Free things to do in Los Angeles – Urvis Travel Journal

California is the most popular tourist destination because of its various landscapes and weather. Most of the 1st time, tourists start with San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. Los Angeles is 1st choice for Hollywood lovers. A Hollywood sign is a must to add to your California bucket list. Overall, California is expensive, but I have a list of free things to do in Los Angeles that will not break your bank.

1. Urban lights

Address: – 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Urban Light is a vintage street lamp installation by artist Chris Burden. He collected these street lamp posts for many years and created an art piece. Daytime, this place is busy with tourists and Los Angeles County Museum of Art visitors. To capture the best view, you should visit at night. Urban lights are open 24 hrs, so late-night is the best crowd-free time to visit.

2. Griffith observatory

Address: – Griffith Observatory, 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Griffith Observatory is located on the south side of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park and is the most visited place. You can see through the telescope, explore exhibits, watch live shows (you need to buy tickets for some shows) in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Here is my guide on things to see Griffith observatory. Holidays, Weekends, and sunset time are so crowded, so please plan. Here are the best places to view the sunset. Entry into the building is free, but you have to pay for parking.

3. Getty center

Address: – The Getty, 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049

You ride the tram from parking in Getty center; during the ride, you can glimpse Getty center and enjoy the view of the city. Getty center is the best place to enjoy Modern art and living art. Even the architecture and fountains are beautifully designed. Some of the exhibitions are kept changing to see various world-class art. Admission to Getty center is free, but parking is $20 per car. And they don’t have parking for large vehicles like RVs or campers.

4. Santa Monica Pier

Address: – Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

This pier is popular among movie producers and used as a filming location in many movies like night tide, farewell, etc. The pier is crowded until late and has many free things to do. You can enjoy many street performers on the pier. Santa Monica pier is the end of historic Route 66, and this sign is famous; people have to wait in line to get the perfect shot. There are plenty of shops to buy souvenirs, local restaurants, a gaming zone, and a pacific amusement park for exciting rides. You might need to go around to find parking.

5. Visit the Last bookstore

Address: – The Last Bookstore, 453 South Spring Street, Ground Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013

You must be thinking, why bookstore, right? It is not just a bookstore, but it’s a piece of art. The way they arranged books is spectacular, and I bet you have never seen a bookstore like that. You can grab a book, find a place and enjoy reading or you can also buy it from there.

6. Mulholland Scenic Drive

Address:- 7036 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Most scenic drive with the view of the LA skyline. The road itself was named Mulholland highway after an engineer William Mulholland. You will be driving on a curvy, windy road in the Santa Monica mountains and stop by at various lookout points to enjoy the view.

7. Take a walk on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Address:- Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Take a walk on Hollywood boulevard and find your favorite celebrity star. This street is always lively and looks excellent with lights at nighttime. This place is an entertainment hub with bars, clubs, and restaurants. You can also shop for custom gifts and souvenirs here.

8. Hike to the Hollywood sign

LA trip cannot complete without pictures, with a Hollywood sign, right? Enjoy a stunning view of the Hollywood sign at your own pace. You can pick one of the three trails to hike, and you can choose from easy to complex. The mount Hollywood trail is easy and starts from Griffith Park and Griffith observatory. The brush canyon trail is moderate, and the trailhead is located on Canyon Drive. And the Cahuenga trail is challenging and suitable for more experienced hikers. This trail begins on the Aileen Getty Ridge Trail.

9. Catch a sunset

While you are in Los Angeles, don’t miss out on enjoying a spectacular view of the sunset. Here I have listed the best places to enjoy the sunset. You can go to any beach, really any like Venice, Hermosa, Manhattan Beach, etc., and spot the sunset. Soak your feet in the sand and capture this beautiful view in your eyes.

10. Swaminarayan Temple

Address:- 15100 Fairfield Ranch Rd., Chino Hills, CA 91709 USA

Swaminarayan temple, called Mandir, is a Hindu temple famous for its architecture. The campus is open from 9 am to 7:30 pm, but Darshan will open at a specific time. You will be mesmerized by the temple’s architecture; the carving on each wall and pillar is mind-blowing. You will see the reflection of Indian heritage and the rich culture of Hinduism.

11. Rodeo drive

Address: – 15100295 Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Rodeo Drive is an iconic shopping district in Beverly Hills and is known for designer labels. It is a hub of luxury, fashion, and entertainment. It has been said that the collection you see on rodeo drive boutiques, you won’t find anywhere else. Most celebrities go shopping from here, and you might spot celebrities while exploring this area. Rodeo Drive boutiques are open from 10.00 am-6.00 pm Mon-Sat and noon – 5.00 pm on Sundays.

12. Venice canal

Address: – Venice Canals, Venice, CA 90292

Walk on the European Venice canal in Southern California. Yes, you heard me right. Enjoy walking by the canal near Venice beach. The canals are located right off 25th street in Venice Beach. You can park on the beach and walk to the canal. Mornings and evenings are the best time to enjoy the walk and have perfect shots.

13. Olvera Street

Address: – Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Olvera street is a part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, near the early Los Angeles Pueblo site. The World Famous Olvera Street is open every day, usually from 9 am to 6 pm. Do not miss stopping by at local shops and restaurants to glimpse Mexican culture in the market. Try some authentic Mexican food in one of the restaurants in the market.

14. Hit the beach

LA has the cleanest beach I have ever seen, and each beach has different vibes. Santa Monica beach and pier are popular among tourists. Still, Venice beach also attracts tourists because of its vibe and hippie crowd. Torrance and Redondo Beach are famous among locals if you want to escape from the crowd. Laguna and Huntington Beach are some of my favorites.

15. LA Live

Address:- 800 W. Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, California 90015

LA Live is a vast complex and entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles. LA live complex has live entertainment venues, cinema, Grammy museum, bowling alley, night clubs and lots of restaurants to dine in. To enjoy the life of downtown LA Live is the best place to stay, eat and play. People-watching is one of the fun-free things to do in Los Angeles downtown.

What is on your LA Bucket list?

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