Free Things to Do in Hollywood & More

Hollywood Sign | Photo:  Yuri Hasegawa
Hollywood Sign | Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Overview

From the home of the Oscars to the Hollywood Sign and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, you can experience the best of Hollywood without spending a dime. Discover LA icons like the Griffith Observatory and beloved hidden gems at Griffith Park. Explore two eclectic neighborhoods, Los Feliz and Silver Lake, with free activities like biking the LA River, hidden stairs, and LGBTQ landmarks.

NOTE: Due to COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have limited hours. Check individual websites for the latest updates.


Part 1
Hollywood

One of LA's bucket list destinations, Hollywood welcomes millions of visitors every year with attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood, the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and more. You can enjoy Tinseltown landmarks for free, as well as a Jimmy Kimmel Live! taping and outdoor activities like LA's most popular hike.


Hollywood & Highland view of Hollywood Sign
Ovation Hollywood

Great views of the Hollywood Sign throughout the complex.

My Next Trip
Red Carpet Entrance at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood
Dolby Theatre

Walk the red carpet steps like the stars on Oscar night.

My Next Trip
Primary image for TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX
TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX

Find your favorites in the Forecourt of the Stars.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame

More than 2,600 stars line Hollywood Blvd. and Vine St.

My Next Trip
Primary image for El Capitan Entertainment Centre
El Capitan Entertainment Centre

Request free tickets for a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live!

My Next Trip
Hollywood Bowl Museum
Hollywood Bowl Museum

Learn the history of the world-famous concert venue.

My Next Trip
Broadview Terrace Stairs | Photo: Joshua Lurie
Broadview Terrace Stairs

Hidden stairs located just south of the Hollywood Bowl.

My Next Trip
Runyon Canyon   |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Runyon Canyon Park

Stunning views, celeb sightings, and an off-leash dog park.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Lake Hollywood Reservoir
Lake Hollywood Reservoir

Walk, jog or bike around the reservoir with Hollywood views.

My Next Trip
Saroyan Stairs in Hollywood
Saroyan Stairs

Climb these hidden stairs in Beachwood Canyon.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Pay your respects to a galaxy of stars and Hollywood VIPs.

My Next Trip
Part 2
Griffith Park

One of the largest municipal parks in North America, Griffith Park features 70 miles of trails and some of LA's most famous attractions, including the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, LA Zoo, The Autry, and Greek Theatre. Explore Griffith Park with free visits to LA icons, along with must-see hidden gems like "the Batcave," Amir's Garden, and the Wisdom Tree.


Primary image for Ferndell Nature Museum
Ferndell Nature Museum

Tropical plants and flowers thrive along this winding trail.

My Next Trip
"The Batcave" at Bronson Canyon   |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Bronson Canyon

Iconic location of the Batcave, Star Trek and many more.

My Next Trip
Hollywood Sign viewed from Mount Lee
Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Strenuous hike to spectacular views from atop Mount Lee.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory

Free entry to the iconic building, grounds, and telescopes.

My Next Trip
Wisdom Tree at the top of Cahuenga Peak
Wisdom Tree

Steep hike on Wonder View Trail to this lone pine tree.

My Next Trip
Pink bench hidden inside Amir's Garden in Griffith Park
Amir's Garden

Beloved garden and rest stop for hikers and equestrians.

My Next Trip
Part 3
Los Feliz

Located just south of Griffith Park, Los Feliz is known for Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House and Ennis House; the 1923 Vista Theatre, and beloved watering holes Tiki-Ti and Big Bar. Go for a bike ride along the LA River, climb hidden stairs, see a Film Noir location, or browse an incomparable book collection.


Biking the Los Angeles River at Griffith Park
Los Angeles River Bike Path

Connect with the scenic bike path at Los Feliz Blvd.

My Next Trip
Prospect Stairs
Prospect Stairs

Three stairways climb up the hillside streets of Los Feliz.

My Next Trip
6301 Quebec Dr.
"Double Indemnity" House

AKA Barbara Stanwyck's house in the Film Noir classic.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Philosophical Research Society
Philosophical Research Society

Browse an extraordinary collection of esoteric books.

My Next Trip
Part 4
Silver Lake

Built around its namesake reservoir, Silver Lake is a trendsetting neighborhood that's well-known for its modern eateries, boutiques, and nightlife. A historic haven for the LGBTQ community, the Mattachine Steps (named for the Mattachine Society) and The Black Cat (site of a landmark gay rights protest) have been recognized by the City of Los Angeles for their importance in the global LGBTQ movement.

Micheltorena Stairs
Micheltorena Stairs

Colorful staircase that's perfect for your Instagram post.

My Next Trip
Black Cat Protests 1967
The Black Cat

Site of one of the world's first gay rights protests in '67.

My Next Trip
Mattachine Steps in Silver Lake
The Mattachine Steps

Named for Harry Hay's pioneering LGBTQ organization.

My Next Trip