Free Things to do in Los Angeles that Don’t Suck

Walk: A street walk circus show

There's a two and half mile stretch of boardwalk along Venice Beach that is a little like a roaming circus sideshow. See street performers, musicians, fortune tellers, and artists while listening to the constant crash of the waves upon the beach. The shops along the walkway are mildly eccentric, too.

Explore the art scene on the Downtown LA Art Walk, the Chung King Road Art Walk, and the San Pedro Art Walk. The city is colored with murals and has great architecture to check out. Los Angeles is one of the creative capitals of the world, after all.

See how the other half live - it costs nothing to window shop the extravagant shops along world-famous Rodeo Drive. Check out the designer clothing boutiques, trendiest shops, and opulent jewelers.

Drive: Golden roads, high hills

The Pacific Coast Highway twists and turns between the hills and rugged coastline for miles through Los Angeles, providing an exciting drive and stunning natural scenery.

Mulholland Drive is one of the most famous streets in Los Angeles. The road stretches above the hills that overlook downtown Los Angeles, giving all a striking view of the city.

California Science Center: Beavers films and life journeys

This is one freebie you have to see to appreciate. The California Science Center is the largest hands-on museum within the California region. Catch an educational film in an IMAX theater, learn how energy is produced, and explore life sciences with plant and animal exhibits, and witness artifacts and explanations from man's journey into flight and eventual space travel. The center is appropriate for kids and adults of all ages.

Palisades Park: Run, jog, rollerblade, walk

It doesn't cost a dime to experience the majestic beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Palisades Park provides sweeping views from palm tree-lined walkways on a bluff overlooking the water and the sandy beach. Run, jog, rollerblade, walk, or just dawdle around and wait for the sun to set. Palisades Park is a favorite of the locals and many will tell you tales of moving to LA after watching a single, magical sunset from the ridge.

Griffith Observatory: See the stars, see yourself

Set up high in the hills, the Griffith Observatory is absolutely free to check out. Gaze upon the cosmos in the observatory's stargazing equipment exhibits and check out a planetarium show. Be sure to look down once in a while, because the view of Los Angeles and the surrounding hills from here is simply amazing.

The Getty: Art of the soul, free of cost

The Getty houses European masterpieces from the likes of Van Gogh and Gauguin. The collection is over 50,000 pieces strong. Over a million people visit the Getty each year, making it one of the most visited museums in the country. The museum buildings are situated upon a large, manicured garden campus above the city. The Getty is truly an inspiration, between the artwork, the beautiful campus, and scenic location.

When you're ready to spend some money, check out a few of the best restaurants in Los Angeles.