The largest city in California and the second-largest city in the country is Los Angeles. Both in terms of population and square mileage, Los Angeles is enormous. The city has a character that is distinct from any other place in the nation due to its wide-ranging diversity. Without proper planning, a trip here can be both expensive and overwhelming. This guide will assist you in organizing your trip, finding deals, and getting the most out of your time in this well-known location. Here are some ideas for free activities to keep you entertained throughout the day.
Stay in a Hostel
Even the less upscale hotels in Los Angeles will cost a small fortune out of your travel budget. In Los Angeles, there are numerous options for inexpensive lodging. Your biggest financial savings will come from choosing a cheap hostel over a pricey hotel, giving you more money to spend elsewhere
LA is home to some of the most well-known hostels in the country, such as USA Hostels Hollywood off Hollywood Boulevard and Hostelling International. Hostel prices vary greatly depending on where you stay in the city, though they are fairly consistent year-round. To get the best hotel deals, shop around before your trip.
Find the Ideal Time to Travel
In LA, summer is the busiest travel season, when daytime highs reach 85°F (30°C). Everyone is driven to the beaches as a result. During the summer, crowds at attractions grow and hotel rates rise. Therefore, if you’re visiting Los Angeles on a tight budget, you should go against the flow of visitors and pick a season when they’re taking a break from the city. Consider traveling to Los Angeles in the off-season to stay within your travel budget.
Although December is the coldest month overall, it is the most affordable for lodging if you want to save some money. The best times to visit Los Angeles on a budget are between March and May, followed by September and November. If you’re traveling in the winter, just bring some rain gear.
Make Use of Airport Shuttles
Similar to using public transportation, it appears that few people use airport shuttles. There is no doubt that using an airport shuttle service will reduce your costs. Using an airport shuttle service can often be a more cost-effective option than driving and parking at the airport. You won’t need to pay for a taxi, which is also pricey, or share a taxi with strangers, which isn’t always the best option either.
Take Public Transportation
Although Southern California is known for its freeways, it has also developed a first-rate mass transit system. Buses and the metro system both follow regular schedules and are reasonably priced when compared to other cities for getting around the city. But keep in mind that you might still have to pay more if you move between zones, even with a pass.
Another suggestion is to download the “Citymapper” app to your phone; it’s an incredibly useful tool for navigating a new city. It will provide you with accurate and reliable information about public transportation schedules, required boarding and disembarking points, walking routes, and much more. You can use it in a ton of different cities around the world, and it is available for free download.
Buy Food Cheaply
For the majority of people, food and drink are their second-largest travel expense after lodging. The cost of food is significantly higher in Los Angeles than it is nationwide, so be sure to carefully read the menu prices. There are many affordable, authentic, and healthy restaurants, but for the best choices, do some advance research and find out which establishments the locals like.
There are some of the best food options anywhere because of the rich ethnic diversity. Chipotle and In-N-Out Burger are one of the cheap options you might want to try. Be receptive to these chances, particularly if they aren’t offered in your hometown. There are numerous grocery store chains in the area if you want to cook your own food, or buy ready to eat food in grocery. Most grocery stores offer the hot meal option that can save you a lot of money.
Access Free Wi-Fi in Parks and Public Spaces
There are many public locations where you can go if you need to use free wifi while you’re out and about. For free wifi, you don’t need to visit a coffee shop. You can access the internet in these public spaces, such as parks and beaches. You can connect at any one of the top coffee shops in LA, but those aren’t your only options. Try these nearby parks, museums, beaches, and other places if you want to get online and stay productive outside of the coffee shop.
Consider a Free Walking Tour
This is a great way to discover the background of the locations you are visiting and to make sure you don’t miss any must-see attractions. We’re talking about experiencing all of Los Angeles and getting to know it inside and out. It’s time you stopped using your means of transportation and started walking more. Los Angeles is safe, but keep in mind that it’s a big city and take the same safety precautions you would anywhere else if you’re going to be out at night.
Bring Your Own Water Bottle
Bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lessen your use of single-use plastic since the tap water is safe to drink here. Long-term financial burdens are reduced by using reusable water bottles. Even if you reuse disposable bottles (which you shouldn’t), investing in a high-quality stainless steel water bottle will still result in financial savings. Although some duty-free shops and other airport shops may sell reusable water bottles, you can usually find them online for much less money. So purchase one before your trip.If you can drive around, one of the best options for a cheap option would be walmart or costco.
Get a Go City Pass
This card offers discounts to 40 museums, tours, and attractions if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing. One-day to seven-day passes are available; they are activated upon first use and offer free admission to dozens of attractions all over the city. Before you decide to buy a Go City Los Angeles membership, plan your trip to see if you can save money on admissions.
Utilize Hotel Points
Prior to your trip, make sure to apply for hotel credit cards so you can redeem your points for accommodations. This is especially useful in large cities like Los Angeles, where lodging is expensive. Joining hotel rewards programs is free. They achieve this using a variety of strategies, such as sales, premium accommodations, and first-rate amenities. The good news is that when you redeem your points online, these discounts appear automatically. Each hotel point has a different value depending on the program, just like in all reward programs.
Typically, the amount you spend at a hotel will determine how many hotel points you receive. The cost of your hotel room and any money you spend at the hotel’s restaurants and bars will both count toward your point total. Using a credit card with a co-branded hotel can also earn you hotel points. In accordance with your purchases, these cards will accrue rewards. Flexible point currencies are a great way to increase your balance as well.
Stay in a Local’s Home
Social travel networks have gained popularity in recent years, largely as a result of a rise in experiential and responsible travel. Travelers are seeking novel approaches to interact with local populations and delve deeply into a nation’s culture. Having a local guide can be very beneficial in a pricey and dynamic city like LA. You cannot experience a place like a local can without the aid of a tourist guide or guidebook. You get to actually experience a local’s daily life while you are staying with them, complete with both traditional and modern customs.
A growing number of websites, similar to the hugely popular Couchsurfing, assist travelers in finding free lodging with other members. Homestay connects independent travelers and students looking for lodging with host families.
Spend the Day at the Beach
One of the most well-liked free activities in LA is going to the beach, and there are over 70 miles of sandy stretches to choose from, so you can easily find one that fits your personality. It’s inexpensive and calming to spend the day lying in the sand. The best part is that visiting the city’s top beaches doesn’t just have to happen during the day; some of the state’s coolest beaches for bonfires are found here, and meeting new people around a fire is one of the top reasons to visit Los Angeles. Try the Annenberg Community Beach House at Santa Monica State Beach if you’re unsure where to go.
Visit the Skirball Cultural Center’s Exhibits
A non-profit cultural organization, the Skirball Cultural Center presents a wide variety of exhibitions, programs, and events that honor the rich cultural heritage of Los Angeles and the rest of the world. The Center invites participants from all communities and generations to take part in cultural activities that celebrate discovery and hope and strengthen ties between people. Visiting the Skirball Cultural Center’s exhibits is free on certain days of the week in Los Angeles. On Thursdays from noon to 5 p.m. and on the first Thursday of each month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Skirball Cultural Center is free to enter.
Take Part in the LA Art Scene
Los Angeles is home to many outstanding artists. This storied city draws artists from all walks of life, enhancing the vibrancy of its culture. There are numerous free museums and activities in LA as well. There are many contemporary art museums in LA, and with the addition of two more in the last ten years, the city’s collection has continued to draw tourists from all over the world.
In the heart of Los Angeles, there is a museum of modern art called The Broad. More than 2,000 pieces of artwork by some of the best-known artists of the 20th century can be found in The Broad’s collection. Due to the museum’s free general admission, a variety of visitors can visit.
Walk Through Griffith Park
With a total area of more than 4,200 acres, Griffith Park is one of the country’s biggest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas. The Griffith Observatory Trail, the Bronson Canyon Trail, and the Griffith Park Trail are a few of the most well-known trails in Griffith Park. These trails provide breathtaking city views and are a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors while still being in the middle of Los Angeles. The park has a range of easy to difficult hiking trails, and the best part is that admission is free.
Visit the Getty Center
One of the most popular tourist destinations in LA is the Getty Center, a museum. It has something for everyone, whether you go for the art, the free weekend performances of music and theater, the family-friendly workshops, or just to find the ideal spot for a tranquil picnic lunch. Although parking is fee-based, entry to the museum’s galleries and exhibitions is free.
The grounds’ numerous outdoor sculptures, fountains, and picnic areas are also available for visitors to enjoy. In general, taking a free tour of the Getty Center is a great activity for people who enjoy art and culture. There is a free daily tour available to make sure you get the most out of your visit, no matter what drew you here—whether it was the art collection, the garden, or the architecture.
Visit the TCL Chinese Theater
The TCL Chinese Theatre is a well-known symbol of classic Hollywood glitz and a well-liked destination for tourists from all over the world. It costs nothing at all to visit the famous location and take in the famous handprints and footprints of Hollywood legends. For more information on the theater’s history and well-known ceremonies, visitors can also take a free guided tour. Look up showtimes and listings online before attending a theater performance.
There is a lot to see and do close by if you want to make a day trip out of your trip to the TCL Chinese Theatre. The distance to the Hollywood Museum is only 4 steps. Alternately, you could stroll over to the Hollywood Wax Museum to take pictures and discover interesting trivia about your favorite celebrities.
Wander Along the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Another cost-free activity in Los Angeles is to stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. More than 2,690 brass and terrazzo stars with five points each make up the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which spans 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street.
Due to the frequent addition of new stars to the Walk of Fame, both tourists and residents find it to be a fun place to visit. The Hollywood Walk of Fame has been a popular and free tourist destination in Los Angeles since 1960. It is one of the most visited landmarks in the country and attracts an estimated 10 million foreign tourists annually.
Visit the Beverly Hills Farmers Market
A unique and cost-free experience, strolling through the Beverly Hills Farmers Market provides a window into Los Angeles’ thriving food scene. The Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market, open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, offers the best California-grown seasonal produce, juices, baked goods, specialty items, and more in a festive outdoor setting.
The Beverly Hills Farmers Market is a must-visit location, whether you’re looking to sample some new foods, interact with local artisans, or simply take in the sights and sounds of the city. Additionally, it hosts special occasions like the PickleFest festival in August, the annual Pie Bake in June, and Cookin’ Kids, an educational workshop held on the second Sunday of every month.
Go On a Hike to the Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign has been an iconic symbol of Los Angeles since it first appeared in 1923. The Hollywood Sign Trust’s ongoing preservation efforts have kept the 45-foot-tall, 350-foot-long sign in the best possible shape as it approaches its centennial in 2023.
Overall, the hike to the Hollywood Sign is a special and cost-free experience that gives you a chance to get away from the city’s noise and bustle and take in the beauty of Los Angeles’ natural landscapes. A hike to the Hollywood Sign is a must-try experience, regardless of whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a fun and active adventure.
Explore the Sunset Strip
The famous Sunset Boulevard, a 22-mile thoroughfare that connects the Silver Lake area of inland Los Angeles to Highway 1, the scenic road on the Pacific Ocean, includes a 1.5-mile section known as the Sunset Strip. The Sunset Strip, a well-known boulevard in the center of West Hollywood, is renowned for its legendary music scene, exciting nightlife, and extensive cultural history. It is a street with so many tales and anecdotes to share that it has emerged as the undisputed symbol of the city; in other words, it is a must-visit location while in Los Angeles.
Visit Huntington Botanic Gardens
The 130-acre botanical gardens contain more than 83,000 living plants, including rare and endangered species, in 16 exquisite themed gardens, as well as a lab for botanical research and conservation. Spend a few hours exploring these lovely gardens to feel calmer and more relaxed. The Botanic Gardens at the Huntington are the perfect oasis to get away from the city.
Every month’s first Thursday is Free Day. When reservations are made in advance, admission is free. Every month on the last Thursday, free day tickets are offered for entry the following week.
Go to Runyon Canyon Park
One of the most well-liked hiking spots in Los Angeles is Runyon Canyon Park, which frequently appears on lists of the best hikes in LA. Runyon Canyon Park is a busy park, so if you’re a trail lover expecting solitude, lower your expectations or find another hike in the Los Angeles area. Runyon Canyon is ideal if you want to get some exercise outside and observe people at the same time.
Wander Through the Venice Canals
One of the most distinctive things you can do after a day at the beach is to visit the Venice Canals in Los Angeles County. The Venice Canals, which are tucked between the frantic Venice Boardwalk and the upscale Abbot Kinney, present an entirely different aspect of the renowned beachfront neighborhood. You can walk on the sidewalks and bridges that run alongside these channels to admire the scenery in this lovely place. At least two or three bridges seem to connect the two sides of each canal. You won’t have any trouble cutting across to neighboring sides while exploring the area because there are just the right number of bridges to make walking convenient without obstructing the view.
From The Top of Los Angeles City Hall, Take In the Cityscape
When Los Angeles City Hall was finished in 1928, it embodied the drive and ambition of the time with its three-tiered towering form. City Hall now stands as a monument to the time of its construction and a prime example of architectural preservation at its best. It has been seismically stabilized and restored to its former glory. The building has long been a sought-after location for film and television productions due to its adaptability and eclectic styling.
Since 1928, the imposing white concrete tower has stood tall as a symbol of the city, and it is currently the simplest way to enjoy an elevated view of Downtown and beyond.
Attend Free Yoga Classes in Los Angeles
Yoga practice sometimes feels more like a money drain than a form of flexibility. But it’s not necessary to be. There are excellent free workout opportunities all over Los Angeles, from classes in the best parks to those by the best beaches. Thus, you can be more adaptable with your finances and body.
Watch the Surfers
The world-class beaches and surf breaks in Los Angeles County are an essential component of the geography and culture of Southern California. Any time of year, you can see surfers working the waves along the Pacific Coast, especially if a storm is brewing and the waves are bigger than usual. If a significant surfing competition is taking place in your hometown at the time, head to the beach and spend the day supporting the spectators as some of the best surfers in the world battle the waves.
Have a Picnic at the Korean Bell of Friendship
The people of the Republic of Korea gave this enormous and intricately decorated bell and pavilion to the people of Los Angeles in 1976 to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States’ independence, to honor Korean War veterans, and to strengthen long-standing ties of friendship between the two nations. The pavilion and the nearby park make wonderful locations for a picnic, kite flying, or just relaxing on a warm day.
Take a Trip to the California Science Center
The California Science Center strives to inspire everyone to learn about science by providing enjoyable, memorable experiences. The California Science Center, which is a fun and educational attraction for people of all ages and is situated inside Exposition Park, caters especially to younger visitors with its interactive exhibits. Instead of just walking around or reading information cards, kids can interact with the objects in the Science Center by touching, playing with, and getting involved. While general museum admission is free, there are some special exhibitions and the IMAX theater that charge admission. Weekends and afternoons are preferable times to visit because school groups congregate in the mornings during the week.
Watch Some TV Taping
Hollywood show business is a necessary component of any trip to Los Angeles. Fortunately, there are numerous chances to watch a live taping of your favorite television programs to get a glimpse of the TV magic you watch at home. A trip to Los Angeles offers the opportunity to turn your dream of watching a live taping of your favorite sitcom, game show, talk show, or reality show into a reality. The majority of the most well-known television shows are filmed in Los Angeles, and almost all of them can be seen for free as long as you get a ticket.
Each show has its own ticketing plan; some release them online up to 30 days in advance, while others release them on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the recording. Even if you’ve never heard of the show, seeing the behind-the-scenes action and getting close to famous people is an amazing experience in and of itself.
Watch a Comedy Show for Free
Around Los Angeles, many comedy clubs host free comedy performances. While many venues operate on a first-come, first-served basis or via a random lottery drawing, some locations offer free tickets in advance. To receive updates on free show announcements, subscribe to their email lists or follow them on social media, especially Twitter. You’ll definitely be laughing, chortling, cackling, and possibly guffawing at these free comedy shows in Los Angeles.
Both tourists and locals can enjoy a variety of free events and experiences in Los Angeles. Everyone will find something to enjoy in this exciting city.
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