Free Things to Do in the Westside
The Westside is the Best Side for renowned cultural attractions and some of LA's best hiking trails. From the Getty Center and Skirball Center to Museum Row in the Miracle Mile, you can experience world-class art for free. Relax in local gardens, or get your steps in with canyon hikes and running trails.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have limited hours. Check individual websites for the latest updates.
Home to the world-famous Getty Center, Brentwood is an upscale neighborhood that offers other free attractions like the Skirball Cultural Center, canyon hikes, and the beloved coral trees that line San Vicente Boulevard.
Located north of Westwood Village, UCLA features free cultural attractions and Drake Stadium for cardio workouts. The acclaimed Hammer Museum hosts forward-thinking exhibitions and public programs, all free. At Pierce Brothers Memorial Park, you'll find the graves and crypts of legends like Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Kirk Douglas, Hugh Hefner, Peggy Lee, Roy Orbison, Frank Zappa, and Ray Bradbury.
Incredible outdoor collection located on the UCLA campus.
"Living museum" spans 7.5 lush acres hidden inside UCLA.
The final resting place of legends like Marilyn Monroe.
Beverly Hills is a global capital of luxury, but you can still find free activities in the ritzy neighborhood. Visitors can stroll the grounds of the historic Greystone Mansion, which spans over 46,000 square feet of living space. Beverly Hills Cop fans will recognize City Hall as police headquarters from the hit 1984 film. Beverly Gardens Park features the Wilshire Electric Fountain, Doheny Fountain, Rose Garden and Cactus Garden.
The aptly named Museum Row in the Miracle Mile is home to some of LA's greatest cultural attractions, including the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, LACMA, La Brea Tar Pits and Petersen Automotive Museum. In addition to free public art at LACMA and the iconic mammoths in the Lake Pit, the Miracle Mile also offers Pan Pacific Park and the Holocaust Museum (free to students and California residents).
"Urban Light" is one of LA's most popular public artworks.
A center for movie production since the 1920s, Culver City continues its legacy with Sony Pictures Studios (located on the former MGM lot) along with other cultural landmarks like the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Helms Bakery and Culver Hotel.
Unique collection of more than 100,000 artifacts.