Free Things to Do in Los Angeles

Free admission to one of LA's most iconic landmarks. Interactive space exhibits, free public telescope viewing every evening (7–9:30pm, weather permitting), and the best panoramic views of the city and Hollywood Sign. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows are $10 for adults, $8 for kids. Open late — great for families who want a non-traditional evening outing.

Completely free general admission to permanent exhibits including the Space Shuttle Endeavour, ecosystems hall, and creative world gallery. IMAX and special exhibitions cost extra ($5–$20). Located in Exposition Park near the Natural History Museum and Rose Garden — easy to make a full free day of it. No reservation required for general admission.

Walking onto the pier is free — you only pay for rides. Pacific Park features 12 rides including the solar-powered Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel ($10) and West Coaster ($10). Unlimited ride wristbands start at $40 online ($20 for ages 7 and under). The Sunset Deal wristband after 5pm is $24.95. Street performers, arcade games, and ocean views round out the experience.

Free, dog-friendly urban hike with panoramic city views. The main loop is 3.5 miles with 789 feet of elevation gain — manageable for families with school-age kids. Multiple entry points and trail options from easy to moderate. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and parking hassles. Note: West Trail currently closed due to 2025 Sunset Fire damage.

Free nature preserve with a 3.5-mile round-trip trail to a 40-foot waterfall. The nature center has live animal exhibits and free educational programs. The trail is mostly flat and doable for kids 5+ (some rocky sections near the falls). Free parking. Dogs welcome on the main trail. Check current fire closure status before visiting.

Seven acres of free rose garden with 15,000+ rose bushes of 190 varieties — the perfect free pitstop between the California Science Center and Natural History Museum. Kids can run the paths while parents photograph. Peak bloom is April–May. Closed January 1 through March 15 for maintenance.

Free admission makes this one of the best family outings in LA. Kids love the tram ride up, the garden maze, and the family room with art-making activities. The outdoor Central Garden is designed for exploration. Bring a picnic — eating on the terrace with city views is half the experience. Parking $20, free after 3pm.

Eight public tennis courts on the hillside in Griffith Park with no lighting, so play ends around sunset. Free and first-come, first-served. No reservations needed. Surrounded by hiking trails and park amenities. One of the most scenic spots to play tennis in the city.

Four full courts right on the Pacific Ocean boardwalk, home to some of the most competitive pickup basketball in the country. Games have been running continuously since the early 1980s. Free and open to the public. Expect high-level runs on weekends and summer evenings. Bring your own ball or join a game in progress.

Tournament Beach offers 18 sand volleyball courts along the Santa Monica coastline. Courts are free on a first-come, first-served basis when not reserved. Reservations available through the City of Santa Monica ActiveNet system up to 28 days in advance at about $15/hour. The epicenter of beach volleyball culture in LA.

Year-round public outdoor pool operated by the City of LA. Offers lap swim and recreational swim sessions. Free for LA residents. One of the few year-round public pools in the Hollywood area. Lap swim available Tuesday through Friday.

Popular neighborhood park known for reliable pickup basketball runs. Features outdoor courts, a recreation center, playground, and walking paths. Free and open to the public. The courts attract a regular crowd of solid players, especially on weekday evenings and weekends.

Well-maintained recreation center with outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and a large playground. Known for quality pickup basketball without the chaos of bigger-name courts. Free Park District programming available. A neighborhood gem on the Westside.

Free donation-based outdoor yoga classes held at the top of one of LA's most popular hiking trails. Combines a solid hike with a yoga session and panoramic city views. Classes typically offered on weekend mornings. Bring your own mat. The canyon itself is free to hike daily from dawn to dusk.

Four lighted beach volleyball courts near the Santa Monica Pier -- one of the only lit court locations on the beach, allowing evening play. Free on a first-come basis when not reserved. Court reservations available at approximately $15/hour through the city. Perfect for after-work games year-round.

Year-round public outdoor pool on the Westside, operated by the City of LA. Free recreational swim sessions and lap swim available. Also has basketball courts at the adjacent Westwood Recreation Center. One of the more accessible year-round pools for Westside residents.

Free admission to one of the world's finest art collections, set on a hilltop with panoramic city views. Tram ride up is part of the experience. European paintings, photography, sculpture, and rotating exhibitions. Saturday evening hours until 9pm make this a top-tier free date. Parking is $20.

Free contemporary art museum in DTLA featuring 2,000+ works by Basquiat, Koons, Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Kusama. The Infinity Mirrored Room is the signature draw (separate timed ticket required). Thursday evening hours until 8pm. Timed-entry tickets released monthly.

DTLA's 12-acre public park hosts free programming year-round: the Grand Performances summer concert series (June–August), Sunday Sessions dance parties, lunchtime Wednesday concerts at 12:30pm, and major holiday celebrations including NYELA. No tickets needed for most events — just show up.