8 Best Free Things To Do in LA County
Are you ready to check out some of the most fun free things to do LA? Los Angeles is an adventure playground with so many things to do and attractions to see & experience. Don’t let the glamour side of Los Angeles stop you from heading out to enjoy the city. Whether you’re an LA local or just visiting, you can enjoy the variety of free attractions Los Angeles offers such as free events, concerts, museums, parks, bookstores, and many more.
Best Free Things To Do in LA
1. Step in the Infinity Mirrored Room at the Broad Museum
For reservations: https://ticketing.thebroad.org/events/d13ede87-7c3b-38d9-9cf7-7801cbbd44cd
Open Hours: Closed on Mondays, Tuesday 11am-5pm, Wednesday 11am-5pm, Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm
The Infinity Mirrored Room is a popular installation at The Broad museum, which allows visitors to step in an infinite space of mesmerizing mirrors, creating an illusion of being in a starry sky. The installation has been an attention-grabbing attraction since it debuted in 2013. Visitors are only allowed 45 seconds to explore, however, it is worth the experience. Even though it is free, advanced reservations are required. Tickets release every last Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. so I would suggest to get those tickets exactly at that time so that you can pick the day that you want to go. After going in this mirrored room, you can go and explore the rest of The Broad museum’s art collection.
2. Watch a Live Jazz Performance at LACMA
When: Usually April to November, Friday Nights (Check LACMA’s website if they are having a Jazz Night)
For more info: https://www.lacma.org/programs/music?tab=jazz-at-lacma
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosts free jazz concerts typically when the summer begins. The performers will have the iconic Urban Lights as a stunning backdrop. You are also free to walk around the Urban Lights and take some photos as they are very Instagrammable.
All you need to do is show up and save a spot, reservations aren’t required. You can have a picnic with your friends at the grassy area while soaking up the music and enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed, casual setting.
While there aren’t set dates for these concerts, they usually run from April to November on Friday nights. For updates and announcements, keep an eye on LACMA’s website or their social media channels. This has got to be one my favorite free things to do in LA, so be sure to gather your friends and visit once concerts start up again.
3. Explore Greystone Mansion & Gardens
Open Hours: 10am-5pm, Wednesday – Friday
Greystone Mansion and Gardens is one of Beverly Hills’ hidden gems. The mansion was built in 1928 and has now been turned into a public attraction. It’s a peaceful place to walk around with beautiful architecture, views and landscapes that will leave you in awe. The mansion takes you back in time to the lifestyle of the Doheny family who used to live there.
The story is surrounded by a mysterious tale of a murder tragedy which occurred there. I would suggest to read about it a little before visiting just to have an idea on what used to happen inside this mansion.
4. Visit the In-N-Out Replica Museum
Open Hours: 11am-2pm, Thursday – Sunday
In-N-Out is a beloved Californian fast-food chain known for its freshly made burgers and fries. A visit to the replica of the original In-N-Out, which now serves as a museum, allows you to take a trip down to memory lane. Learn more about its history as you check out some of their old equipment, vintage photos and memorabilia inside.
There is a knowledgable employee that can help and guide you through the exhibit. We learned some interesting facts such as the existence of a cigarette vending machine along the drive-through lane back in the days. It is a small museum so you won’t have to be there for too long. If you’re hungry, you can grab & buy a burger at the nearby In-N-Out restaurant to complete your visit.
5. Attend a Live Show Taping
Photo: @allisonleeritter – The Ellen Degeneres Show at NBC studios
Find shows to attend here: https://1iota.com/
Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world, and you can be part of it by attending a live show taping. There are several TV shows that offer free tickets to their live tapings as they need audience members or seat fillers on their show. You’ll get to see your favorite stars, laugh at jokes, watch performances, attend award shows and maybe even appear on TV. Just make sure to book your tickets in advance, as they tend to go quickly.
During my high school years, my friends and I frequently obtained our tickets through 1iota.com. It’s a legitimate source for tickets to a variety of late night shows, concerts, events, award shows and many more. I personally got to attend the Grammy Awards, Jimmy Kimmel Show, America’s Got Talent, iHeartRadio Music Festival and many more!
If you have a particular show in mind that you want to attend, I recommend that you just google the “name of the show” plus “audience tickets” and see if you can sign up! You also check on their official website to see if there is any information available regarding ticket availability.
6. Explore the Last Bookstore
The Last Bookstore is the largest bookstore in California and a must-visit for book lovers. The bookstore first opened in 2005 in a rundown loft space in the Old Bank District of Downtown LA. You’ll even find the vault from the bank that is now filled with mystery books. Since then, it has become a cultural icon and an essential part of the LA book scene.
This bookstore has a large collection of books, records, and art. You’ll find several well decorated spots that would be great to take photographs such as the impressive archway made of books and a book portal. Even if you’re not a book lover, the bookstore’s unique and quirky atmosphere is definitely worth checking out.
7. Airplane Spotting Near LAX
The In-N-Out Burger restaurant, located close to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), has got some great views of airplanes in action. You can also go across In-N-Out by the tiny park and have even better views of the planes landing as they go extremely low. This free thing to do in LA provides the perfect backdrop for taking cool photos. For optional preparation, you also can use the “Flight Radar” app to track which plane is coming if you have a preference for your shot.
8. Drum Circle in Venice Beach
Photo: @depictingvenice
There you have it! Those are the top free things to do in LA. Believe it or not, you do not have to break the bank to have an amazing time. Take advantage of these free activities and make unforgettable memories while exploring the city of angels. Get out there and enjoy all that LA has to offer!