Free Things to Do in Downtown LA
The historic heart of Los Angeles, Downtown LA features an extraordinary range of free attractions, from the birthplace of LA and world-class museums to culturally diverse neighborhoods and hidden gardens. Discover DTLA with free activities in the Historic Core, Grand Avenue, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and Exposition Park.
From City Hall and the Central Library to two of LA's most unique museums, this sampling of free Downtown LA attractions is just the tip of the iceberg.
One-hour docent-lead tour of the historic 1926 building.
The Modernist cathedral rises 11 stories above Temple St.
Housed in the historic Fire Station #30 on Central Avenue.
Several of LA's cultural crown jewels are located within a three-block stretch of Grand Avenue, including Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, The Broad, MOCA, and Grand Park. And you can visit them all for free!
Take a self-guided audio tour of the home of the LA Phil.
Tour the home of LA Opera and site of 20+ Oscars.
LA's only artist-founded museum was founded in 1979.
Known as the birthplace of LA, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument (aka Los Angeles Plaza Historic District) offers numerous free attractions, including the bustling marketplace, Olvera Street; La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, a renowned center of Mexican American culture; David Alfaro Siqueiros's 1932 mural, América Tropical; and Avila Adobe, originally built in 1818 and LA’s oldest house still standing in its original location.
The influential mural is located above Olvera Street.
A must-see for its traditional Chinese cuisine, modern eateries, and a thriving gallery scene, Chinatown also hosts popular events like Lunar New Year and KCRW's annual summer series, Chinatown Summer Nights. Be sure to snap a selfie with the Bruce Lee statue, or plan a picnic at nearby Los Angeles State Historic Park.
Picnic tables, outdoor art and more at this 32-acre park.
The largest of three official Japantowns in the U.S., Little Tokyo was declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1995. Besides the great shopping and dining, Little Tokyo offers free attractions like the internationally renowned Japanese American National Museum; the award-winning James Irvine Japanese Garden at JACCC; and the rooftop Kyoto Gardens at DoubleTree by Hilton.
Free admission to the acclaimed museum every Thursday.
Located just south of USC, Exposition Park is home to some of LA's greatest sports venues and museums, including Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Banc of CA Stadium, California African American Museum, CA Science Center, Natural History Museum, and the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. You can stroll the Rose Garden, view the Space Shuttle Endeavour, learn about African American cultural heritage, or travel through 4.5 billion years of history - all for free.
Discover African American history and cultural heritage.
Free on first Tuesdays and free hours for Angelenos Mon-Fri.
