Free Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)

Yes that is what you think, we are recommending you to get your foot back in school. Joke aside, UCLA is the second oldest university in California (established in 1919), a world -renowned school, but the reason we are talking about it is its campus. The campus of UCLA is considered as one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States, thanks to its architecture. If you would like, you can walk around the campus for free and there is also a free botanical garden that you can visit (Mathias Botanical Garden).

The Getty Center & Getty Villa

Do you like overlooks? Architecture? Gardens? Or Art? Well, good for you that’s all the things you can find in the Getty Center. This is one of the two campuses of the Getty Museum (the other being Getty Villa) and it features the Art Museum, but also beautiful gardens and a scenic view overlooking Los Angeles. On the other hand, the Getty Villa is featuring mainly Roman and Greek art, all in a re-created Roman home. The two museums are not located at the same spots, but they are both free. The only thing you will need is a timed reservation which you can get online. Note that although the admission is free, parking is charged.

The Grove

There are many places in Los Angeles held as classics, but which we progressively get tired of with time. The Grove is not one of them. This open-air shopping destination is a great place to do some shopping or simply walk around. One of the big features for us is the historic Farmers Market. It offers varied dining options, although they can be a bit expensive. And the cherry on top is the fountain delivering a show at some points during shopping hours.

Los Angeles Central Library

As the main branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, the Central Library welcomes a very wide collection of books and other archives. If you would like to sit in there and enjoy some books you are free to do so, but the main reason we’re mentioning it here is the architecture. Los Angeles Central Library is a beautiful piece of architecture where you may like to wander and take pictures.

Edison Building

One aspect that we find to be a bit underestimated in Los Angeles is architecture. Buildings with interesting architecture are spread all over the city. One of those is the Edison building (recently rebranded as The CalEdison). This Art Deco building was completed in 1931 and was one of the first all-electrically heated and cooled within the western United States. Get inside (Lobby is accessible to the public), drink a coffee and admire the place.

Koreatown

Los Angeles features something that not many cities across the United States have, a Koreatown.  Koreatown does not stand out by its architecture, but rather by its shops and restaurants. The neighborhood also holds some exhibits from time to time, and the Korean Cultural Center offers free access to exhibits aiming to promote Korean culture.

Little Tokyo

As one of the United States most populated cities, Los Angeles features a vast diversity of cultures that reflects in its neighborhood. One of those neighborhoods is Little Tokyo, one of the three official Japantown in the United States. It is a very nice place for Japanese lovers featuring one museum (and one extension), two Japanese gardens and plenty of shops and restaurants. We recommend seeing the Japanese Village Plaza and Watchtower.

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is an icon of La La Land (nickname of Los Angeles) and featured in many movies. But beyond just the architecture, iconic status or the scenic view of LA, the Griffith observatory also features some truly interesting exhibits that makes – making it a popular destination for school field trips. Among others, the building houses exhibits on space, the planet earth and astronomical tools. There are also several interesting inventions to see like a Tesla coil and a Foucault pendulum. So if you have not done it, and if you are willing to wait some times up there (lines for parking can be long), it is definitely a must for visitors. Please note that even though the observatory access is free, you may need to pay for parking if you come with a car. To avoid lines, you can either walk up there (it can be steep), or take the bus which is not free, but it costs less than a dollar.

Santa Monica & Pier

One of the most well known cities of the greater Los Angeles, Santa Monica features several sights and iconic areas like the Pier. The pier opened in 1909 and since became famous for appearing in many movies, but also for being one of the endpoints of Route 66. The pier itself is free of access although you may have to pay for parking or attractions (if you want to ride one). Aside from that, you can also have a nice time walking down Third Street Promenade and around Santa Monica Place, an open air shopping mall. The area is well deserved by public transit.

Hollywood Blvd & Chinese Theater

Let’s be honest, Hollywood Boulevard is very touristy and locals do not generally go around on their own unless they have to. Nonetheless, it is always something fun to do at least once if you have never done it. The most crowded area is generally the Walk of Fame and the Grauman’s Chinese Theater which still hold a significant place in the industry of cinema today. You may like it or not, we let you make your own opinion.