Free Things to Do in Los Angeles

The Getty Center is worth visiting if only for its modern architecture and beautiful gardens. Its collection of pre-20th century Western art including paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and sculptures is nothing to sneer at either. The best part is that admission to all exhibitions is always free. The catch is that if you drive, parking will cost $15 per car--still a bargain if you load up the family van. But if you're determined to save your money, head out on a Saturday evening: parking is free after 5pm on Saturdays when the Getty stays open till 9pm. By public transport take Metro Rapid Line 761.

The Getty Center Website
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-7300

Open:
Tuesday - Friday, Sunday: 10am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am - 9pm

Closed Mondays, Jan 1st, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and December 25th.

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is nestled high in Griffith Park where you can look down on Los Angeles--on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean. Beautiful architecture, exhibits that are both fun and educational, and a planetarium with live narration make this a great destination for families and anyone with an interest in astronomy. Admission and parking are free (the planetarium show is not), but note that parking right around the observatory is limited unless you are disabled. Be ready to park a ways down and walk uphill for 5-15 minutes. Or do as some locals like to do and combine a hike with a visit to the observatory. You can park in one of the more spacious parking lots located throughout Griffith Park and start walking up.

Griffith Park Observatory Website
Located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood.

Open:
Tuesday - Friday: Noon - 10pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 10pm

Closed Mondays.

Take A (Night) Hike

While you're in Griffith Park, you might want to explore some of the 53-mile network of trails. That's right, Griffith Park is huge. At more than 4200 acres, it makes Central Park look like some city kid's backyard, which, sort of, it is. You can explore Griffith Park on your own during the day to your heart's content, but if you'd rather not get lost, or prefer to exert yourself in cooler temperatures, try one of Sierra Club's night hikes. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Sierra Club leads approximately 2-hour long night hikes. They meet at the Merry-Go-Round parking lot at 7pm, arrive at least fifteen minutes early to sign a waiver. Admission to the park and parking is free. The hikes are free.

Sierra Club Griffith Park Section

Griffith Park Website

Open: 6am - 10pm

California Science Center

Hands-on exhibits, giant robots, and an IMAX theatre (entrance to the IMAX theatre is not free). The California Science Center, located in Exposition Park along with the Natural History Museum and the Coliseum, is a kid-friendly place to visit with free (suggested $5 donation) admission. Parking in Exposition Park is $8, but it is easily accessible by public transportation.

California Science Center Website
Located at Exposition Park
39th Street and Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90037

Open daily: 10am - 5pm

Closed January 1st, Thanksgiving, December 25th

Rose Garden at Exposition Park

While you're at the Science Center, walk over to the Rose Garden for lunch. It has over 20,000 rose bushes and popular for weddings and photos.

Rose Garden Website
701 State Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037

Open daily: 9am - Sunset

Closed January 1st - March 15th for pruning.

Hit the Beach

If you want to go to Santa Monica Beach, try parking at Santa Monica Place, a mall on 315 Colorado Avenue where you can park for 3 hours. The Pier is two blocks down. From there you can go down to Santa Monica Beach, or walk to Venice and the boardwalk.

If you're looking for less of a crowd, more of a beach to spend all day with your family, try Will Rogers, only a few miles up the Pacific Coast Highway. Parking is $8 in the lot by the beach, but get there early and park on Temescal Canyon for free.

Disneyland On Your Birthday

Many people visiting L.A. like to take the detour to Anaheim to see Mickey Mouse and his friends. Well in 2009, you can visit Disneyland on your birthday for free. Sign up for a free ticket valid only on your birthday on their website.

Disneyland Free Birthday Admission Page
1313 South Disneyland Drive (Parking Address)
Anaheim, CA 92802

Curious about how to get places without a car? Check Los Angeles's Metro Website for bus and rail schedules, trip planning, and more.

Sources and Links:
The Getty Center Website
Griffith Park Observatory Website
Sierra Club Griffith Park Section
Griffith Park Website
California Science Center Website
Disneyland Free Birthday Admission Page