Los Angeles is likely to be identified for its high-end eating, luxurious buying and A-list life-style, however there’s lots to do on a price range. Whether or not you’re sitting in a TV present taping or window buying on Rodeo Drive, the Metropolis of Angels provides numerous methods to take pleasure in its power with out breaking the financial institution.
One factor to bear in mind earlier than you begin planning: Los Angeles is very large. Spanning greater than 500 sq. miles and 30 neighborhoods, the town and its surrounding areas are greatest explored area by area. Attempting to crisscross LA in a single day might imply extra time in visitors than really having fun with the sights. As a substitute, sort out LA one neighborhood at a time, giving your self time to absorb every space’s distinctive vibe.
Listed below are 18 of the perfect free and low-cost issues to do in LA, sorted by a few of the hottest areas.
Touring to LA after the wildfires: What to know
In early 2025, Los Angeles skilled devastating wildfires, leaving many questioning if they need to change their journey plans. Whereas some areas, like Eaton Canyon Pure Space and Nature Middle, stay closed for restoration, a lot of the town stays open and desirous to welcome guests.
“The start of the 12 months was extremely difficult for the Los Angeles neighborhood, and… we stay dedicated to the greater than 1,000 native companies who rely upon tourism for his or her livelihoods,” stated Adam Burke, president and CEO of Los Angeles Tourism in a ready assertion from March 2025. “One of the best ways that people may also help our neighborhood recuperate, hold companies open and maintain our neighborhood on this time of want is by reserving a visit to our Metropolis of Angels.”
Now greater than ever, visiting LA could make a distinction. Plus — with main occasions on the horizon — together with the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the 2028 Summer time Olympics — the town is getting ready to welcome guests from throughout.
Hollywood free and low-cost actions
Greatest for: Hikers and movie fanatics
1. Hike to the Hollywood Signal
Price: Free.
Certainly one of LA’s most well-known landmarks, the Hollywood Signal, is greatest skilled on foot. There are just a few totally different hikes to select from, every various in size. There’s a 6-mile, out-and-back trail from Canyon Drive. A shorter model through Innsdale Drive takes lower than an hour and is lower than 2 miles. There are a selection of distances in between, and mountain climbing web sites like AllTrails or Hikespeak may also help you discover a hike tailor-made to your means.
2. Go to the Griffith Observatory
Price: Free.
Positioned on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory is a must-visit attraction for college youngsters, hikers, astronomers and anybody in search of an inexpensive but romantic date night time. There are dozens of reveals concerning the galaxy and each day packages embody reveals within the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and stay Tesla Coil demonstrations. Come within the evenings to look by the free public telescopes.
The most effective time to go to, although, is throughout golden hour to catch sweeping views of the town each in daylight and after darkish. It’s onerous to beat a sundown view over the town from the Griffith Observatory.
3. Stroll the Hollywood Stroll of Fame
Price: Free.
In the event you like the thought of a hike however would moderately skip the filth, then go for the glamor of strolling down Hollywood Boulevard alongside the Hollywood Stroll of Fame, the place yow will discover stars that line the sidewalk and which can be devoted to well-known actors, musicians and different popular culture legends.
Sure, it’s touristy, nevertheless it’s additionally iconic. Don’t miss the TCL Chinese language Theatre, the place you possibly can see the handprints and footprints of basic film stars within the concrete.
Downtown LA free and low-cost actions
Greatest for: Vacationers who prioritize walkability, historical past and tradition
4. Go to the Broad Museum
Price: Free.
Take a look at L.A.’s modern artwork scene at The Broad, residence to reveals together with two of Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms, an immersive artwork exhibit that makes for a stunning selfie. Common admission is free, although advance reservations are really helpful.
5. Snack your approach by Grand Central Market
Price: Free, however price range for meals.
A historic foodie haven, Grand Central Market provides (largely) low-cost eats from numerous distributors. Staples of the market embody La Huerta Sweet, which has been promoting novelty Mexican nuts and dried fruit there since 1999. There are additionally newer companies, together with Teddy’s Tiny Bites, which makes miniature pancakes with candy and savory toppings. Elsewhere, seize some tacos or contemporary pupusas for just a few {dollars} whereas having fun with the market’s bustling ambiance.
6. Olvera Road
Price: Free, however once more, price range for meals and souvenirs.
Olvera Road is a historic Mexican market stuffed with colourful vendor stalls, scrumptious taquerias and stay mariachi performances. It’s one of the well-liked vacationer locations in Los Angeles. For a good livelier expertise, go to throughout one of many market’s annual celebrations together with Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day) or Dia de los Muertos.
7. Go to the Final Bookstore
Price: Free.
On-line influencers and bibliophiles alike go nuts for The Final Bookstore, which payments itself as California’s largest ebook and document retailer. With the constructing’s grand structure, ebook sculptures and a tunnel that’s made utterly out of books, it’s an Instagrammer’s dream.
8. California Science Middle and Pure Historical past Museum of Los Angeles County
Price: Free (particular reveals might have a charge).
The California Science Middle is without doubt one of the largest science facilities within the nation, with hands-on science reveals on subjects together with house exploration, the human physique and the surroundings.
It’s additionally proper subsequent to the Pure Historical past Museum of Los Angeles County. That museum has a charge, however provides a number of ways to get in for free.
Santa Monica and Venice free and low-cost actions
Greatest for: Vacationers in search of seashore vibes and outside adventures
9. Bike (or stroll) the Marvin Braude Coastal Path
Price: Free (with your individual bike).
Also referred to as “The Strand,” this 22-mile paved bike path runs alongside the Pacific, from Will Rogers State Seashore to Torrance. It’s an out-and-back path, so begin wherever alongside the path and bike so far as you possibly can (leaving power to get again).
Some motels alongside the route, such because the Fairmont Miramar Resort & Bungalows, which is bookable by sure AmEx cardmembers by the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts program, provide complimentary bike leases to lodge company. In any other case, it’s fairly simple to discover a bike stand alongside the route providing paid bike leases by the hour or day.
10. Watch the sundown at Santa Monica Pier
Price: Free (although particular person points of interest have a charge).
The Santa Monica Pier (and surrounding streets) make for a basic California vacation spot. In the event you go within the night, you’ll seemingly discover road performers and a formidable sundown.
There are some paid points of interest, reminiscent of carnival rides and arcade video games, however the a la carte pricing makes it so that you solely pay for the belongings you actually wish to do. In the event you solely choose one, Los Angeles-based journey author Margot Black recommends the Ferris wheel (a single experience is $17, or you possibly can pay $50 for limitless entry to all of the rides).
“Carry a tiny tripod with you and use it when you’re on the prime, proper above the Pacific Ocean,” she says. “You will get a sensational photograph.”
11. Wander the Venice Canals
Price: Free.
Many vacationers know to wander down the Venice Seashore Boardwalk, however many miss the hidden canals only a few blocks away, which provide a quiet escape from the crowds. Stroll the footbridges and admire the quirky structure of Venice’s canal-front houses.
Inglewood low-cost actions
Greatest for: Foodies
12. Randy’s Donuts
Price: About $2 per donut.
Randy’s Donuts is a small donut retailer chain primarily in California (with just a few areas elsewhere within the U.S. and even internationally). However you need to go to Inglewood to go to the unique location, which is certainly one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks.
You’ve seemingly seen the large donut on its roof in tv reveals, music movies and films. And when you’re there, seize a donut, which prices about $2 every.
Mid-Metropolis low-cost actions
Greatest for: Vacationers who like buying and museums
13. The Grove & Farmers Market
Price: Free (however price range for meals and buying).
The Grove is a swanky buying and leisure advanced with a trolley, which is free to experience. It even has a fountain present synced to music, created by the identical firm that constructed the fountain present on the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
Then pop over to the adjoining Los Angeles Farmers Market, which has been a metropolis staple because it opened in 1934. For vacationers who love visiting grocery shops whereas on trip, there’s no higher place than this open-air market. Its wealthy historical past and large dimension — greater than 100 distributors — make it a preferred vacation spot.
Westside L.A. low-cost actions
Greatest for: Artwork lovers and low-cost eats seekers
14. Getty Middle
Price: Free (parking is usually $25).
This world-class museum homes a formidable artwork assortment and fantastically landscaped gardens set towards some spectacular structure. Perched excessive above the town, the Getty Middle makes getting there half the enjoyable. From the road stage, you’ll experience a tram to the highest, passing the Getty Middle’s white travertine partitions — all of the whereas taking within the metropolis views.
Though admission is free, it is advisable make a timed-entry reservation — so plan forward.
15. Diddy Riese
(Photograph by Sally French)
Price: $5 for an ice cream sandwich.
A College of California, Los Angeles favourite, this Westwood bakery is known for its cheap ice cream sandwiches. For $5, you possibly can select any mixture of two fresh-baked cookies and one taste of ice cream to make an ice cream sandwich. If you need simply the cookie, you’ll owe simply 75 cents.
San Fernando Valley free and low-cost actions
Greatest for: TV and film fanatics
16. Valley Relics Museum
Price: $15 for common admission tickets.
The Valley Relics Museum is a treasure trove of Los Angeles nostalgia. Inside, you’ll discover neon indicators, basic automobiles, retro arcade video games and popular culture memorabilia from Hollywood’s golden period.
“It’s a love letter to neon-lit diners, long-lost theme parks, and the Valley’s bizarre, great previous,” says Bobby Inexperienced, co-owner of 1933 Group, which is a gaggle answerable for restoring Los Angeles landmarks reminiscent of Highland Park Bowl and Formosa Cafe.
17. Catch a free TV present taping
Price: Free.
Many TV reveals which have stay studio audiences provide free tickets at a number of areas all through the town. To get in, you’ll must time your journey accurately with when tapings are occurring (fall is commonest for a lot of reveals). Tickets are often doled out only a week or two upfront by web sites like On-Digital camera Audiences or 1iota.
Give your self half a day to go to a stay taping. Productions will often have company arrive nicely earlier than showtime and so they might require a sure costume code.
18. Take in theme park vibes at Common CityWalk Hollywood
Crimson Scorching Chocolate Wings at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen are fried and served with scorching chocolate sauce. (Photograph by Sally French)
Price: Common parking is $35 all day, however drops to $10 after 5 p.m. In the event you see a film at Common Cinema, parking is barely $5. Funds for meals, buying and different leisure.
Adjoining to the Common Studios Hollywood theme park, CityWalk is a full of life leisure district with neon lights, road performers and an array of retailers and eating places. Latest additions embody a Whats up Kitty and Pals Cafe and Sanrio Smile Store and an outpost of The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, which initially debuted on the Orlando model of CityWalk.
It’s an incredible place to walk, people-watch and soak within the theme park’s power with out dropping greater than $100 on Universal Studios tickets. Beware, the parking
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