10 Free Places to Visit with a Car in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the third most visited city in the US. Over 50 million visitors flock to town annually. People come from around the globe to admire sun-kissed beaches and palm trees lining the streets. Not to mention Hollywood and some of the world’s most beloved celebrities.

The only downside to visiting the City of Angels is that it can dent your wallet. From Disneyland to the LA Museum of Art, there are plenty of ways to spend your hard-earned cash.

Los Angeles may be the United States’ second city. However, it’s second to none when it comes to free attractions.

So keep your money in your pocket and check out these free places to visit in LA with a car!

1. Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is a postcard symbol of California. It’s well known for its vibrant paths and carnival atmosphere along a white sandy beach.

Thrill seekers will enjoy Inkie’s Scambler and the 35mph West Coaster. Or, if you want a relaxing day on your vacation, you can walk to the length of the pier to admire the views of the ocean.

The pier is free to enter, but rides cost $5-12. If you plan to spend the day here, you can save money by purchasing an unlimited ride wristband for $40.

Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

2. Venice Beach

You can’t say you visited Los Angeles without spending a day on the beach. Fortunately, Venice Beach is free to enter and arguably the best in the state. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay between $9-15 for parking in summer and $5-9 in winter.

Whether you spend a day taking in the sunrays or enjoying water activities, it will be an unforgettable experience.

Address: Ocean Front Walk, Los Angeles, CA 90291

3. Dolby Theatre

Dolby Theatre welcomed Prince, Dixie Chicks, Stevie Wonder, and many more to its stage. It’s been the venue for Oscar events and other entertainment shows since the early 2000s.

The theatre is in the Hollywood district, but you can reach it within a 20-minute drive from Century City, CA.

A guided tour will set you back $25. However, you can marvel at the historical building for free.

Address: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States

4. Hollywood Walk of Fame

Daniel Craig, 50 Cent, and Rita Wilson don’t have much in common. But the one thing they do share is a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Around 10 million visitors come to walk the 1.3-mile-long list of celebrities. In August 1958, it was set up to honor the four different parts of the entertainment industry. Motion, Recording, Radio Pictures, and Television.

Today you’ll find almost 3,000 stars and maybe some of your favorite celebrities.

Address: Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

5. Sunset Strip

A cruise down Sunset Strip is enough to make you feel like you are on a movie set. The 1.5-mile road will take you back through some of LA’s fascinating history.

Gambling was legal in LA county but not within the city limits. That led to bars, clubs, and restaurants forming on the city border. During prohibition, bars here served alcohol to customers in secret.

Today, you can still find rock venues, pubs, and clubs without the seedy reputation.

Address: 433 W. Sunset Boulevard

6. Chinese Theatre

The Chinese theatre is one of the most distinctive buildings along the walk of fame. May 18th, 1927, was its opening date, costing over 2 million dollars. However, it remains one of the attractive pieces of exotic revival architecture in the US.

The theatre is open 24/7. So it could be a fun attraction to visit if you fancy a late-night drive.

Address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States

7. Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in LA. Architect Frank Gehry designed the facility, and in 2003, it was opened to the public. The concert hall can hold up to 2,265 spectators.

A concert here can be expensive. But you can take a self-guided audio tour and admire the stunning architecture for free.

Address: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

8. Peterson Automotive Museum

The Peterson Automotive Museum is open seven days a week. An adult ticket will set you back $19, a child ticket is $12, and a senior is $17.

Yet, we know a secret on how to visit the museum for free.

To avoid the entrance fees, you have to visit during the last hour from 5-6 pm. It’s one of the best free places to visit in Los Angeles, especially if you’re a motor enthusiast.

The first 15 minutes of parking is free, but it costs $17 a vehicle afterward.

Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States

9. 3rd Street Promenade

If you visit LA with a car, you’ll be glad to know the 3rd Street Promenade is only a 10-minute drive from Century City, CA.

It’s famous for upscale eateries and retail outlets. You can window-shop for free, but you will be tempted to spend a few bucks in-store here.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some celebrities.

Address: 1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

10. California Science Center

A visit to the California Science Center is the perfect activity for a rainy day. That’s even if Los Angeles only sees 44.6 days of rain annually.

Drive to the car park, make your way to the museum, and get lost in a world brimming with wonder and excitement.

There are galleries and exhibits for those of all ages. But the most popular section is the Space Shuttle Endeavour. It explains the history and the making of the Space Shuttle Program.

Address: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, United States

Bonus Attractions: Explore Further

A trip to LA is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Additionally, if you’re lucky enough to visit by car, you can explore further.

So pack some snacks and take a mini road trip along the west coast to these bonus attractions:

1. White Point Park

White Point Park is situated in San Pedro, around 30 miles south of LA. However, if you rent a car in Los Angeles, it would be criminal to pass up the opportunity to visit the park.

Although there is a picture-perfect beach here, it’s not its standout feature. Watching the sunset from here is breathtaking. And it’s something you’ll always look back on.

Address: 1801 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90732, United States

2. Terranea Resort

After you watched the sunset at White Point Park, you can finish the night in style at Terranea Resort. Cruise up the west coast in your rental car  and take in the beautiful scenery.

Although it’s free to enter, you won’t be able to resist spending money on some delicious cuisines. People come from across the state to dine in the modern setting and sample the best seafood in LA.

Address: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, United States

Enjoy the Best Free Places to Visit in Los Angeles

No matter what you see or do in Los Angeles, you’ll have a fantastic experience. The city belongs to everyone’s bucket list.

Unfortunately, LA can be expensive, and if you’re careless, you might put a dent in your bank account. However, after reading our article, you know the best free places in town!

So, it’s time to rent a car in LA so you can discover the best of this sprawling city!