Top 12 Free Things to Do in Los Angeles

Visit the Forecourt of the Stars at Graumans’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard to measure your hands and feet against the footprints and handprints of Hollywood legends.

Meander along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to find the stars of your favorite celebrities. The Walk of Fame runs east to west on Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue and North South on Vine street from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard.

The Griffith Observatory, located in Griffith Park, has a free astronomy museum and offers visitors a free glimpse at the cosmos through their super Zeiss telescope.
Tip: Get in line before dark if you want a look at the night sky, especially in summer. They close the line at a certain number of people.

Take a look at the Hollywood Sign from the viewing area at the Hollywood & Highland shopping and entertainment complex next to Grauman's Chinese Theatre or drive up Beachwood Canyon for a closer look. Another good viewing point is looking up Gower Boulevard. The sign itself is fenced off from the public, so there is no legal access to it.

Take a stroll down Venice Beach Boardwalk to check out the street performers, the hard bodies at muscle beach and the interesting characters wandering the strand during the summer and on weekends. Parking in the area ranges from $3 to $15 depending on the lot and the time of year. Limited free street parking is available in the neighborhood if you have the patience to look for it.

Attend a TV Show Taping of your favorite sitcom, game show, talk show, or reality show, or even one you've never heard of. Tickets are always free. Read my Guide to Attending a TV Show Taping.

The La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park next to the LA County Museum of Art is the greatest source of prehistoric fossils ever excavated. These fossils have made their way into museums around the world, but the largest collection is here at the Page Museum. It's free to wander the park and look at the tar pits and outdoor exhibits. During the summer, you can watch the excavators at work. Hancock Park is on Wilshire Blvd. Between Curson and Fairfax. Metered street parking or paid lots.

The Getty Center, a modern hilltop fortress in Brentwood, houses one of the finest art collections in the world. The building and view are worth a visit even if you're not interested in the art. The Museum is free, but there is a fee for parking. Bike and motorcycle parking is free. Groups of 15 or more motorcycles must reserve parking. Metro Bus 761 stops at the main gate.

The Getty Villa is the permanent home of Getty's Greek and Roman art collection. Located on Pacific Coast Highway north of Sunset Blvd. The Museum is free, but advance, timed tickets are required. There is a fee for parking. Bikes park free. Motorcycles pay full rate. Metro Bus 434 stops near the Getty Villa Gate on PCH. Get tickets through the web site, or call (310) 440-7300.

Explore the Mexican marketplace at the Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument at Olvera Street. Explore on your own or join a free walking tour Wednesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon. A self-guided tour brochure describing the historic buildings is available at the Information Desk in the Plaza or at the El Pueblo Visitors Center. Parking Lot at Main Street and Cesar Chavez. Metro Red Line stop: Union Station.

The California Science Center is fun for adults and kids. General Admission is free. There is a fee for parking. There is also a fee for the IMAX Theatre and special attractions. The Science Center is open 10 to 5 except holidays. Weekday mornings are crowded with school groups, so afternoons and weekends are better to visit. Metro Bus 445.