You don’t need to spend a lot to have a great time in Los Angeles. This guide covers some of the best free and affordable things to do in LA, from well-known attractions and beaches to local spots worth checking out.
And the cherry on top? As a sunny and warm coastal city, the weather won’t throw a wrench in your plans. And if you need to extend your stay a little longer, it’s easy to fit more excursions and sights into your itinerary.
Key takeaways
- Los Angeles has plenty of free and cheap things to do, you just have to know where to look.
- This city offers great excursions and is home to many celebrities. There’s a chance you could meet an A-lister in person.
- With beautiful, sunny weather, there’s a lot to do and enjoy outside. It’s rare that your plans are impacted by weather.
- As a coastal city, there are piers, boardwalks and beachfront views that provide free ways to experience the city and enjoy fresh air.
- Some of the best things to do in LA include visiting TV show tapings and discovering up-and-coming musicians and comedians at local venues.
- When choosing where to stay in LA, an extended stay hotel with full kitchens and weekly rates can save you more money.
1. Find your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
One of the most popular things to do in Los Angeles is visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A trip to the city is not complete without finding your favorite celebrity’s star and taking a photo with it.
Visiting the Walk of Fame is free and it’s a classic first stop for visitors. Note: it is on a commercial strip, so be wary of street vendors and shops if you’re trying to save money.
2. Hike Runyon Canyon Park
If you love fitness and Vitamin D, this is one of the best things to do in LA. This 160-acre park features a hiking trail at an incline that most personal trainers would celebrate. See the best views of the city of Los Angeles while getting in an impressive workout during the hike.
This is also one of the city’s most popular dog-friendly hiking spots, perfect for those traveling with pets. Don’t forget to bring a portable water bowl for them, too.
3. Have fun in the sun at Santa Monica Beach and Pier
One of the perks of a state being on the coast is all the beaches you can access. Some of the top beaches in Los Angeles include Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach and Hermosa Beach.
Santa Monica beach is a must-stop location for visitors. Not only can you surf, picnic or swim, but you can also enjoy the Santa Monica Pier. Among the many fun things to do in LA for those traveling with kids, the Santa Monica Pier has rides, carnival games, restaurants and other attractions.
4. See something unique on the Venice Boardwalk
This eccentric boardwalk is lined with souvenir shops, eateries and street performers. There are also sports courts, a skate plaza and a pier available to visitors. Attracting approximately 30,000 visitors a day, this is the second most-visited destination in Southern California.
This boardwalk is also home to Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym since 1963 that is considered the “Home of Bodybuilding.” It’s open seven days a week and offers day passes around $10, weekly passes and yearly memberships.
Try a new restaurant, walk along the beach, get a lift in or pick up some souvenirs at this beloved boardwalk.
5. Pose with a “celebrity” at the Hollywood Wax Museum
You may never come face-to-face with Taylor Swift, but this wax museum is a close second. See life-sized wax replicas of your favorite celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum, also known as Madame Tussauds.
This world-famous museum is the most visited attraction on Hollywood Boulevard, and there are various packages available for budget flexibility. For admission to just the museum, it’s $29 per person. For admission plus a Big Bus tour of Los Angeles’ most popular sites, it’s $69 per person.
6. Stargaze at Griffith Observatory
Check out the night sky at one of the premier public observatories in the world. The Zeiss and solar telescopes are free and open to the public, as long as the building is open and the sky is clear. You can also get general building access and visit the outdoor terrace for free, but the planetarium shows may carry a small fee.
For those wanting to get a photo of the famous Hollywood sign, this is one of the best free spots to do so. There is also a free app anyone can download as a digital guide to exploring this LA attraction. It includes Griffith Observatory audio, video and exhibition guides.
7. Grab a meal at Grand Central Market
One of the tastier things to do in LA, visiting Grand Central Market offers affordable food with plenty of options. This historic downtown food hall has dozens of vendors and many different types of cuisines, perfect for those traveling with picky eaters or stricter diets.
For guests staying in LA looking for an easy meal, this is one must-stop shop that won’t break the bank. No reservations are needed, and most vendors offer meals under $20.
8. Ride the historic Angels Flight
This hillside railway has been an iconic Los Angeles landmark since 1901 and stretches from South Grand Avenue to South Hill Street. Not only is it a historic gem in the area, but it makes for a cheap way to get across town. Fare is only $1.50 one way or $0.75 with a TAP card.
With the lower entrance letting out right across from Grand Central Market, it’s easy to combine the two stops in one outing.
9. Explore Olvera Street and Union Station
For a taste of “Old Los Angeles,” check out Olvera Street. Here, you can go on a free, self-guided walk down a brick-lined market of local vendors, cafes and historical museums. Stop for taquitos, shop handcrafted items like pottery or enjoy the street performances of Aztec and Mexican folkloric dancers.
After you’ve explored Olvera Street, venture a few blocks away to check out Union Station. What was once the largest train terminal in the Western United States is still a functioning transportation hub. This Art Deco building is now known as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.
With these two iconic stops mere blocks away from each other, these offer free, enriching things to do in LA in one outing.
10. See masterpieces for free at the Getty Center
Set aside a day for the Getty Center, where admission to the hilltop museum is free with a timed-entry reservation. You’ll only need to pay for parking, currently $25 per car or $15 after 3 p.m.
After a free tram ride up the hill, take your time exploring the gardens and city views. With plenty to see, the Getty makes an especially worthwhile full-day outing if you’re staying in Los Angeles for a week or longer.
11. Enjoy art and breathtaking views at the Getty Villa
Not to be confused with the previously mentioned Getty Center, the Getty Villa is a recreated Roman country house museum featuring ancient Greek, Roman and Etruscan art. The Getty Villa is a great pick if you’re looking for scenic things to do in the LA area.
Admission is free, but parking fees are similar to those of the Getty Center. If you want to check out the Getty Villa and Getty Center in the same day, there is a “Pay Once, Park Twice” parking deal.
For those looking for a budget-friendly couples vacation, take some time to enjoy the views here, then head to a nearby Malibu beach to watch the sunset.
12. Shop and snack at the Original Farmer’s Market at The Grove
The Grove’s outdoor shopping area is home to the Original Farmer’s Market, offering a place to pick up fresh produce and local goods. This market, founded in 1934, is free to browse and a long-standing staple.
For those staying in town for a while, skip expensive takeout bills and opt for cooking in your hotel room kitchen. After stopping by the Original Farmer’s Market, you can use fresh, locally grown ingredients to cook meals in your hotel room.
13. Score free tickets to a TV show taping
Be in the room where the TV magic happens! Going to a live taping of a TV show is one of the most fun things to do in LA. Many shows offer free audience tickets when booked in advance.
Shows that allow live studio audiences include America’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and more. Spots fill up fast, so reserve your spot as soon as you can!
14. Step back in time at the Time Travel Mart
At the intersection of quirky gifts and giving back, this gift shop is a great stop for a memento or gag gift. It’s free to browse and benefits the 826LA youth writing program.
For those traveling with kids, this is a fun stop for dinosaur lovers. One of the time periods featured here is the prehistoric period, with gifts like a dinosaur egg, dinosaur stuffed animal, poster and a T-Rex in a can.
15. Explore local favorites in Silver Lake
Spend a few hours wandering around Silver Lake for a feel of everyday LA. The neighborhood is packed with local shops, independent coffee shops and iconic public stairways that make for an easy walking route. It’s a good change of pace from the usual tourist stops and an easy way to stay active.
For remote workers, digital nomads or anyone considering a move to LA, Silver Lake is also a nice excuse to step away from the laptop and explore.
16. Hike Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park
For a quieter hike with big views, head to Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park in Brentwood. The free, dog-friendly trail climbs toward the old Nike Missile site at San Vicente Mountain.
Generally less crowded than Runyon Canyon, hiking here is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles, combining fresh air and beautiful 360-degree views across the Westside and Pacific.
Keep in mind that some areas were affected by the 2025 Palisades fire and are still regrowing, so check current trail conditions before heading out.
17. See world-class art at LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is worth a stop if you’re looking for LA attractions with plenty to see in one place. LA county residents can get free general admission on weekdays after 3 p.m., except Wednesdays when the museum is closed. Non-resident general admission costs around $28. Everyone can also visit free on the second Tuesday of each month.
Even without a ticket, you can see the outdoor Urban Light and Levitated Mass installations anytime.
18. See live music at the Troubadour
A perfect spot for date night, the Troubadour in West Hollywood has been a longtime LA favorite. This venue has hosted performers like Elton John, Joni Mitchell and Guns N’ Roses since 1957.
This spot also has a good mix of local, smaller acts and bigger headliners, making it fit a variety of budgets. Check their website calendar for pricing and show lineup.
19. Catch a show at the Whisky a Go Go
Head to the Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip for a night of live music without the arena price tag. The club has been a fixture here since 1964 and was once a regular spot for The Doors.
It still brings in plenty of local and up-and-coming bands, with some tickets starting in the low $20s. This fun thing to do in LA offers live music at an affordable price, perfect for date night.
20. Laugh it up at the Comedy Store
Check out the well-known Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip and discover your new favorite comedian! This is among the best things to do in LA for those looking for a fun and memorable Hollywood experience.
This venue has launched generations of comedians and makes for an affordable night out for visitors ages 21 and up. There is no cover charge on Sundays and Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m.
Note: there is a two-drink minimum, but water can be substituted for those who don’t drink.
Start planning your stay in Los Angeles
Even though Los Angeles may seem like an expensive destination, it can actually be an affordable city if you know where to look. There are plenty of free and cheap things to do in the Los Angeles area. The city has much to offer, from Hollywood magic and world-renowned museums to breathtaking scenery and iconic performance venues.
When visiting the area for days or even weeks, finding a practical home base that lets you maintain a routine can make all the difference. At Extended Stay America hotels, amenities include full kitchens in every suite, free wi-fi and lower rates for longer stays. Booking direct on esa.com provides flexibility in case plans change or you need to extend your stay.
