Los Angeles has no shortage of postcard shots — the Hollywood Sign, Venice’s canals, Griffith Observatory — but locals often choose other corners of the city when friends ask where to spend a Sunday, a free afternoon, or even a solo day trip.
Localsinsider reviewed recommendations from the Los Angeles Times, Time Out LA, Eater, and neighbourhood guides, then verified each venue for opening hours, pricing, and any recent changes. This mix of food, culture, outdoor escapes, and nightlife works whether you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles for free, alone, or with friends.
1. Oysters at Water Grill
Opened in 1989, Water Grill in Downtown LA is a long-standing seafood spot known for its marble raw bar and more than a dozen oyster varieties daily. The building dates to 1921 and still features original brass fixtures and terrazzo floors.
Chef Damon Gordon sources shellfish from both coasts; prices start at $4.25 per oyster. The wine list leans toward California vintages, while champagne starts at $18 a glass.
Open daily 11:30 am–10 pm.
Address: 544 S Grand Avenue. Metro: Pershing Square.
2. Natural Wines at Tabula Rasa Bar
Tabula Rasa in East Hollywood, opened in 2016, focuses on small-producer, organic, and biodynamic wines. Owners Zach Negin and Daniel Flores rotate selections weekly, often pairing bottles with pop-up chef menus. Wines by the glass start at $14; cheese and charcuterie boards run $28. Events include vinyl nights and movie screenings in the back patio.
Open Tue–Sun 5 pm–midnight.
Address: 5125 Hollywood Blvd. Metro: Hollywood/Western.
3. Breakfast at Gjusta
Since 2014, Gjusta in Venice has been serving smoked fish platters ($28), baklava croissants ($7), and house-baked breads in a converted warehouse. Most seating is in a garden patio, and mornings before 10 am are busiest. The bakery is known for milling its own flour and curing its own fish.
Open daily 7 am–4 pm.
Address: 320 Sunset Avenue.
4. Griffith Park Trails for Free
Covering 4,210 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. The 5.5-mile Mount Hollywood loop offers views from Downtown to the Pacific, while the Fern Dell trail is shaded and suitable for a short walk. The Griffith Observatory, opened in 1935, is free to enter and offers public telescope nights. Parking in most trailheads is free.
5. Spa and Sauna at Tomoko Japanese Spa
Tomoko Japanese Spa in Beverly Hills opened in 2010 and offers private hinoki wood baths, shiatsu massage, and post-treatment Japanese tea service. Appointments start at $180 for 60 minutes. Interiors are minimalist, and guests are booked privately to avoid crowds — ideal for those wanting things to do in Los Angeles alone.
Open Tue–Sun 11 am–8 pm.
Address: 141 S Beverly Drive.
6. Historic Hotel Cocktails at The Spare Room
Inside the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, The Spare Room combines a cocktail lounge with two restored vintage bowling lanes. The hotel dates back to 1927 and hosted the first Oscars in 1929. Cocktails start at $18, and the atmosphere blends Art Deco details with modern design.
Open Tue–Sat 6 pm–2 am.
Address: 7000 Hollywood Blvd.
7. Michelin Dining at Providence
Chef Michael Cimarusti’s Providence in Hollywood has held two Michelin stars since 2009. The $295 tasting menu changes seasonally but often includes Santa Barbara spot prawns and wild king salmon. The seafood is sourced sustainably, with daily deliveries from California and beyond.
Open Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–9 pm.
Address: 5955 Melrose Avenue.
8. Champagne and Seafood at Perch LA
Perch LA is a 15th-floor French-style rooftop with fire pits and live jazz. Oysters are $24 for six; champagne starts at $20 per glass. Located in a historic Pershing Square building, it offers skyline views best at sunset.
Open daily 4 pm–2 am.
Address: 448 S Hill Street.
9. Picnic at Echo Park Lake for Free
Originally built as a reservoir in the 1860s, Echo Park Lake was renovated in 2013 and now has pedal boat rentals ($12/hour), lotus blooms in summer, and picnic lawns. It’s a popular spot for things to do in Los Angeles for free, especially on Sundays when the park hosts informal music gatherings.
10. Contemporary Art at The Broad
Opened in 2015, The Broad’s 2,000-piece collection includes works by Jeff Koons, Barbara Kruger, and Yayoi Kusama. General admission is free; special exhibits cost around $22. Timed-entry tickets are needed on weekends.
Open Tue–Sun 10 am–6 pm.
Address: 221 S Grand Avenue.
11. Vintage Shopping on Melrose Avenue
Between La Brea and Fairfax, Melrose Avenue is lined with vintage stores like Wasteland and American Rebel. Prices range from $30 T-shirts to $500 leather jackets. Open daily, most stores run 11 am–7 pm. Sundays see the largest crowds, making weekdays better for those exploring alone.
12. Day Trip to Catalina Island
Catalina Island, 22 miles offshore, is reachable in about an hour by ferry from Long Beach. Avalon’s waterfront features 1920s Art Deco buildings, and activities include glass-bottom boat tours, hiking, and snorkeling. Round-trip tickets are $84 for adults.
13. LGBTQ+ Nights at Akbar
Akbar in Silver Lake has been a local LGBTQ+ bar since 1996, with themed DJ nights, drag bingo, and a split-space design for both dancing and conversation. Drinks start at $10; no cover before 10 pm.
Open daily 5 pm–2 am.
Address: 4356 Sunset Blvd.
14. Local Bistro at All Time
Opened in 2018 in Los Feliz, All Time serves seasonal Californian dishes with produce from farms within 100 miles. The breakfast burrito ($14) and wood-grilled fish at dinner are staples.
Open daily 8 am–10 pm.
Address: 2040 Hillhurst Avenue.
15. Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach is both a tourist icon and a weekend habit for locals. The 2.5-mile boardwalk runs past street performers, muscle beach gym, and skate park. Free to walk, it’s ideal for a low-cost day in LA. Early mornings are quieter; afternoons bring the liveliest atmosphere.
16. Hollywood Farmers Market
Operating since 1991, the Hollywood Farmers Market runs Sundays 8 am–1 pm along Ivar Avenue. Over 160 vendors sell organic produce, fresh bread, seafood, and flowers. Prices vary — berries at $5/pint, artisanal bread at $8. Many LA chefs shop here weekly.
17. Runyon Canyon Hike for Free
Runyon Canyon is a 160-acre park in the Hollywood Hills with trails from 1 to 3 miles, all free to access. Elevation gain is about 500 feet, with views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. Open sunrise to sunset, it’s one of the most popular outdoor things to do in Los Angeles for a day.
Sources
- Official venue websites and field checks by Localsinsider
- Los Angeles Times dining and culture listings (2024–2025)
- Time Out Los Angeles venue and event updates
- Eater LA chef and restaurant profiles
- LA Parks & Recreation trail maps and events
Explore the best hiking routes in the USA or take a train ride across the country.
