to cultural attractions and scenic outdoor spaces, you can fill your trip with memorable adventures without spending money.

In this guide, we will explore the best free things to do in Los Angeles in 2025. Whether you are visiting for the first time or you live here and want to rediscover your city, this list will show you how much Los Angeles has to offer for free.

Explore Griffith Park and the Griffith Observatory

Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It is a favorite spot for hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing. The park offers several hiking trails, including ones that lead to fantastic views of the Hollywood Sign.

The highlight of the park is the Griffith Observatory. Admission is free, and inside you can learn about space, astronomy, and science through interactive exhibits. You can also use the free telescopes on clear nights to look at the moon and planets. Even if you are not interested in astronomy, the view from the Observatory terrace of downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean is breathtaking.

Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame

No trip to Los Angeles feels complete without seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame. More than 2,700 brass stars line Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, honoring actors, musicians, directors, and even fictional characters. Walking along this sidewalk is completely free and gives you a chance to soak in the history of Hollywood.

Along the way you will also see the TCL Chinese Theatre, where celebrities have left handprints and footprints in cement. The area is always buzzing with performers and tourists, and it makes for a great photo opportunity.

Spend Time at Santa Monica Pier and Beach

The Santa Monica Pier is a classic Los Angeles attraction. While the rides and games on the pier cost money, simply walking around is free. You can enjoy the ocean breeze, watch street performers, and take in the Pacific views.

The beach itself is wide, sandy, and great for relaxing. Bring a towel, soak up the sun, or go for a swim. Santa Monica is also a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the water.

Wander Venice Beach

Venice Beach is known for its bohemian spirit, colorful murals, and lively boardwalk. Walking along the Venice Beach Boardwalk is free and gives you a chance to see street performers, artists, and vendors.

One highlight is Muscle Beach, where athletes work out on outdoor gym equipment. Another is the Venice Skate Park, where talented skateboarders show off their skills against the backdrop of the ocean. Venice is also full of street art and murals that make for great photo opportunities.

Explore Olvera Street

Olvera Street is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument and is often called the birthplace of Los Angeles. It is a pedestrian street filled with Mexican culture, music, and tradition.

You can wander the marketplace, admire the colorful stalls, and see artisans making leather goods, pottery, and folk art. Admission to many of the nearby museums and historic buildings, such as Avila Adobe, the oldest house in Los Angeles, is also free.

Olvera Street often has live music, folkloric dancing, and cultural festivals that are open to the public at no cost.

Visit The Getty Center

The Getty Center is one of the most beautiful and impressive museums in the world. Admission is always free. The museum holds masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, and many others.

Beyond the art, the Getty is famous for its architecture and gardens. The Central Garden is a work of art itself, designed with winding paths, colorful flowers, and flowing water. The views of Los Angeles from the Getty’s hilltop location are also unforgettable.

Parking does cost money, but if you take public transportation, your visit to the Getty can be completely free.

Discover The Broad Museum

Located in downtown Los Angeles, The Broad is a contemporary art museum with a striking honeycomb design. Admission is free, but you do need to reserve tickets in advance on their website.

Inside, you will find works by Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The Infinity Mirror Rooms are some of the most popular exhibits, offering a surreal and immersive experience. The Broad also sits right next to Walt Disney Concert Hall, which is another architectural landmark you can admire from the outside for free.

Explore the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Outdoor Installations

While entry to LACMA itself requires a ticket, the outdoor installations are free to the public. The most famous is Chris Burden’s Urban Light, a collection of restored street lamps that has become one of the most Instagrammed spots in Los Angeles.

You can also explore other sculptures around the museum campus without going inside.

Stroll Through Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles has been operating since 1917. While you might be tempted to buy food from one of the many vendors, it costs nothing to walk through and soak up the atmosphere.

The market is vibrant, colorful, and a true taste of Los Angeles culture. You will see food from around the world, murals, and often live music or community events.

Enjoy Free Events and Festivals

Los Angeles hosts countless free events throughout the year. Some examples include outdoor movie nights in the summer, music performances at Pershing Square, and seasonal cultural festivals in Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and Koreatown.

In 2025, keep an eye out for community celebrations like the Chinese New Year Festival in Chinatown, Dia de los Muertos on Olvera Street, and free summer concerts at the Santa Monica Pier.

Relax at Echo Park Lake

Echo Park Lake is a great place to enjoy nature in the middle of the city. You can walk the path around the lake, relax on the grass, or watch the swan boats glide by. The downtown skyline views are stunning, especially at sunset.

Explore Arts District Murals

The Arts District in downtown Los Angeles is like an open air gallery. The walls are covered with colorful murals and street art from both local and international artists. Walking around is completely free and gives you endless photo opportunities.

Visit the California Science Center

The California Science Center is free to enter and is one of the best science museums in the country. It is home to interactive exhibits about ecosystems, space, and technology. The highlight is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which you can see up close.

Walk Along Rodeo Drive

You might not plan on shopping at luxury stores, but strolling down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is a fun experience. You will see high fashion shops, exotic cars, and sometimes even celebrities. The area is beautiful and offers a glimpse into the glamorous side of Los Angeles.

Explore Malibu Beaches

Los Angeles County has some of the most beautiful beaches in California. Many of the best ones are in Malibu and are completely free to enjoy. El Matador Beach is famous for its sea caves and rock formations, while Zuma Beach is great for swimming and sunbathing.

Visit Downtown Los Angeles Landmarks

There are several free architectural landmarks downtown worth checking out. Union Station is the largest train station in the West and has a stunning Art Deco design. The Bradbury Building, which you may recognize from movies like Blade Runner, is open to the public on the ground floor. The Last Bookstore is also free to enter and is filled with creative displays of books and art.

Tips for Enjoying Los Angeles for Free

1. Use public transportation or walk to save on parking fees.

2. Check event calendars for seasonal free festivals and performances.

3. Bring a camera to capture the many photo-worthy spots around the city.

4. Visit during weekdays for smaller crowds at popular attractions.
   

Conclusion

Los Angeles proves that you do not need to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable trip. From world-class museums and cultural landmarks to beaches, parks, and street art, there is an endless list of free things to do in the city. In 2025, take advantage of these opportunities to explore Los Angeles without breaking the bank.

Whether you are gazing at the stars from Griffith Observatory, walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or relaxing on a Malibu beach, you will find that some of the best experiences in Los Angeles are the ones that do not cost a thing.