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As one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the world, Los Angeles is a melting pot of history, culture, industry, and fame. Once the location of popularity for gold and oil, it is now popular for the rich and famous stars of Hollywood. Somehow, we always find ourselves traveling to the City of Angels.

To visit just some of these amazing location, here are 20 fun and free things to do in Los Angeles:

  • Window shopping
  • Beaches
  • History
  • Museums
  • Monuments
  • Parks

Shopping

Rodeo Drive

Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is three blocks of luxury, fashion, and lifestyle. Many celebrities and wealthy residents rub elbows and shop the street whenever they want to buy a new top or just head out for a day of luxury.

The Original Farmers Market & The Grove

One of the most beloved landmarks of LA is the Original Farmers Market. It was founded in 1934, and the market immerses you in the aroma of fresh produce and snacks. Just around the corner, you’ll find the more contemporary shopping center: Th Grove. Here, you’ll find:

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  • Shopping
  • Dining
  • Movie theater
  • Special events

Sunset Boulevard

Visitors love driving along the famous boulevard as it lives up to its legends of the classic and glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. The setting of several famous films, the street now houses a portion known as the Sunset Strip which is a popular nightlife spot.

Third Street Promenade

While you may be tempted to shop here with all the major chain stores it has to offer, the atmosphere is what draws visitors to the mall. You can expect unexpected extras like sculptured shrubs and talented street performers, as well as a layout that reminds people of Europe.

Beaches

Santa Monica Pier & Beach

Located just outside of Los Angeles, Santa Monica Pier and Beach is one of the most legendary beach scenes in the United States. With 3 miles of shoreline, the sands are soft, the weather is ideal, and the attractions are plentiful:

  • Walk the beach
  • Swim
  • Visit the Pier
  • See street performances
  • Roller coaster ride
  • Ferris wheel

Venice Beach

Venice Beach, like Santa Monica Beach, has a lot of entertainment and things to explore while you enjoy the beautiful weather. You can enjoy:

  • Venice Rec and Parks
  • The Venice Drum Circle
  • Paddle Tennis
  • Muscle Beach Gym
  • Basketball
  • Boardwalk
  • Beach
  • Sports Bars
  • Washington Square
  • Venice Murals

Zuma Beach

Malibu’s Zuma Beach is known to be one of the finest beaches in Los Angeles area. It’s the perfect beach spot for sunbathing, swimming, and catching some waves. Not to mention the access to beachside snacks!

Parks

Runyon Canyon Park

On top of this canyon, you’ll get a glimpse of many popular views across California like the San Fernando Valley, the Pacific Ocean, the Hollywood sign, and the Griffith Observatory. Those who travel say it’s reminiscent of Old Hollywood with several old mansions scattered through the park.

History & Museums

Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park

The Griffith Observatory and Park is not only rich in history, but also fun! For free, you can:

  • Look through telescopes
  • Explore exhibits
  • See live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium
  • Experience views of the Hollywood sign and Los Angeles
  • Explore the Park with over 4,120 acres of chaparral-covered terrain, landscaped parks, and picnic areas

Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl is a famous outdoor community theater, established by the Theatre Arts Alliance Inc when they bought the 59 acres for the land where the Bowl now stands. You can now experience the history of the park from cultural events, history, and architecture like:

  • The Muse of Music
  • Pop & Rock at the Hollywood Bowl
  • Peppertree Lane
  • Great Performances
  • The Shell
  • Picnic & Fireworks
  • The Amphitheater
  • The Cahuenga Pass Treasure
  • Flora & Fauna at the Hollywood Bowl
  • The View from the 4th Prom

Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre

As two of the most recognized attractions of Hollywood, while the theatre is not free to tour, you can walk up and down the Hollywood Walk of Fame for free. Hundreds of movie stars have had their handprints and signatures on the sidewalk, with the most notable names between the 6800 and 6900 block of Hollywood Boulevard (in front of the theatre).

The Getty Center

This arts center is not only an architectural achievement, but it contains some of the finest works of art in the world. It houses art from various ages and nations like:

  • Renaissance paintings
  • 20th-century American photography
  • Baroque sculptures
  • Historic manuscripts
  • And more!

Walt Disney Concert Hall

The WDCH is an internationally recognized landmark, as well as one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the entire world. It embodies the unique energy and creative spirit of the city of Los Angeles. Thanks to the Disney family and other donors, you can enjoy music like:

  • The Los Angeles Philharmonic
  • The Los Angeles Master Chorale
  • Visiting artists and orchestras

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Another fascinating landmark, it is the final resting place of Hollywood’s founders and stars – more than anywhere in the world. It was founded in 1899, and became an important part of the growth of Hollywood. It’s even listed on the National Register of Historic Sites!

Greystone Mansion & Park

The old, historical home of the son of the first man to strike oil in Los Angeles, the former mansion of Edward Lawrence Doheny, Jr. is now an education historical landmark. There are 55 livable rooms, and 46,054 square feet of living space. Rich in history and used in many movies, the whole family can be wowed.

Exposition Park

Exposition Park is home to the California Science Center, which immerses adults and children in a variety of museums and attractions alike. In the Park, you can experience:

  • The California African American Museum
  • Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
  • The Rose Garden
  • The EXPO Center

El Pueblo Historical Monument

El Pueblo de Los Angeles is the site of the early Los Angeles town where 44 settlers of different ethnic decent established a farming community in 1781. Since then, Los Angeles has become one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. There are many free museums and attractions like:

  • Avila Adobe
  • Plaza Firehouse
  • Italian American Museum of LA
  • Chinese American Museum
  • Pico House
  • Sepulveda House

Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels

One of the first churches in Los Angeles, there is a rich and complicated history behind the relocation of the Cathedral and La Placita that you can only experience if you visit there. It is an architectural wonder, as well as a sad story of history lost in time.

Watts Towers

The Watts Towers are 17 sculptures constructed of steel and covered with mortar, all made by one man – Simon Rodia. He adorned the Towers with:

  • Broken glass
  • Sea shells
  • Generic pottery and tile
  • A rare piece of hand painted Canton ware
  • And other pieces of 20th-century ceramics

After a close battle to save the Towers from demolition, it is now on the National Register of Historic Places as a Landmark, as well as many other honors in California.

Korean Bell of Friendship

The Bell was donated in 1976 to Los Angeles by the people of the Republic of Korea to celebrate the bicentennial of the US independence, to honor veterans of the Korean War, and consolidate friendship between the two countries. It is fashioned after the Bronze Bell of King Songdok, which is in South Korea and has been around since 771 AD.

LoanMart in Los Angeles!

LoanMart’s headquarters is located in Van Nuys, California which is located in the central San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. We’ve always been proud supporters and sponsors of local city sports! We believe in the community that brings everyone opportunities.