10 Free Things to Do in Los Angeles

Maybe you've resolved to spend less this year, or you just have no choice but to cut back due to financial constraints. However, just because you have less cash in hand, it doesn't mean you have to spend your weekends or time off from work sitting on the couch and kicking yourself for not having the money to go out and do something.

There are tons of things to do for free in Los Angeles. You can park your car somewhere, start walking, and chances are high that there will be a ton of things to look at and observe. Before you start wandering, try some of these freebies around L.A. and then go out there and have fun finding the hundreds of other things to do that are free in L.A.

Grauman's Chinese Theatre
Yes, it is a tourist trap, but you can never get bored of walking this area looking at footprints, taking pictures with impersonators and people watching. Nearby is Hollywood and Highland if you're willing to spend money going shopping.

If you're into celebrity sightings, lots of premieres are held at the theater. While you can't just walk up and purchase tickets to premieres, you can be like the fans you see in pictures or on TV screaming and trying to get a picture of their favorite celebrity on the red carpet.

Located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood

Griffith Observatory
If you're looking to just walk the grounds admission is free; money will get you shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Even if you're not a big astronomy or general science fan, the views are amazing. The Observatory has four telescopes. If you are there at night, you can go up to the rooftop to see the moon or planets. Or, in the Hall of the Eye, projected images from one telescope can be viewed. It's a pretty amazing experience.

Located at 2800 E. Observatory Road.

Griffith Park
At over 4,000 acres, this park is large enough for everyone. You can go hiking, exercise, biking or have a picnic. The point is, you'll be outdoors enjoying nature instead of at home and bored.

UCLA Gardens
Located right on UCLA's campus, you can get your relaxation and peace of mind wandering through the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens or the Hannah Carter Japanese Gardens. If you're looking for a relatively quiet activity to gather your thoughts, come visit the gardens.

Getty Center
It is amazing that The Getty Center is free, but it is and if you're a local, you should take advantage of it! They've got a ton to look at requiring you to obviously come back more than once. They've got paintings, drawings, manuscripts, photos and more. It's an amazing collection.

Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 except on Saturdays when it stays open until 9 p.m. On Mondays, they are closed.

The only downside? Parking is $15, but it is free after 5 p.m. Think of it as a little bit of a trade off.
Located at 1200 Getty Center Drive

California Science Center
The Science Center is yet another attraction you would assume would have an admission fee, but they don't. This is for kids and adults alike. If you're into hands on exhibits, this is the place to go. Make sure to come right when they open or later on the afternoon when the crowds have subsided.

If you have money you're willing to spend, splurge on the admission for the IMAX where there are usually multiple shows to see.

Located at 700 State Drive and open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Parking is $8 (make sure to bring cash; they don't take credit cards).

Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
The story behind how this museum was started, is really interesting. The founders met each other through a Hollywood ESL class. They happened to be survivors of the Holocaust and began sharing their stories with each other. They ultimately decided to found the museum with the goal of preserving those memories.

The museum also keeps an archives where you can find actual diaries , manuscripts and other documents.

Located at 6435 Wilshire Boulevard. They are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. They are closed on Saturdays.

Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library
Bookworms rejoice and be prepared to be in awe at this amazing public library. It certainly beats out most other public libraries in terms of size, its catalog and architecture. You may not have a library card, but it's fun to just walk around and explore the library. Free tours are offered for those in need of a little bit of structure, or print out a self-guided tour from the library's web site (www.lapl.org/central/tours.html).

They are open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. except on Sundays when the hours are limited to 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Located at 630 W. 5th Street

Grand Performances
This isn't a year-round freebie. It's only offered during the summer, so when the summer months hit, make sure you check out the free performing arts events at California Plaza in downtown.

Grand Performances offers music, dance theatre and film for audiences as means of bringing the community together.

More information about the next schedule can be found at grandperformances.org. Located at 350 S. Grand Avenue, Ste. A-4

Fashion District
Sure, you'll need money to buy the clothing, purses and jewelry that can be found here for dirt cheap. But, if you're all out of cash, come visit the garment district anyway for some good exercise and people-watching.