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Free/Budget Los Angeles

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A list of all the free, fun, and intriguing things that you can do for low cost or no cost in Los Angeles and Los Angeles County
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Sections
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Museums

Learn, explore, and observe

 
Camille Hudson profile picture
Boasting collections from the Americas, Africa, Oceania, Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Fowler Museum at UCLA: Home
 
Camille Hudson profile picture
This landmark is a science museum and a learning center. It includes a planetarium, public telescopes, a view of the LA skyline, and the Hollywood sign. It also has a cafe on site with indoor and outdoor seating. Be advised this location is open Thur...
Griffith Observatory
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Camille Hudson profile picture
Admission is free on Sundays from 10am to 5pm. However, regular admission is $15 for adults during the week. $10 for seniors and military folks. There are also other ways to get in free during the week. So hold on to those student and teacher IDs. Be... Looks like some construction may be going on, so be on the lookout for that.
Holocaust Museum La
 
Camille Hudson profile picture
It's got fossils, prehistoric animals, and all the things the little paleontologist in you could want. Great place to bring the kiddos. Complimentary admission is available for LA County residents from 3pm to 5pm; please remember to bring your IDs. G...
La Brea Tar Pits
 
Camille Hudson profile picture
About 25 minutes north of Los Angeles is the city of Pasadena. This museum is a little small but has a host of Asian cultural art and artifacts. The courtyard has nice Asian flair and plenty of seating. Boasting some collections that may date back 40...
USC Pacific Asia Museum

Botanical Gardens

Beauty meets nature in the tranquility of silence

 
Camille Hudson profile picture
I have been here several times with my family. This garden is in Los Angeles County. About 30 minutes north of the city of Los Angeles. General admission is $15; $11 with student ID, and free for kids under 5. It is truly beautiful. It reminds you ho...
Descanso Gardens
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Camille Hudson profile picture
This location is stunning. It boasts beautiful waterfalls, greenery, strolling peacocks, cacti, and so much more. A wonderful day trip with a cafe on the grounds. 35 minutes northeast of the city of Los Angeles. General admission is $15; $11 for seni...
The Arboretum: Front Page
 
Camille Hudson profile picture
Ooo wee, the green is greening, hunty. This garden includes native plants such as ferns, palms, and herbarium. Dogs are permitted. FREE ADMISSION for all. $15 parking, or if you are willing, you can find street parking.
UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden

Budget Eats

Good eats for the cheap

 
Camille Hudson profile picture
 This restaurant serves a range of items from fresh sushi to bone marrow fried rice. They also have a list of wines and sake. $30 should get you extensive options. However, to save the most, visit during “social hour” MONDAY-THURSDAY 3-5pm, where all ...
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill
 
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This is the place for classic burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches. The highest-priced item is $8.50. Hunty, bring yourself $15 and eat well.
The Win-Dow - The Grove
 
Camille Hudson profile picture
Quaint dinner-style restaurant with a FULLY vegan menu. They boast items that are salt, oil, and sugar free (or S.O.S. as they say). Now the cost is mostly somewhere around $20-25 for most things on the menu. However, if you're savvy, you order one o...
Follow Your Heart Market & Cafe
 
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My Vegan is this wonderful Thai-based vegan fusion spot in Los Angeles. They’ve got this super cool menu featuring all plant-based dishes with a Thai twist. It's a fresh take on vegan food that you need to try! With $20, you can enjoy any item on the...
My Vegan Restaurant
 
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République is a fantastic French-inspired spot. The place is spacious with a casual bakery, café, and bar in the front for freshly baked pastries and artisanal breads during the day. In the evening, the back dining area offers a more formal setting w...
Republique
 
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 Superba Food + Bread is a vibrant café and bakery located in Venice, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA. Offering a menu that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed, open-air setting. The restaurant's menu features various popular ...
Superba Food + Bread
 
Camille Hudson profile picture
39 minutes north of the city of Los Angeles (but still in LA County). $20 will get you everything on the menu. Delectable pastries, quiche, coffee, teas, and sandwiches. Lou's is a BOB (if you know, you know) Check them out! I know I will!
Lou the French on the Block
 
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Show up here with $30 and eat good, Hunty. The price includes sides, cornbread, and a drink. Don't forget your dessert. A BOB. Check them out!
Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen
 
Camille Hudson profile picture
This place is a foodie's dream. Food everywhere with plenty to try. The price of the food varies. It is FREE entry. Every Sunday. I say bring as much cash as your appetite will allow.
Smorgasburg Los Angeles

Entertainment and Outings

 
Camille Hudson profile picture
If you have a passion for vintage fashion, unique jewelry, and stylish home decor, Los Feliz Flea is the perfect destination for your treasure hunt. The best part? Admissions and parking are FREE. Bring your cash and happy shopping!
Los Feliz Flea
 
Camille Hudson profile picture
Like retro video games and arcade games? Well, this spot is for you. Located in Pasadena. Less than 30 minutes south of Los Angeles. $15 gets you an hour of play. $25 lets you play all day.
Neon Retro Arcade
 
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If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to dance the night away, Sunset Vibes Events has you covered with their Silent Disco parties on Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Slip on a pair of wireless headphones, tune into your favorite DJ channel, and v...
SUNSET VIBES SILENT DISCO @ THE PENMAR / VENICE ...
 
Camille Hudson profile picture
All over LA you can see a movie for $7 on Tuesdays!
AMC The Grove 14