19 Free Activities to Do in Los Angeles This Weekend
Looking for some free activities to add to your Los Angeles itinerary? There are plenty of things you can do in LA without spending a dime. In this article, former LA resident Sarah McDonah shares her favorite activities to do in Los Angeles without spending anything at all!
Last updated: April 15, 2024
7 min read
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Los Angeles is a vibrant city teeming with free activities that cater to all interests, from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to iconic city landmarks and scenic views. It is so easy to fill a weekend with fun activities that don’t break the bank.
Whether you are looking to attend a taping of a television show, or experience some of California’s local beaches, there’s plenty to offer no matter your preference. Follow along as I share some of my favorite free activities to add to your LA itinerary this weekend!
Attend a TV Show Taping
Los Angeles is the heart of the entertainment industry, and many TV shows tape in front of live studio audiences for free. This can include talk shows, game shows, and sitcoms. It’s a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of television production and possibly see some celebrities in person.
Tickets need to be reserved in advance and are subject to availability. There are a few different places you can sign up to be an audience member, but my favorite is 1Iota.com. They also do a lot of movie premieres if you’re in LA or NY!
Walk the Venice Beach Boardwalk
Peak Season
Summer
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Beachgoers, Surf Enthusiasts, Skateboarders, Art Lovers, Street Performers Enthusiasts, Tourists
Venice beach is one of the most popular beaches in California. This iconic strip puts the city’s eclectic, bohemian spirit is on full display. The oceanfront promenade is lined with shops selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to surf-inspired apparel, alongside street performers, musicians, and artists that contribute to the boardwalk’s lively atmosphere.
The outdoor Muscle Beach gym, skate parks, and sprawling murals add to the unique cultural tapestry of Venice Beach. On a nice day it’s fun to walk through this area and people watch, or if you’re feeling more adventures there are lots of places to rent bikes, e-bikes, rollerblades or scooters.
Enjoy Panoramic Views at Griffith Observatory
Peak Season
Summer
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Astronomy Enthusiasts, Stargazers, Science Lovers, Nature Enthusiasts
Griffith Observatory stands as Southern California’s portal to the cosmos, nestled atop Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. This iconic Los Angeles landmark offers free admission, allowing visitors to explore the universe through its telescopes, engaging exhibits, and the immersive Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
With its stunning architecture that blends Greek and Beaux-Arts influences and rich history including use during World War II and the Apollo program, the observatory also provides unmatched views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. Parking can be a bit tricky during peak times, so be prepared to walk a bit! There are also dozens of great hiking trails in the area if you want to tack on a nice stroll to the experience.
Check Out The Broad Museum
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Year-Round
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Art Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Museum-Goers, Contemporary Art Admirers
Situated in Downtown LA, The Broad is a notable contemporary art museum in the city. It showcases a vast collection of nearly 2,000 works by around 200 artists, including pieces by Cindy Sherman and Jeff Koons.
Open since 2015, the museum is recognized for its distinctive architecture designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, featuring a unique “veil-and-vault” structure. Entry to the museum’s permanent galleries is free, just be aware that you’ll need a reservation.
Explore The Venice Canals
Peak Season
Summer
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Nature Lovers, Photography Enthusiasts, History Buffs, Romantic Couples, Cultural Explorers
The Venice Canals are a picturesque network of waterways designed to replicate the appearance of Venice, Italy. Built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney, they were part of his vision to create a cultural and residential area themed as the “Venice of America.”
Today, these canals offer a tranquil escape in the midst of the city, featuring charming walkways, beautiful bridges, and lovely homes along their banks, making it a popular spot for walking and photography. Just a few blocks off the beach this a great area to spend the afternoon if you want something a little less crowded than the boardwalk.
Listen To Jazz Music at the LACMA
Peak Season
Summer
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Art Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Museum-Goers, History Buffs, Photography Aficionados
From May to October, the LACMA hosts free jazz concerts on Friday nights featuring performances by talented local musicians. These events, set against the backdrop of Chris Burden’s iconic Urban Light installation, are a staple of the Los Angeles cultural scene, offering an enchanting evening of art and music.
The event is a great way to see one of the city’s coolest museums and also enjoy fantastic performances. There are also tons of great restaurants in the area to make for a fun night out.
Enjoy The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Peak Season
Summer
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Music Enthusiasts, Orchestra Aficionados, Cultural Explorers, Families Enjoying Outdoor Entertainment
While the schedule is usually not released until the week of, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra rehearsals are open to the public and completely free to attend. You can bring your own cheese and wine and enjoy a free performance in the iconic venue.
Barbecue By A Beach Bonfire
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July-August
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Beachgoers, Sunbathers, Surfers, Kite Flyers, Families Enjoying a Day by the Sea, Picnickers
Dockweiler Beach is a popular spot in Los Angeles for beach bonfires, as one of the only beaches that permits open fire. There are dozens of pits along the beach you can set up at, allowing you to enjoy a bonfire just feet from the waves.
It can be tricky to get a pit during the summer months, so make sure you show up early to claim a spot and enjoy a beach day while you’re at it. There is a small store on the beach in case you forget any wood or essentials as well.
Performances at the Hammer Museum
Peak Season
Summer
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Art Enthusiasts, Museum-Goers, Cultural Explorers, History Buffs, Students of Contemporary Art
The Hammer Museum in Westwood not only offers free admission to its art exhibits but also hosts free performances, talks, and film screenings. This month they even offered free guided meditations on Thursday afternoons as well as a lineup of fantastic panels. Check out their website for the latest offerings.
Soak Up The Sun At One Of The Cities Gorgeous Beaches
Peak Season
July-August
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Beachgoers, Amusement Park Enthusiasts, Families With Children, Food Lovers, Photographers
A beach day in Los Angeles is one of my favorite ways to spend a day without breaking the bank. It’s a quintessential California experience and no matter what month you’ll find this to be an enjoyable way to pass the time.
The iconic Santa Monica Pier and eclectic vibes of Venice Beach make for great people watching, or you can head north to one of the more rustic beaches in Malibu to escape the crowds.
A lot of the more popular beaches do charge for parking, but if you head up the PCH there are dozens of spots you can pull off for free and set up for the day. And if you do decide to spend a little money, you can make any of the beaches a fun weekend Los Angeles getaway without stretching your budget.
Laugh At A Free Comedy Show
Peak Season
Year-Round
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Comedy Enthusiasts, Improv Fans, Theater Lovers, Performers Seeking Stage Experience
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre is renowned for its improv and sketch comedy shows. This Los Angeles venue has been a launchpad for many comedians, and its impact on the comedy scene is significant, with a legacy of nurturing talent that often progresses to notable success in the entertainment industry.
On Sunday nights there is a free sketch show that is a great way to see some up and coming talent and experience the iconic venue.
Bike The Strand
Peak Season
June-August
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Beach Lovers, Surfers, Sunbathers, Families Enjoying Coastal Activities, Picnickers
This paved path runs along the coastline connecting many of LA’s beaches from Pacific Palisades all the way down to Torrance, offering beautiful ocean views and fun people-watching.
If you have a bike or rollerblades you can try to explore the entire path, and if you’re on foot and looking for a shorter walk my favorite sections are between Santa Monica Pier and Venice Pier, from Marina Del Rey down to Playa Del Rey or along the stretch by Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. It can get a bit packed by the busier beach towns but it’s a great way to get some exercise and soak up the sun.
Music At The Market
Peak Season
Summer
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Food Enthusiasts, Culinary Explorers, Local Produce Lovers, Shoppers Seeking Artisanal Goods
The Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax occasionally hosts free evening music performances, ranging from jazz to world music. The market is also a cool spot to just walk through with over 100 local vendors selling fresh goods and crafts. You could spend an entire day here just window shopping the different stalls and sometimes you can get a free sample!
Check Out The LA Art Walk
Peak Season
October to April
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Art Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Gallery-Goers, Photography Aficionados, Foodies
On the second Thursday of every month, The Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk celebrates the vibrant cultural and artistic scene in the heart of LA. This free event invites locals and tourists alike to explore the many art galleries, studios, and cultural institutions that open their doors to the public for this special occasion.
It’s a fun way to explore DTLA and usually attracts a great crowd if you’re new to town and looking to meet some new people or just want a fun date night idea!
Shakespeare In The Park
Peak Season
Summer
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Theater Enthusiasts, Shakespeare Aficionados, Cultural Explorers, Lovers of Outdoor Performances
This beloved cultural tradition brings the timeless works of William Shakespeare to life under the open sky. Hosted by various organizations, including the Independent Shakespeare Co., these free performances take place in outdoor venues like Griffith Park, attracting audiences of all ages with a mix of classic and creatively reimagined productions of Shakespeare’s plays.
Usually held in the summer months, it’s encouraged for people to bring their own picnics and blankets and is a fun way to enjoy live theatre.
Walk The Sunset Strip
Peak Season
Summer
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Music Lovers, Nightlife Enthusiasts, Entertainment Seekers, Celebrity Spotters, Cultural Explorers
Exploring the Sunset Strip offers a unique glimpse into its legendary rock ‘n’ roll history and vibrant nightlife. The 1.5 mile stretch from West Hollywood and into Hollywood has a rich musical heritage, with iconic venues like The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, and the Viper Room, which have hosted generations of famed musicians and bands.
Beyond its historical significance, the Strip also has tons of eclectic boutiques, cafes, and murals that capture the spirit of Los Angeles’ entertainment legacy. If you have the time, make sure you check out Book Soup along the way, an iconic bookstore along the strip that has a vast collection of music related books and signed vinyls.
Summer Concert Series
Peak Season
Summer
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Music Lovers, Beachgoers, Outdoor Concert Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers
During the summer months, various venues and communities in LA host free outdoor concerts. The Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concerts and Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena are popular options, featuring a range of music genres and often have vendors handing out free food or drinks.
The Twilight Concerts are my personal favorite (not only because it’s my neighborhood) but also because you can usually hear the music from the beach so you can just bring your own blanket and watch the sunset with the bonus of a free concert!
Learn How To Salsa at Flame Saturdays
Peak Season
Summer
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Nightlife Enthusiasts, Partygoers, Music Lovers, Social Butterflies, Dance Enthusiasts
Flame Saturdays, hosted at Social State House in the heart of West Hollywood hosts free salsa and bachata lessons on select evenings. Participants are welcomed to partake in a no-cost salsa class starting at 8:30 pm, immediately followed by a bachata class at 9:00 pm. It’s always a fun crowd, and super welcoming for beginners!
Advance Your Pottery Skills
Peak Season
Summer
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Art Enthusiasts, Pottery Lovers, Creative Individuals, Beginners in Pottery, Team-Building Groups
POT Studio, located in both Echo Park and Jefferson Park, is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and representation within the ceramic arts. It’s an incredible space where people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and young people are actively uplifted and celebrated.
The studio goes beyond traditional pottery classes by offering specialized sessions that cater to diverse communities, such as ceramic classes conducted in Spanish and pottery nights designed for the Iranian diaspora, led by Iranian instructors. To ensure accessibility and encourage participation from all walks of life, POT Studio provides a range of supportive initiatives.
This includes scholarships for aspiring artists, complimentary community workshops, work-trade arrangements for those wishing to exchange their skills for studio time, and comprehensive career development programs in the field of pottery. If you’re interested in pursuing this trade, POT is a fantastic and affordable option for exploring the craft within a welcoming community.
