Los Angeles, the city of glitz and glamour, high prices, but to beat it all, you do not have to be a Hollywood millionaire to have a good time in LA. This city has all kinds of low-cost fun from iconic free attractions, low-cost eats, and inexpensive scenic hikes. If you are traveling on your own, as a couple, or with your family, these are the best free and cheap activities in Los Angeles that can assist you in exploring without hurting your pocket.

Iconic Free Attractions in Los Angeles

1. Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park

Griffith Observatory is free to enter and has one of the most breathtaking spaces with panoramas of the city of Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Sign. Stroll through displays or gaze at the stars with borrowed telescopes at night. Complete your visit with a gorgeous hike in the nearby Griffith Park, one of the biggest urban parks in the U.S.

2. The Getty Center

Art lovers rejoice—the Getty Center is completely free to visit (just pay for parking). Explore world-class art collections, tranquil gardens, and stunning views of the city from Brentwood.

The Broad Museum

Downtown’s Broad Museum offers free general admission to one of LA’s most impressive collections of contemporary art. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are accepted based on availability.

California Science Center

A fantastic stop for families, the California Science Center features interactive exhibits and even the Space Shuttle Endeavour, all for free. There may be a small fee for special exhibits or IMAX films.

Fun Free Outdoor Activities

Venice Beach & Venice Canals

Venice Beach is always buzzing with energy—street performers, skate parks, Muscle Beach, and art walls are all part of the experience. Nearby, the Venice Canals offer a peaceful and charming walk through one of LA’s most picturesque neighborhoods.

Santa Monica Pier

While you’ll pay for rides or games, simply walking the Santa Monica Pier and watching street performers or catching a sunset over the Pacific is free.

Runyon Canyon Hike

One of the best free hikes in LA, Runyon Canyon provides a workout with a reward: sweeping views of the city and possible celebrity sightings.

Hollywood Sign Viewpoints

Want to snap that iconic Hollywood Sign photo? Try the Lake Hollywood Park or the Brush Canyon Trail—both provide free access and unbeatable views.

Cultural & Historical Attractions

Olvera Street

Step into LA’s Mexican heritage at Olvera Street, one of the oldest parts of the city. Browse local vendors, enjoy cheap eats, and explore the free El Pueblo Historical Monument.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Take a stroll along the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame and find your favorite stars. It’s free to visit, and you’ll also pass landmarks like TCL Chinese Theatre.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Visit the final resting place of famous stars at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which is free to explore during open hours. Occasionally, they host cheap movie screenings and concerts on the lawn.

Walt Disney Concert Hall (Exterior/Self-Guided Tours)

Admire the sleek, futuristic architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA. You can take a free self-guided tour of the building’s exterior and public interior spaces.

Free & Cheap Museum Days

LACMA (Free for LA Residents & Free Days)

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) offers free general admission for LA County residents on weekdays after 3 p.m. and hosts free days throughout the year. Don’t forget to take a photo at the iconic Urban Light installation—it's always free.

La Brea Tar Pits (Exterior Park Free)

While the museum has an entry fee, the exterior park at the La Brea Tar Pits is free and includes observation points to see real fossil excavation sites.

Affordable Food & Cheap Eats in Los Angeles

Grand Central Market

Located in Downtown LA, Grand Central Market is a paradise for cheap eats. Grab a $5 taco, slurp ramen, or enjoy international flavors without the fine-dining price tag.

Taco Trucks and Budget Food in East LA

East LA is a hidden gem for budget food—authentic street tacos, tamales, and pupusas are served at family-run trucks and stands for just a few bucks.

Affordable Restaurants in Koreatown

Koreatown offers a range of cheap and affordable restaurants—from $10 BBQ lunch specials to $5 Korean fried chicken sandwiches.

Free Entertainment and Events

Downtown LA Art Walk

Happening every second Thursday of the month, the Downtown LA Art Walk is a vibrant, free art and culture event showcasing local artists, performers, and pop-up food vendors.

Free TV Tapings in LA

See your favorite shows being filmed—live TV tapings are often free to attend. Search for studio audience tickets online for shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live or sitcoms filmed at CBS or Warner Bros.

Discount Movie Nights

Many theaters offer cheap movie nights on certain days (like Tuesdays). Check out AMC, Regal, or independent theaters for $5 or $6 ticket deals.

Free Things to Do by Neighborhood

Free Things to Do in Downtown LA

The Broad Museum
Grand Central Market (cheap eats)
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Angels Flight Railway (only $1 for a ride)

Budget-Friendly Things in Hollywood

Hollywood Walk of Fame
TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt
Runyon Canyon
Capitol Records Building (great for photo ops)

Free Things to Do in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier
Beach and bike paths
Tongva Park (family-friendly)
Palisades Park (great ocean views)

BONUS: See LA in Style with a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

In case you have limited time to spend there, yet you would like to see all the best of the city, you may choose Hop On Hop Off Los Angeles Bus Tour. Although this is not free, it is cost-effective and a good option to visit the best neighborhoods and attractions of LA, including:

Santa Monica
Beverly Hills
Hollywood Boulevard
Downtown LA
Venice Beach

You can hop on and off at your leisure, making it easy to explore places like The Getty Center, Hollywood Walk of Fame, or even the Santa Monica Pier without the hassle of renting a car or dealing with LA traffic.

Best Hop-On Hop-Off Providers in LA:

Big Bus Tours – Offers routes covering Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.
Starline Tours – One of the oldest LA hop-on hop-off options, with multilingual audio guides.

These bus tours in Los Angeles often include discount tickets for other attractions or combination packages, making them a smart add-on to your budget travel Los Angeles itinerary.

Insider Tips to Explore LA for Free or Cheap

Metro Day Pass: For just a few bucks, get unlimited rides across LA’s metro system for a day.
Free Parking Tips: Use apps like Parkopedia or SpotAngels to find free or cheap parking.
Bring a Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and skip overpriced drinks.
City of LA Free Events Calendar: Check regularly for local free entertainment Los Angeles.
Museum Free Days: Many LA museums participate in "Free Museum Day" every January and have monthly free days.

Final Thoughts:

Be it an attempt to unearth Los Angeles on a budget, or rather seek some cheap things to do in Los Angeles, or a need to plan an itinerary to Los Angeles on a tight budget, the city will not disappoint you. Whether it is art and culture, nature, or street food, you can easily see LA without paying that much. Save this guide and track back to it the next time you travel, and the LA budget travel experience will never be this pretty.

Jain Norton

Jain Norton

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