5 (mostly) FREE things to do in Los Angeles
September 20, 2010 by Katie
Filed under Destinations, Tips & Deals, Travel + Wine
Los Angeles, California - The city of Champagne wishes, caviar dreams, and home to some of the rich and famous.
Luckily, not everything has to cost a pretty penny.
If you’re on a travel budget, here are a few activities you can enjoy when you’re in Los Angeles without breaking the bank:
1. Hollywood Walk of Fame
If you’ve never visited Los Angeles, this is a must-visit-to-check-off-the-list type of tourist trap that can actually be a lot of fun, especially if you love people-watching.
It’s free to walk along the vibrant Hollywood Boulevard, search for your favorite movie star, and watch the out-of-work actors strut their stuff in full costume as they try to make a few bucks from pictures with tourists.
Although the boulevard stretches over a mile, most people center around the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre where you can find the “Forecourt of the Stars”, featuring footprints, hand prints, and signatures of many Hollywood stars.
2. Getty Center
While the LACMA and Norton Simon Museums house amazing collections, nobody can beat the view at the Getty Center. Simply pay $15 for parking (or wait until 5pm and it’s FREE!) and take the tram to the museum at the top of the hill. Admission is free.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the Central Garden, South Pavilion Terrace, or Museum Courtyard.
3. Malibu Family Wines
Located in glamorous Malibu, just a few short minutes north along the coast, is a winery with spectacular views and premium wines.
Visit the tasting room (call for seasonal hours) and check out the 1,000 acre property where over 100 movies and commercials have been filmed.
4. Santa Monica Pier
A pier with a carnival-like atmosphere, this is where it’s all happening: local families out for a day of fun, tourists experiencing coastal California for the first time, and the occasional celebrity sighting.
Unless you want to pay a few bucks for a ride or games, it’s free to enjoy the gorgeous ocean views and gentle breeze.
The guy in the hat is Ricardo
5. Griffith Observatory
If you want an awesome view of Los Angeles without the parking fees associated with the Getty Center, this observatory in Griffith Park is 100% free.
Visit for nice daytime views or find out when their telescope is operating for spectacular views of the night sky.
Wear good walking shoes if you want to take advantage of the miles of park trails.
Reader Question: Do you have a favorite hangout in Los Angeles? Leave a comment.
Thanks for the great tip about Griffith! I had forgotten about it and need to add it to my local bucket list! Great post Katie!
Thanks Angie! Glad you enjoyed the post. I love the Griffith Park Observatory. The view alone is worth the trip. If you can get there at night for star gazing (which seems weird to do from LA), it’s a lot of fun. As a bonus, the city lights go on forever and downtown looks beautiful.