The best free things to do in Los Angeles in 2026 are Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center and Getty Villa, the Broad, the California Science Center, the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Urban Light outside LACMA. Several free museums charge for parking or need a timed reservation.
Some of LA's best sights cost nothing to enter. The catch is usually parking: the Getty charges per car, and Griffith Observatory's lot is metered. Book free timed tickets in advance where needed.
Free telescopes, exhibits and the best view of the Hollywood Sign.
Griffith Observatory sits on the side of Mount Hollywood with views of the city, the ocean and the Hollywood Sign. Entry and the public telescopes are free.
Only the planetarium shows cost money.
Good to know: Take the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station to skip the parking hunt.
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Free hilltop museum, gardens and city views.
The Getty Center is a free art museum on a hilltop in Brentwood, reached by a tram from the parking garage. The collection runs from medieval manuscripts to Van Gogh's Irises, and the Central Garden and views are worth the trip alone.
Parking is the only cost.
Good to know: Come for the late afternoon light on the travertine terraces.
1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Greek and Roman art in a recreated Roman villa by the sea.
The Getty Villa is a re-creation of a Roman country house with gardens, pools and a collection of Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities. Entry is free with a timed ticket.
It reopened after the January 2025 Palisades Fire damaged the surrounding grounds.
Good to know: Reserve a free timed ticket online; parking costs extra.
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Free contemporary art museum with Koons, Basquiat and Kusama.
The Broad is a contemporary art museum in a honeycomb-clad building on Grand Avenue, with works by Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman and Yayoi Kusama. General admission is free.
Walt Disney Concert Hall is across the street.
Good to know: Book free timed tickets online; standby lines can be long on weekends.
221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free general entry to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
The California Science Center in Exposition Park has free general admission and is home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, plus hands-on science galleries for kids.
Endeavour viewing may require a timed reservation and a small fee.
Good to know: Reserve Endeavour tickets ahead on weekends.
700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Street performers, Muscle Beach and the skate park, all free.
The Venice boardwalk, Ocean Front Walk, runs along the sand with street performers, vendors, Muscle Beach's outdoor gym and the Venice Skatepark.
Walk north to Santa Monica on the beach path.
Good to know: Go in the late morning or afternoon; it is quieter at night.
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
The historic pier, free to walk, with the end of Route 66.
The Santa Monica Pier is free to walk, with fishermen, buskers, the Pacific Park rides and the sign marking the end of Route 66.
Under the pier, the beach is good for a sunset walk.
Good to know: Use the city parking structures downtown rather than the pier lot.
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
More than 2,700 stars set in the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard.
The Walk of Fame runs along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, with brass stars honoring actors, musicians and broadcasters. The TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt, with handprints in cement, is free to visit.
Look up the star you want online before you go.
Good to know: Take the Metro B Line to Hollywood/Highland and walk.
6925 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Chris Burden's 202 vintage streetlights, lit at night.
Urban Light, Chris Burden's installation of 202 restored cast-iron streetlights, stands outside LACMA on Wilshire. It is open around the clock and free.
LACMA itself is free for LA County residents on weekday afternoons.
Good to know: Visit after dark when the lamps are lit.
5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
A 1934 market of food stalls, free to wander.
The Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax is a maze of produce stands, bakeries and food stalls that has been open since 1934. Walking around is free, and The Grove mall is next door.
It is a good place for a cheap lunch.
Good to know: Get your parking validated at a market vendor.
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036
A grassy park with one of the closest views of the Hollywood Sign.
Lake Hollywood Park is a small hillside park with a straight-on view of the Hollywood Sign, popular for photos and picnics.
It sits in a residential area, so be considerate.
Good to know: Parking is limited; weekdays are easier.
3160 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Simon Rodia's soaring mosaic towers, a folk art landmark.
The Watts Towers are 17 towers of steel, mortar and mosaic built by Simon Rodia over more than 30 years. You can view them from outside the fence for free; guided tours cost a small fee.
The arts center next door hosts exhibits.
Good to know: Check the arts center's site for tour days and times.
1761 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002
Yes, entry to the Getty Center is free. Parking costs a flat fee per car, and timed reservations are recommended. The Getty Villa is also free but requires a timed ticket.
Entry to the building, exhibits and telescopes is free. Planetarium shows cost a small fee, and parking near the observatory is metered.
General admission to the Broad is free, but book a timed ticket online. Special exhibitions and Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms may have separate rules.
The Getty Center, Getty Villa, the Broad, the California Science Center (general admission) and the Hammer Museum are free. LACMA is free for LA County residents on weekday afternoons.
Walk the Venice Beach Boardwalk and Muscle Beach, cycle or walk the Marvin Braude bike path, and visit the Santa Monica Pier. Beach parking lots charge a fee.