Los Angeles has long been home to Hollywood’s rich and famous, but you don’t need a celebrity bankroll to enjoy the City of Angels. Thrifty travelers will find plenty of affordable and free things to do in the city. Here’s a look at eight ways to explore LA on the cheap.
Beaches
The sunny shores of Los Angeles are free to enjoy, aside from parking fees, so grab your bathing suits and sunscreen for an affordable day on the sands of Manhattan Beach, Venice, Santa Monica or Hermosa City Beach. Boardwalks, entertainers and plenty of shops will keep you busy all day long.
Getty Center
As the most commanding of LA’s museums, the Getty Center is a day trip all in itself. From European artwork by the likes of Van Gogh to the winding mazes of the lush gardens, there’s plenty to enjoy at this free museum.
Hollywood sign hike
The white Hollywood sign that hangs on the hills above LA is more than just a must-snap photo opp: The sign is also a landmark along the hiking trails of Griffith Park. Parking and admission to the park are both free, so grab your walking shoes and hike up the hill for a close-up look at the Hollywood sign.
Wander through Hollywood
After hiking to the city’s iconic sign and snapping a few photos, you can dig into the eclectic streets of Hollywood. TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl (which sometimes allows visitors to watch morning rehearsals for free) are just a few of the local attractions to check out while taking in the sights of Hollywood Boulevard.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Tucked behind Paramount Studios, Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the final resting place for many of Hollywood’s top movers and shakers. You can wander LA’s oldest cemetery to seek out famous tombstones like those of Johnny Ramone, Charlie Chaplin, Jr. and Mel Blanc. You can also catch screenings of black and white films and modern-day cult classics during Cinespia (regular screenings usually run $12).
Upright Citizen Brigade Theatre LA
Laugh until your sides split open as some of LA’s funniest improv comedians take the stage every night at the Upright Citizen Brigade Theatre. The theater is known for launching the next big things in comedy, from Ed Helms to Aziz Ansari. Best of all, most performances are only $5.
Live tapings
Whether you love sitcoms, late-night television, game shows or reality TV, you’re sure to find one of your favorite shows being taped in front of a live studio audience in Los Angeles. The great news for budget-conscious travelers? It’s completely free to attend a taping. Check out our guide on TV tapings in LA to learn how to score tickets to your favorite show.
Griffith Observatory
Spend your evening gazing at a different kind of Hollywood star at Griffith Observatory, which offers spectacular views of the night sky and Los Angeles at large. You can catch a planetarium show for $7 or enjoy free admission to the rest of the observatory.
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