It may be the place where stars are born, but Los Angeles is about so much more than red carpets and paparazzi. With a bustling art scene, a plethora of cuisines to choose from. Wellness centers to align your chakras, LA is the city that satiates and nurtures the soul.
Start your day with freshly brewed kombucha and a refreshing yoga class (yin, vinyasa, ashtanga, or even sound baths), and then head on over to the nearest farmer’s market for some seriously delicious baked goods (we’re thinking croissants, blueberry spread, and a bowl of tropical fruit).
Make time for a swim or your first surf lesson. Try the crunchiest Tijuana-style tacos LA is famous for. Find vintage treasures at the nearest flea market that even your grandma will marvel at. Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for a dose of culture. Their brilliant collection features work by Kandinsky, Matisse, and Giacometti. End the day star gazing at the Art Deco Griffith Observatory, located high in the Hollywood Hills with gorgeous views of the city. Its Planetarium offers daily shows exploring the cosmos and there are monthly star gazing parties held on the front lawn.
Yes, all of the things listed above are great but some of them cost money and if you’re on a tight budget and want to explore the city for free, we highly recommend these nine
Nothing says you’ve arrived in LA like a selfie in front of the Hollywood Sign. The best part is that you can do this without spending a dime. Some of the other iconic attractions around the area include the Hollywood Walk of Fame (with signatures and handprints of your favorite celebrities and you can enjoy this for free) and TCL Chinese Theatre (originally known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre; this theatre opened in 1927). You can book a tour of the theatre for $14 (for adults) and $8 (for children), anytime between 10.15 am and 7 pm every day (except Mondays). For more details, click here.
There’s so much you can do here and most of it doesn’t cost a dime. Whether it’s taking a selfie in front of the iconic Hollywood sign, attending a free performance at the Hollywood Bowl, enjoying a drive along the lanes of Hollywood, or visiting the Hollywood Heritage Museum, Hollywood Boulevard is a place where you can enjoy a ton of attractions without spending any money.
Just like the beautiful canals in Italy, Venice Beach is the epitome of wealth and luxury. With towering mansions on one side and glorious beach sunsets on the other. Venice Beach is the perfect place to sunbathe and reflect on life (that too for free). It has some of the most eclectic boutiques and souvenir shops, and if you feel hungry, you can get a bite to eat at one of the beachside restaurants. Venice Beach is open 24/7 and if you think parking might be a hassle, we suggest you take a bus to the beach. There are lots of stops nearby from where you can just walk to the beach.
If you enjoy the quiet and want to be in nature then we highly recommend that you plan a visit to Griffith Park. With campgrounds, hiking trails, and biking trails spread over 4,210 acres, Griffith Park is open seven days a week, and entry to the park is completely free. If you prefer doing a guided tour then you can join a tour group by paying a small fee and enjoy the many hiking trails Griffith Park has to offer.
This beautiful street in Beverly Hills has some of the best boutiques in town. Who knows, you may even run into your favorite celebrities here. What’s great about this place is that it doesn’t cost a penny to do some window shopping. You can get a bite to eat at one of the cafes or sign up for a guided tour, available for a small fee. To learn more about Rodeo Drive and things to do, click here.
The historic Santa Monica Pier that first opened in 1909, has something for people of all ages! Plus, you get to enjoy the beautiful beach for free. Take a walk down the pier which will make way for small shops where you can buy knick-knacks for your friends and family. You’ll also find street artists singing and playing music. That’s the thing about LA, the gorgeous weather lets you stay outside even after the sun goes down.
If you want to enjoy rides at the Pacific Park or visit the aquarium, you can do the same by paying a small fee.
Looking to attend a TV show taping of your favorite sitcom or talk show? No problem. LA is the city of stars and out here you can watch your favorite celebrities performing live. For instance, if you’re a fan of The Ellen DeGeneres Show (and who isn’t!), all you have to do is visit the show’s website and check for available tickets. Mind you, tickets go fast so remember to book it just as you book your flights to LA. You can do the same for Jimmy Kimmel Live by clicking here.
Source
If you’re traveling with children then the California Science Center is an ideal place to visit. Out here, kids can learn about forests, rivers, and islands, among many other things and it is free, although parking costs $12. To learn more, click here.
This beautiful tree-lined promenade is great for a stroll after you’re done experiencing the hustle and bustle of the city. You can visit the many restaurants for a meal or a cup of coffee, or do some last-minute shopping before heading back home.
Whether you’re looking to do something lowkey or paint the town red, LA has something for everyone. From museums and scrumptious food to yoga studios and pristine white sandy beaches, LA is the perfect mix of culture and entertainment. And the weather is always great!
Do tell us what you love most about LA in the comments below.
+1 (702) 483-3350 
