Discover 12 Free Los Angeles Activities: Beaches, Hikes, Museums

Los Angeles lists a dozen free activities available now, from stretches of sand along the coast to marked trails in the hills and permanent displays at two Getty sites.

July temperatures often top 80 degrees downtown, and recent national reports on household spending have prompted more residents to seek zero-cost outings instead of paid attractions.

El Matador State Beach sits off Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu with tide pools visible at low tide. Griffith Park contains miles of trails that reach overlooks of the Hollywood Sign. The Getty Center in Brentwood opens its gardens and galleries daily without an entry fee, while the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades displays ancient art along the same no-charge policy.

Los Angeles County recorded 47 million visits to its public beaches and parks in 2025, according to county recreation data released in March.

Beaches and hikes

Venice Beach boardwalk runs from Washington Boulevard to Rose Avenue with free access to the Muscle Beach area and the skate park. Santa Monica Beach at the end of the pier allows walking along the sand without payment. Runyon Canyon off Fuller Avenue offers a 1.3-mile loop that climbs to city views. Lake Hollywood Reservoir trail in the Hollywood Hills provides a flat 3.2-mile path around the water with sightlines to the sign. Escondido Falls trailhead on Winding Way in Malibu leads to a 50-foot cascade after a 3.8-mile round trip. The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook at the end of Hetzler Road gives 360-degree views after a short paved climb.

Museums and cultural sites

The California Science Center in Exposition Park maintains free entry to its main halls and the Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument on Olvera Street includes the Avila Adobe and free walking tours on weekends. The Los Angeles Central Library downtown at 630 W. Fifth Street opens its architecture and gardens at no cost. The Watts Towers at 1761 E. 107th Street stand as public art accessible during daylight hours. Angels Point in Elysian Park provides another free vantage without reservations. Visitors can combine any of these with a Metro ride using the existing TAP card system that covers most central routes.

Before setting out, check the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks website for any temporary trail closures or Getty hours posted for the week of July 10.