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Free things to do in Los Angeles in the fall

Official sources checked Oct 4, 2026

September and October are often the hottest months, with dry Santa Ana winds and the warmest ocean water of the year, so beach days run well into October. The summer crowds are gone. Jazz at LACMA continues through October, Olvera Street builds its Day of the Dead altars, and by November the hills are cool enough to hike at noon.

Los Angeles

Free events in the fall3

  • CicLAvia: Heart of LA

    A Sunday in October, 9 am–4 pm (October 11 in 2026)

    Miles of streets from Echo Park through Downtown to Boyle Heights close to cars and open to anyone walking, cycling or skating.

    Official page

  • Día de los Muertos on Olvera Street

    October 25 to November 2, procession nightly at 7 pm

    Nine nights of community altars, a candlelit procession and live music on the old plaza, all free.

    Official page

  • Fall Festival at the Original Farmers Market

    A weekend in October

    A free harvest fair at 3rd and Fairfax that has run since the 1930s, with bands, pumpkins and craft demonstrations.

    Official page

Always free, and good in the fall18

Illustration: Getty CenterFREE

Getty Center

Brentwood
Always freeBooking requiredIndoorGood with kidsArtArchitectureViews

European paintings, photography and a hilltop garden in Richard Meier's travertine campus, with a view from Downtown to the ocean. The tram ride up from the garage is part of the visit.

  • Van Gogh's Irises, West Pavilion upper level
  • Robert Irwin's Central Garden and its floating azalea maze
  • Cactus garden on the south promontory, facing Century City
Free when
Always · Tue–Fri and Sun 10 am–6:30 pm, Sat 10 am–9 pm. Closed Mon. Some North, East and South Pavilion galleries are closed for renovation.
Free for whom
Everyone. Admission is free, parking is not: $25 per car, $15 after 3 pm, $10 after 6 pm, free on Saturdays after 6 pm.
Reservation
Free timed-entry reservation required, booked on getty.edu. Weekday slots are easy, weekends go a few days ahead.
Time needed
3–4h
How to get there
Metro bus 761 stops at the entrance on Sepulveda Blvd at Getty Center Dr. Catch it at the E Line's Expo/Sepulveda station or in Westwood. The tram from the gate is free.
Worth it? Yes.The best free museum day in the city if you skip the garage. Take the 761, or drive up on a Saturday after 6 pm when parking costs nothing and the museum stays open until 9.
Source: Getty · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Getty VillaFREE

Getty Villa

Pacific Palisades
Always freeBooking requiredIndoorGood with kidsArtHistoryArchitecture

Greek and Roman antiquities inside a re-created Roman country house on the coast, with a long reflecting pool and herb garden. It reopened in June 2025 after the Palisades fire.

  • Outer Peristyle: the long reflecting pool lined with bronze statues
  • The Lansdowne Herakles in its own marble room
  • Herb garden planted with Roman kitchen species
Free when
Always · Wed–Mon 10 am–5 pm. Closed Tue.
Free for whom
Everyone with a reservation. Parking is $25 per car, $15 after 3 pm. There is no street parking, and people on foot are turned away unless they arrive by public bus or are dropped off inside the gate.
Reservation
Free timed-entry reservation required, online or at (310) 440-7300. Every person needs one, including those arriving by bus or rideshare.
Time needed
2–3h
How to get there
Metro bus 134 from downtown Santa Monica stops at Pacific Coast Hwy and Coastline Dr, across from the entrance. Rideshares must pull inside the gate to drop you off.
Worth it? Yes.Smaller and calmer than the Getty Center, and the building is the main exhibit. If you do both on the same day, ask the information desk for the pay once, park twice coupon (not valid Mon or Tue).
Source: Getty · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: The BroadFREE

The Broad

Downtown, Bunker Hill
Always freeBooking recommendedIndoorGood with kidsArtArchitecture

Postwar and contemporary art from the Broad collection: Koons, Basquiat, Kusama, Warhol, Kara Walker. Two floors, easy to see in one visit.

  • Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room, booked separately from entry
  • Koons's blue Balloon Dog and Tulips on the third floor
  • Stairwell windows that look into the storage vault
Free when
Always · Tue, Wed, Fri 11 am–5 pm, Thu 11 am–8 pm, Sat–Sun 10 am–6 pm. Closed Mon. An expansion is being built next door, so expect some construction noise.
Free for whom
Everyone. General admission is free. Some special exhibitions carry a separate charge.
Reservation
Timed tickets recommended, booked on thebroad.org. Extra same-day tickets are released online each day and walk-ups are taken. Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room needs its own advance reservation.
Time needed
1.5–2h
How to get there
Metro A or E Line to Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill, 2 minutes on foot. The garage under the museum is $19 for 3 hours with validation.
Worth it? Yes.Book the Infinity Mirrored Room at the same time as your entry ticket or you will not get in. Thursday after 5 pm is the quietest slot.
Source: The Broad · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: MOCA Grand AvenueFREE

MOCA Grand Avenue

Downtown, Bunker Hill
Always freeBooking recommendedIndoorArt

The Museum of Contemporary Art's main building, across the street from The Broad, with a strong permanent collection of Rothko, Pollock and Los Angeles artists.

  • The Rothko room in the permanent collection
  • Pollock's Number 1, 1949
  • Open until 8 pm on the first Thursday of the month
Free when
Always · Tue–Fri 11 am–5 pm, Sat–Sun 11 am–6 pm, until 8 pm on the first Thursday of the month. Closed Mon. The Geffen Contemporary branch in Little Tokyo is closed between installations, check before going.
Free for whom
Everyone. General admission is free.
Reservation
Advance reservation recommended on moca.org, walk-ins usually fine on weekdays.
Time needed
1–1.5h
How to get there
Metro A or E Line to Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill, then cross Grand Ave. It is 250 S Grand Ave, directly opposite The Broad.
Worth it? Yes.Pair it with The Broad and you have a full afternoon of contemporary art for nothing. The galleries are below street level, so look for the stairs down from the plaza.
Source: MOCA · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Hammer MuseumFREE

Hammer Museum

Westwood
Always freeIndoorArt

UCLA's art museum on Wilshire, mixing a small old-master collection (Rembrandt, Van Gogh) with ambitious contemporary shows and a courtyard to sit in.

  • Van Gogh's Hospital at Saint-Rémy in the Armand Hammer Collection
  • Rembrandt's Juno in the same gallery
  • Courtyard chairs, and free evening talks and screenings
Free when
Always · Tue–Sun 11 am–6 pm. Closed Mon.
Free for whom
Everyone. Parking under the museum is $9 for the first 3 hours with validation.
Reservation
Not needed
Time needed
1.5h
How to get there
Metro bus 20 or 720 along Wilshire Blvd to Westwood Blvd. The museum is on the corner.
Worth it? Yes.No tickets, no line, and the exhibitions are often better than the paid ones across town. Check the calendar, the evening talks and screenings are free too.
Source: Hammer Museum · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: California Science CenterFREE

California Science Center

Exposition Park
Always freeIndoorGood with kidsNatureHistory

A big hands-on science museum with a kelp forest tank, a desert flash flood and a sports science floor. Space shuttle Endeavour belongs here but is off display until the new Air and Space Center opens.

  • Two-story kelp forest tank with a walk-through tunnel
  • Desert flash flood demonstration in the Ecosystems wing
  • Endeavour returns November 13, 2026 in the new Air and Space Center
Free when
Always · Daily 10 am–5 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Endeavour is off display until the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens on November 13, 2026.
Free for whom
Everyone. The core galleries are free. IMAX and special exhibitions are paid. Parking in the Exposition Park lot is about $20 per car.
Reservation
Not needed for the core galleries. From November 13, 2026 the Air and Space Center will use timed reservations that carry a small service fee, and walk-up entry may be very limited.
Time needed
2–3h
How to get there
Metro E Line to Expo Park/USC, then 5 minutes on foot through the Rose Garden.
Worth it? Yes.Great with kids on any day, including Mondays when most museums are shut. If you are coming for the shuttle, wait until after November 13 and reserve ahead.
Source: California Science Center · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: California African American MuseumFREE

California African American Museum

Exposition Park
Always freeIndoorArtHistory

Art, history and culture of African Americans with a focus on California and the West, in a bright building next to the Science Center.

  • Glass-roofed sculpture court just inside the entrance
  • Shows rotate, so check what is on before going
  • Three minutes across the plaza from the Science Center
Free when
Always · Tue–Sat 10 am–5 pm, Sun 11 am–5 pm. Closed Mon.
Free for whom
Everyone. Paid parking in the Exposition Park lots.
Reservation
Not needed. No large bags, the bag check is closed.
Time needed
1h
How to get there
Metro E Line to Expo Park/USC, then 7 minutes on foot. It is at 600 State Dr, just east of the Science Center.
Worth it? Yes.Small, well curated and rarely crowded. An easy add-on after the Science Center since they share a plaza.
Source: California African American Museum · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Griffith ObservatoryFREE

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Park, Los Feliz
Always freeIndoorGood with kidsViewsArchitecture

A 1935 observatory on the south slope of Mount Hollywood with free exhibits, public telescopes and the classic view of the city grid and the Hollywood Sign.

  • Foucault pendulum under the Hugo Ballin murals in the rotunda
  • West terrace at sunset for the Hollywood Sign
  • Free look through the rooftop Zeiss telescope on clear nights
Free when
Always · Tue–Fri 12 noon–10 pm, Sat–Sun 10 am–10 pm. Building closed Mon. The grounds and terraces are open daily with Griffith Park, 5 am–10:30 pm.
Free for whom
Everyone. The building, grounds and telescopes are free. Planetarium shows are ticketed. Parking in the lot and along West Observatory Rd is paid (card only) from noon on weekdays and 10 am on weekends, until 10 pm.
Reservation
Not needed
Time needed
2h
How to get there
Metro B Line to Vermont/Sunset, then the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus, every 20–25 minutes from 10 am to 10 pm. Fare is 50 cents cash or 35 cents with a TAP card.
Worth it? Yes.Go an hour before sunset and stay for the lights. Do not drive up at dusk: the road backs up and gets closed. Take the DASH, or park free near the Greek Theatre and walk the mile uphill.
Source: Griffith Observatory, City of Los Angeles · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Wende MuseumFREE

Wende Museum

Culver City
Always freeIndoorHistoryArt

A museum of Cold War life in a former National Guard armory: East German furniture, Soviet posters, surveillance gear and a sculpture garden.

  • East German guardhouse in the sculpture garden
  • Open storage shelves of Soviet and East German household goods
  • Free guided tour: Fri 11:30 am, Sat and Sun 2:30 pm
Free when
Always · Fri–Sun 10 am–5 pm. Closed Mon–Tue, school groups only Wed–Thu.
Free for whom
Everyone. Exhibitions, programs and tours are all free. Free parking in the city lots next door.
Reservation
Not needed. Free guided tours usually run Fri at 11:30 am and Sat–Sun at 2:30 pm, RSVP encouraged.
Time needed
1–1.5h
How to get there
10808 Culver Blvd, near Overland Ave. Culver CityBus runs along Culver Blvd, or it is a short ride from the E Line's Culver City station.
Worth it? Yes.Unlike anything else in Los Angeles and nobody seems to know about it. Time your visit for the guided tour, the open storage only makes sense with someone explaining it.
Source: Wende Museum · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Mount Hollywood hike in Griffith ParkFREE

Mount Hollywood hike in Griffith Park

Griffith Park
Always freeGood with kidsNatureViews

A wide fire-road trail from the Observatory to the top of Mount Hollywood, with the Hollywood Sign to the west and the whole basin to the south.

  • Hollywood Sign to the west for most of the climb
  • Summit picnic tables with a 360-degree view
  • No shade on the fire road, start before 9 am
Free when
Always · Griffith Park is open daily 5 am–10:30 pm. Inbound park gates close at 10 pm.
Free for whom
Everyone. Park entry is free. Parking is free around the Greek Theatre (not after 1 pm on concert evenings) and paid next to the Observatory.
Reservation
Not needed
Time needed
1.5–2h round trip
How to get there
DASH Observatory/Los Feliz from Metro B Line Vermont/Sunset to the Observatory or the Mt. Hollywood Dr stop. The trailhead is at the north end of the Observatory parking lot.
Worth it? Yes.The easiest proper view of the Hollywood Sign without a tour. Bring water and a hat, there is almost no shade, and start before 9 am in summer.
Source: Griffith Observatory, City of Los Angeles · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Santa Monica Pier and State BeachFREE

Santa Monica Pier and State Beach

Santa Monica
Always freeGood with kidsViewsLocal life

A 1909 wooden pier with an amusement park on top and three miles of wide sand on either side. Walking on, watching the fishermen at the far end and using the beach all cost nothing.

  • Route 66 End of the Trail sign on the pier
  • Anglers at the far end, past the amusement park
  • Sunset from the sand north of the pier
Free when
Always · Pier open daily 6 am–10 pm. Rides, the carousel and restaurants keep their own hours and are paid.
Free for whom
Everyone. Beach parking lots charge posted rates.
Reservation
Not needed
Time needed
1–3h
How to get there
Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica, the last stop, then 10 minutes on foot down Colorado Ave. About 46 minutes from Downtown L.A.
Worth it? Yes.The pier itself takes 20 minutes. The reason to come is the beach and the sunset, so walk north along the sand afterward, away from the crowd under the Ferris wheel.
Source: Santa Monica Pier Corporation · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Venice Beach and Ocean Front WalkFREE

Venice Beach and Ocean Front Walk

Venice
Always freeGood with kidsLocal lifeViews

A mile and a half of beachfront promenade with street performers, the skate plaza, the outdoor Muscle Beach gym and a fishing pier at the south end.

  • Skate plaza from the ocean side in late afternoon
  • Muscle Beach outdoor gym, free to watch
  • Fishing pier at the south end of the walk
Free when
Always · Open every day. It is liveliest from late morning to sunset and thins out fast after dark.
Free for whom
Everyone. Watching the skate plaza and Muscle Beach is free, using the gym is not.
Reservation
Not needed
Time needed
1.5–2h
How to get there
From Santa Monica Pier, walk or cycle 2 miles south on the beach path. Big Blue Bus 1 runs from downtown Santa Monica down Main St to Venice.
Worth it? Yes.Scruffy, loud and still worth an hour, mostly for the skaters. Stand on the ocean side of the skate plaza in late afternoon when the light is behind you.
Source: City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Baldwin Hills Scenic OverlookFREE

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Culver City
Always freeGood with kidsViewsNature

A state park on a hilltop above Culver City, reached by a steep stone staircase straight up the slope, with a view from the Pacific to the Downtown towers.

  • Steep stone staircase straight up from Jefferson Blvd
  • View runs from the Pacific to the Downtown towers
  • Morning after rain: snow on the San Gabriels
Free when
Always · Daily 8 am to sunset. Visitor center Wed–Sun 9 am–5 pm.
Free for whom
Everyone on foot. The lot at the top charges $2 an hour or $6 a day. Park on Jefferson Blvd at the bottom and climb instead.
Reservation
Not needed
Time needed
1h
How to get there
Metro E Line to La Cienega/Jefferson, then about 20 minutes on foot west along Jefferson Blvd to the base of the stairs at Hetzler Rd.
Worth it? Yes.A wider view than Griffith on a clear day and far fewer tour buses. Go the morning after rain, when you can see snow on the San Gabriels.
Source: California State Parks · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Walt Disney Concert Hall self-guided tourFREE

Walt Disney Concert Hall self-guided tour

Downtown, Bunker Hill
Always freeIndoorArchitectureMusic

Frank Gehry's steel concert hall, with a free audio tour on your own phone narrated by John Lithgow that takes you through the lobbies and up to the hidden rooftop garden.

  • Rooftop garden hidden behind the steel sails
  • Rose fountain made of broken Delft china
  • Free audio tour narrated by John Lithgow
Free when
Always · Most days 10 am–3 pm, last start at 2 pm. Tours are cancelled or shortened around rehearsals and matinees, so check the Music Center tour calendar that morning.
Free for whom
Everyone, individuals and groups of up to 14.
Reservation
Not needed. Start in the Grand Lobby on Grand Ave. If you have no smartphone you can borrow an audio player with photo ID.
Time needed
1h
How to get there
Metro A or E Line to Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill, or B/D Line to Civic Center/Grand Park and walk two blocks uphill.
Worth it? Yes.The tour does not go inside the auditorium, which disappoints people. Do it anyway for the rooftop garden and the rose fountain made of broken Delft china.
Source: The Music Center · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Fowler Museum at UCLAFREE

Fowler Museum at UCLA

Westwood, UCLA campus
Always freeIndoorGood with kidsArtHistory

Art and objects from Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Americas, shown in a brick building in the middle of the UCLA campus.

  • Wednesday is the late day, open until 8 pm
  • Murphy Sculpture Garden nearby, with Rodin and Matisse bronzes
  • Royce Hall's brick arcades a few minutes away
Free when
Always · Wed 12–8 pm, Thu–Sun 12–5 pm. Closed Mon–Tue.
Free for whom
Everyone. Campus parking in Lot 4 is $5 an hour, $17 a day maximum.
Reservation
Not needed
Time needed
1h
How to get there
Buses to the UCLA transit stops at Hilgard and Strathmore, then a 10-minute walk across campus. From the Hammer it is about 25 minutes on foot up Westwood Blvd.
Worth it? Depends.Worth it if you are already at the Hammer or want a look at the UCLA campus. Royce Hall and the sculpture garden are a few minutes away and cost nothing.
Source: Fowler Museum at UCLA · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Institute of Contemporary Art, Los AngelesFREE

Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

Arts District
Always freeIndoorArt

A non-collecting contemporary art space in a converted warehouse on 7th St, showing three or four exhibitions at a time.

  • Three or four shows at a time, all temporary
  • Free parking lot on site, rare for an L.A. museum
  • Arts District murals within a few blocks' walk
Free when
Always · Wed–Sun 11 am–6 pm. Closed Mon, Tue and public holidays.
Free for whom
Everyone. Free onsite parking during opening hours.
Reservation
Not needed
Time needed
45 min
How to get there
Metro bus 60 or 62 to 7th/Decatur. It is at 1717 E 7th St, about 25 minutes on foot from Little Tokyo/Arts District station.
Worth it? Depends.One of the few museums in town where the parking is free as well. Short visit, so combine it with a walk around the Arts District murals.
Source: ICA LA · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Runyon Canyon ParkFREE

Runyon Canyon Park

Hollywood Hills
Always freeGood with kidsViewsNatureLocal life

A steep loop trail a few blocks above Hollywood Blvd, popular with locals and their dogs, with views over Hollywood to Downtown.

  • Inspiration Point, a short climb from the Fuller Ave gate
  • Clouds Rest, the higher viewpoint, looks toward Downtown
  • West Trail is posted closed, keep to the east side
Free when
Always · Daily sunrise to sunset. The city has posted the West Trail as closed after a fire, the rest of the park is open.
Free for whom
Everyone
Reservation
Not needed
Time needed
1–1.5h
How to get there
Metro B Line to Hollywood/Highland, then 15 minutes on foot to the gate at 2000 N Fuller Ave. Street parking nearby is tight and mostly permit only.
Worth it? Depends.More of a workout with a view than a nature walk, and it is crowded by 9 am. Fine if you are staying in Hollywood, otherwise Griffith Park gives you more for the same effort.
Source: City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: El Pueblo and Olvera StreetFREE

El Pueblo and Olvera Street

Downtown, next to Union Station
Always freeGood with kidsHistoryLocal lifeFood

The plaza where Los Angeles was founded in 1781, with a brick-paved Mexican market street, the city's oldest surviving house and several small free museums.

  • Avila Adobe, the oldest surviving house in the city
  • The old plaza and its bandstand, founded 1781
  • Union Station's old ticket hall across Alameda St
Free when
Always · The plaza is open daily. Shops, restaurants and the museums keep their own hours, so come between late morning and mid-afternoon.
Free for whom
Everyone. The city-run museums and exhibits in the historic district are free.
Reservation
Not needed. The free guided tours of the district must be requested at least two weeks ahead by email.
Time needed
1h
How to get there
Any train to Union Station (Metro A, B, D Lines), then cross Alameda St.
Worth it? Depends.The stalls sell the same souvenirs you will see everywhere, so skip the shopping and go into the Avila Adobe halfway down the street. Walk through Union Station's old ticket hall on your way out.
Source: El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, City of Los Angeles · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps

Free on certain days in the fall5

Illustration: LACMA free second Tuesday$30FREE

LACMA free second Tuesday

Miracle Mile
Free on certain daysBooking requiredIndoorGood with kidsArtArchitecture

The county art museum, now centered on the new David Geffen Galleries spanning Wilshire Blvd. General admission is free for everyone one Tuesday a month.

  • Peter Zumthor's David Geffen Galleries bridging Wilshire Blvd
  • Urban Light's lampposts on Wilshire, free outside on any day
  • Reserve the free ticket early, slots run out
Free when
Second Tuesday of each month · 11 am–6 pm. On other days adults from outside L.A. County pay $30.
Free for whom
Everyone on the second Tuesday. Bank of America cardholders also get in free on the first full weekend of each month.
Reservation
Timed-entry ticket required for all visitors. Reserve the free ticket on lacma.org ahead of time, slots do run out.
Time needed
2–3h
How to get there
Metro D Line to Wilshire/Fairfax, right at the museum. Metro bus 20 or 720 on Wilshire also stops outside.
Worth it? Yes.The only way a visitor from outside the county sees LACMA for nothing, so plan the trip around it if you can. Urban Light, the lamppost installation on Wilshire, sits outside the ticketed area and can be seen any day.
Source: LACMA · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: LACMA free after 3 pm for L.A. County residents

LACMA free after 3 pm for L.A. County residents

Miracle Mile
Free on certain daysResidents onlyBooking requiredIndoorGood with kidsArt

The standing weekday deal at the county art museum for people who live in Los Angeles County.

  • Friday gives five hours, 3 to 8 pm
  • Bring ID showing an L.A. County address
  • Jazz at LACMA plays free outside on Fridays, May to October
Free when
Mon, Tue, Thu after 3 pm until 6 pm, Fri after 3 pm until 8 pm. Closed Wed.
Free for whom
L.A. County residents with valid ID only. Visitors from outside the county pay $30 at these times. County residents 17 and under are free at all times.
Reservation
Timed-entry ticket required, reserve the free resident ticket on lacma.org and bring ID showing a county address.
Time needed
2h
How to get there
Metro D Line to Wilshire/Fairfax. Metro bus 20 or 720 on Wilshire.
Worth it? Depends.Friday is the one to pick, since you get five hours instead of three. Tourists should not count on this: staff check ID, so use the second Tuesday instead.
Source: LACMA · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Natural History Museum free hours for L.A. County residents

Natural History Museum free hours for L.A. County residents

Exposition Park
Free on certain daysResidents onlyBooking recommendedIndoorGood with kidsHistoryNature

Dinosaur Hall, the gem vault and the Becoming Los Angeles galleries, free for locals in the last two hours of each weekday.

  • Dinosaur Hall's three T. rex of different ages
  • The vault in the Gem and Mineral Hall
  • Be at the desk at 3 pm, doors close at 5
Free when
Mon–Fri 3–5 pm. The museum is closed on the first Tuesday of each month, except June to August. Regular adult admission is $18.
Free for whom
L.A. County residents with ID or a utility bill. Also free every day: California teachers and school staff, active or retired U.S. military, EBT cardholders, USC students and faculty, and children 2 and under.
Reservation
Free resident tickets can be reserved online with an ID upload, or picked up at any ticket desk from 3 pm.
Time needed
2h
How to get there
Metro E Line to Expo Park/USC, then 5 minutes on foot.
Worth it? Depends.Two hours is enough for the dinosaurs and one more hall, so go straight upstairs at 3. Special exhibitions and the Butterfly and Spider Pavilions still cost extra.
Source: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: Autry Museum free first Wednesday$20FREE

Autry Museum free first Wednesday

Griffith Park
Free on certain daysBooking requiredIndoorGood with kidsHistoryArt

A museum of the American West, from Native California to Hollywood westerns, on the northeast side of Griffith Park across from the zoo.

  • The Colt firearms gallery
  • Costumes and props from Hollywood westerns
  • Free parking in the museum lot
Free when
First Wednesday of each month · 10 am–4 pm. Regular adult admission is $20.
Free for whom
Everyone on the first Wednesday. Active-duty U.S. military and veterans are free every day. Parking is free for Autry visitors.
Reservation
Register for a free spot on theautry.org before you go.
Time needed
1.5–2h
How to get there
Metro bus 96 to the L.A. Zoo and Autry stop. By car, free parking in the museum lot at 4700 Western Heritage Way.
Worth it? Depends.Better than its cowboy reputation suggests, and one of the few free days in town with free parking attached. The Colt firearms gallery and the movie costumes are the parts people remember.
Source: Autry Museum of the American West · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps
Illustration: The Huntington Free Day$29–$34FREE

The Huntington Free Day

San Marino
Free on certain daysBooking requiredGood with kidsNatureArtArchitecture

A 130-acre botanical garden with a desert garden, a Chinese garden and a Japanese garden, plus an art collection and a rare-book library. Regular tickets are among the priciest around Los Angeles.

  • Desert Garden first, before the midday heat
  • Chinese Garden lake and its teahouse
  • Gainsborough's Blue Boy in the Huntington Art Gallery
Free when
First Thursday of each month, at the time on your ticket.
Free for whom
Everyone with an advance Free Day ticket. Limit of 5 tickets per household per year, and every guest needs one, infants included.
Reservation
Required. Tickets are released at 9 am on the last Thursday of the month for the following week, through a virtual waiting room that assigns places at random. They sell out, so be online before 9.
Time needed
3–4h
How to get there
Metro A Line to Allen station in Pasadena, then about 1.5 miles south down Allen Ave on foot or by rideshare.
Worth it? Depends.Worth the effort if you get a ticket, but it is a lottery and San Marino is 45 minutes from Downtown. Head for the Desert Garden first, it empties out by midday heat.
Source: The Huntington · checked Oct 4, 2026Open in Maps

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