Free Things to Do in Hollywood CA USA
Let’s Explore The American Film Industry Without Spending A Penny—Hollywood!
From attending a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live and visiting the iconic Hollywood Sign to exploring the home of the Oscars, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Hollywood without breaking the bank. This city, popularly known as Tinseltown, is famous for its extravagant and glamorous atmosphere, beckoning visitors with its Hollywood California attractions such as the star-studded Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theater. But what if we told you that you could explore the Farmers Market or one of the many museums on Hollywood Boulevard without spending a dime? It’s completely FREE! Yes, you heard right! So, let’s skip those expensive walks, guided tours, and tickets to cheesy attractions, and enjoy a great time in Hollywood!
Enjoy A Walk Along Hollywood Boulevard
First on the list is a relaxing walk along Hollywood Boulevard, where you can find a variety of things to do in Hollywood for free. Meet the stars on the Walk of Fame, stroll around the Hollywood & Highland Center, and see the footprints and handprints at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre. You’ll also catch sight of the Dolby Theatre, previously known as the Kodak Theatre, and the famous Hollywood & Highland Shopping Complex.
Are you a big fan of celebrities? Then you definitely have to show up when a celebrity gets their star on the Walk of Fame or their footprints and handprints cast in cement at the renowned TCL Chinese Theatre. These events are not everyday occurrences, so make sure to catch them when they happen. Best of all, there’s no charge to attend these events or witness the star-studded moments on the Walk of Fame.
6901 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Studio Audience
Imagine you are driving or walking around the town and voila! You have caught sight of the world-famous Hollywood sign that pops up everywhere in unexpected places waving a hello to you. You could easily spend the whole day out just by catching glimpses of this sign from almost every corner. You can't get close enough to it directly and accessing it through a hiking trail can be challenging, but fear not—whether you're strolling around or behind the wheel, you'll still be able to see it.
Enjoy a Complimentary Performance at Hollywood Bowl
If you're looking forward to enjoying a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, you'll definitely need a ticket for that. But here's the secret, you can experience both the ambience and the music just by attending their morning rehearsals which are open to the public and of course, it is among the best free things to do in Hollywood. And if you're willing to learn more about this phenomenal venue, don't miss out on the chance to explore the Edmund D. Edelman Hollywood Bowl Museum which also won't ask for a penny.
Pay A Homage to Departed Celebrities
If you don't know, let us tell you that Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located behind the famous Paramount Studios, which is open to visitors, and most importantly, it is completely free. Strolling through and paying your homage is one of the perfect things to do in Hollywood California, but make sure to get yourself a map to easily locate the stars' resting places.
The Legendary Forest Lawn here features the gravesites of renowned figures stretching to all eras, and the Westwood Village Memorial Park houses the hidden resting place of Marilyn Monroe.
Opt For a Self-Guided Tour
One of the best Hollywood California things to do is to enjoy the captivating sights and the Hollywood vibes! Just get in your car and you are ready to experience a worldwide tour. In a matter of a few hours, you will pass phenomenal landmarks such as the iconic Capitol Records building, Jim Henson's Muppets studio, Hollywood High, and the Magic Castle. And yeah, why not make a pit stop for a pocket-friendly lunch at none other than Pink's Hot Dogs? This famous hot dog stand has been around since 1939 and is still a hit today! Chances are high that you might catch sight of a celebrity enjoying a bite or a glimpse of a limousine pulling up to catch some snacks for its passengers.
Drop by The Farmer’s Market
Make your way to the Farmer's Market which is not completely located in Hollywood, but it exudes a distinctive Hollywood vibe. The market was opened in 1934 at the edge of 30th Street and Fairfax with farmers driving in from various surrounding areas to sell their produce straight from their trucks. Today, it's known as a bustling hub of activity with a variety of stalls providing everything from baked goods and fresh meats to delectable nuts, candies, and cheeses. With 100-plus stands and more than 500 employees working in the market, you won’t find a shortage of treats here.
Pop In By Hollywood Heritage Museum
Located in a charming yellow wooden building, the Hollywood Heritage Museum is one of the best Hollywood attractions that pays homage to Hollywood's humble beginnings. Stepping inside, movie buffs will be welcomed by a treasure trove of photographs, artifacts, and various other idyllic memorabilia that chronicles Hollywood's meteoric rise to fame.
But here's the kicker! That yellow building is the old Lasky-DeMille Barn where popular director Cecil B. DeMille, with producer Jesse Lasky, filmed their renowned project.