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Free (and Actually Cool) Activities in LA
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items So you’ve done The Broad, hiked Griffith Park, been to the beach…what else is there to do? Since I’ve been unemployed, I’ve been on the hunt for the best free things to occupy your time. Here are some of my favorites!
I take every opportunity to drag my bike out to CicLAvia! They shut down a portion of road somewhere in LA every few months, and attendees can traverse it car free however they like. Businesses along the route participate, so definitely stop for lunc...
Bike, Skate, or Walk a CicLAvia Event
There are so many free yoga classes around the city to help keep you active. Here are a few of my favorites, but check out Eventbrite if you’re looking for some closer to your area!
Every Day @ 9 am
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Most require some advan...
Stay Centered with Free Yoga
Circular Library in Venice offers regular clothing swaps and other fun free meetups like crafts and mending workshops! Check out their site for an upcoming calendar. You can also search Eventbrite for other clothing swaps around town.
Attend a Clothing Swap
One of the more magical LA experiences. Make sure to come at least an hour before sunset to soak up the experience of a wonderful third space in the city.
Have a Sunset Picnic at Barnsdall Art Park
Dice is a great resource to find free local shows (plus DJ and dance nights).
Find Free Concerts on Dice
*Fridays at 6 pm May through October/November. One of THE coolest free things to do in LA. Great to feel surrounded by the community and enjoy some truly talented jazz musicians. Try to get there around an hour early for a decent spot closer to the s...
Bring Some Wine and Enjoy Jazz at LACMA*
Last Sunday of every month, 6:30 pm. My local spot is Bigfoot West, but look up your area to see what’s closest!
See a Bigfoot Comedy Show
Skip the more crowded hikes and enjoy an easy loop at the Hollywood Reservoir. Parking is free in a small lot, but I’ve generally never had a problem finding a spot. Takes about an hour to make the full loop. One of the coolest spots to get a Hollywo...
Hike the Hollywood Reservoir
Something a little different than the free museums and parks around LA. Usually open every day 10 am - 5 pm, check the website!
Tour the Greystone Mansion & Gardens
Don’t shoot me for calling this a hidden gem, but I feel like no one talks about it! Such a beautiful place to read a book or meditate.
Free with reservation; reservations open every Saturday at 10 am for following Wed-Sun. Timed entry either 10-11:...
Zen Out at SRF Lake Shrine
A fascinating slice of LA history, cool and funky architecture, and an all around pleasant walk. They say you can bring your own boat, but I haven’t had the pleasure yet.
Stroll (or Boat!) the Venice Canals
Wednesdays from 6-9 pm, Harpist Tiphanie Doucet in The Historic Lobby. I love going to the Hollywood Roosevelt and they always have some sort of free event going on–also look for their pool days in the summer!
Listen to Harp Music at the Hollywood Roosevelt
While going to the beach is free, parking is not always a guarantee. The beaches on Westward Beach Rd between Pacific Coast Hwy and Birdview Ave all have free parking! Zuma Lagoon is great for bird watching.
Lay Out at Malibu Beaches with Free Parking
*Free on the first Thursday of every month with reservation. Bonus points for going late March through November to see the rose gardens in bloom!
Walk Aimlessly at The Huntington Library & Gardens*