This post covers options for luggage storage in Los Angeles, including a new trend in Airbnb inspired luggage storage, as well as train and bus stations and even some museums!
A few companies have created websites and apps that let you, the traveler, find a local place that will store your bag.
They find convenient locations for travelers, such as souvenir and gift shops or convenience stores, which are open early and close late and have the capacity and the security to hold and secure your luggage.
Vertoe
Vertoe is America’s largest on-demand short term storage provider with a presence in over 20 major cities with 300+ locations in the US.
They have over 25 locations in LA alone and they are adding locations very rapidly. Many of their locations are open 24/7.
Vertoe’s rates are among the cheapest in Los Angeles with bags costing just $5.95/day.
There’s no need to worry about the safety and security of your bag, as they offer $5,000 in insurance and provide complimentary tamper-proof security seals at their locations.
Vertoe has excellent reviews on Google and Yelp, having won the “People love us on Yelp Award” for 2017, and we also like how Vertoe users get to rate and review each of their locations (reviews that you could read before checking your bags).
The offer 24-hour customer service.
Additional Companies
There are several other companies offering a similar service. Some have a few side benefits that are worth noting below.
Some might offer more convenient locations for you than Vertoe.
Stasher
Stasher is a great option for storing your bags in Los Angeles.
They offer storage for just $6 on the first day and $5 for each day after that.
You’ll have 16 locations to choose from, including convenient spaces in Downtown LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and by the LAX airport.
Simply book your space online, drop off your luggage, and enjoy your day without being weighed down!
Nanny Bag
Another reputable company that has locations throughout the world is Nanny Bag. Prices are $2/bag/hour up to $6/day with $2000 of insurance.
Reservations and payments are made through their website and there is no fee for canceling as long as your reservation time has not started.
LUGGAGE STORAGE AT MUSEUMS
This option is only for the time you’re visiting the museum. Many permit you to leave your suitcases with their customer service staff, just be sure to call and ask beforehand.
Please do not use these for daily use while you visit other sites. It is for museum patrons only.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) requires that any bag 11inX14in or larger must be checked. Fortunately, all bag checks are complimentary.
The John Paul Getty Museum requires that any backpacks, umbrellas, bags, purses or packages larger than 11X17X8in be checked at the Coat Check in the Museum Hall Entrance (complimentary).
Unfortunately, TSA no longer allows lockers at airports in the United States so you won’t find self-service luggage storage at any area airport.
You can always call your airline and see how early you can check a bag, as some will allow you to check luggage hours before your flight.
Fortunately, there are a few storage companies located nearby the airport.
LAX Luggage Storage
Located just 5-minutes from the airport, LAX Luggage Storage will meet you curbside at the airport to collect your luggage from you and return it to you curbside at the airport when you’re ready to fly out.
Prices range from $10-$15 per day per piece and there is an additional $5 fee per luggage piece for curbside collection (it’s free if you go to their facility to drop it off yourself).
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, LAX 24/7 Locker Rentals is a self-service locker rental located 10-15 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport.
No reservation is required and the cost ranges from $8-$50+ depending on the size of locker needed and length of time.
You can leave your bags for just a few hours or an extended period of time, it is completely customizable.
Do note that cash is not accepted, credit card payment only. See their website for more information.
If you are taking a train with Amtrak and have a ticket, you can use their Parcel Check service for $10 per item for 24 hours.
Even if you don’t have an Amtrak ticket, you may store items for $20 per item for 24 hours. A valid photo ID is required. See their website for more information.
Greyhound Los Angeles Bus Terminal
You can store your baggage for 24 hours with Greyhound at their Los Angeles terminal.
All stored baggage needs to follow their rules/regulations. Ask a customer service agent at the terminal for pricing details.
TIP: For budget travelers, it is worth considering purchasing a tourist attraction discount pass.
Tourist passes help you save money by packaging attractions together for one flat price. In some cases, you can save up to 50% of the cost you would normally pay to see many of the top Los Angeles attractions.
Many attractions in Hollywood like the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, the exterior of the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, and seeing the Hollywood Sign (from afar) can all be done without paying a penny!
2. Visit Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Opened in 1909, the historic Santa Monica Pier has a lot to offer people of all ages! And the beach is always free to enjoy.
Taking a stroll down the pier will lead you through a number of souvenir kiosks, and past a number of restaurants, street performers & musicians on any given day.
For a fee, experience the rides at the lively amusement park, Pacific Park, or spend some time in the pier’s aquarium.
3. Walk the Venice Beach Boardwalk and Canals
A short distance from Santa Monica, the Venice Beach Boardwalk provides one of the most eclectic atmospheres and people-watching spots in all of LA.
Peruse the many souvenir kiosks, check out the body-builders at the open-air gym, and see who’s grinding the pavement at the skatepark.
For a quieter environment, walk a few blocks inland and stroll along the tranquil canals and footbridges that pay homage to those in Venice, Italy.
4. Enjoy the Views from Griffith Observatory
For some of the absolute best views of the mountains, city skylines, and ocean (on a clear day!) head up to Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park.
The grounds and the observatory are always free to visitors. Hours and special events vary.
You may recognize the iconic building from films like Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean.
Our tour will take you past a number of historic and cultural attractions downtown and provides detailed information on each location.
Have more time? Check out our pay-what-you-want walking tours!
6. Explore Downtown LA
Downtown LA is booming and has so much to offer.
From the historic Grand Central Market to the cultural hub that is Olvera Street and the surrounds, to open green spaces at Grand Park and the teeming streets in the Fashion District, there is something for everyone!
It’s true that most major museums in LA charge admission but these museums typically have at least one day a month free of charge to all visitors!
Additionally, there are plenty of other museums and attractions that offer free admission every day of the week!
See our section below to see which museums offer free admission and when.
10. Get Free Tickets with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
Admittedly, these passes have a cost. However, if you plan well, you will essentially get several tickets to attractions or tours each day for free.
Tourist discount passes work by bundling multiple tickets into one price, usually between 20%-50% the retail price.
Read our post comparing the different LA tourist discount passes. Several bus tour companies, including hop-on-hop-off buses, also offer discounts and deals.
FREE MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS
In addition to all of the great free attractions we list in our top 10 section, there are loads of museums and other attractions you can visit for free at least once a month.
For a full list of great LA museums and attractions, check out our master things to do in LA post.
LACMA houses an incredible collection of classic and contemporary art that spans multiple millennia. View paintings, sculptures, bronze pieces, photography, and much more!
Tip: Don’t forget to check out Urban Light outside the museum. This outdoor installation is fun to walk around, lights up at night, and provides a great photo opp!
(free admission first Tuesday of every month except July and August; free ticket reservation is encouraged)
Step tens of thousands of years back in time as you explore the natural tar pits on the grounds of the museum (which are always free to see) and cruise through exhibits that feature mammoths, mastodons, and more.
(free admission first Tuesday of every month except July and August)
For anyone who likes to learn more about Natural History, this is an excellent museum.
Exhibits include a dinosaur hall, ancient mammals, gem & minerals, a butterfly pavillion, insect zoo, and a comprehensive exhibit on the history of LA.
Located on historic Olvera Street downtown, the Avila Adobe is the oldest existing residence in Los Angeles. Always free, visitors are welcome to walk through the adobe and enjoy its central courtyard.
Free tours of the adobe are offered Monday-Saturday.
Focused on the history of the American West, the Autry Museum is located centrally in Griffith Park. It features art, western artifacts, a cowboy gallery, and a variety of temporary exhibits.
Located at the birthplace of LA downtown, Olvera Street takes you back to the Hispanic roots of the city and is packed with souvenir kiosks, restaurants, taco stands, and cultural sites.
It’s a great place for people watching and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
This lively spot next to the Staples Center downtown charges no admission fees and is loaded with restaurants, shops, a movie theatre, and often hosts special events.
It’s a nice spot to hang out if you want to watch a sporting event without actually attending it. In the winter it also hosts an ice skating rink!
The forever resting place to Hollywood legends like Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Jayne Mansfield, and Mel Blanc, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is more than just that.
It also hosts a number of cultural events like movies in the summer and a Day of the Dead celebration in the fall. It’s free to enter.
You could easily spend a day in Griffith Park and not see it all!
Enjoy a number of hiking trails, the Griffith Observatory, explore the old zoo, or simply relax in the sunshine. All of these things can be done for free!
There you’ll find loads of restaurants and shops, a dueling piano bar, movie theatre, much more!
DTLA Art Walk
Taking place once a month in the historic core of downtown LA, the DTLA Art Walk welcomes visitors to a number of art galleries, studios, and cultural establishments that keep their doors open late.
It’s an excellent opportunity to see what the thriving artists in LA have to offer!
Sunset Strip
Taking a cruise down the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood at night is an exciting adventure.
This stroll will take you past larger than life billboards and a large assortment of legendary music venues, comedy houses, bars, restaurants, and other institutions that have made their mark on Hollywood.
See everything come alive after the sun goes down!
Hollywood & Highland
This centrally located shopping and dining center in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard offers a number of stores and restaurants as well as frequent special events and an excellent view of the Hollywood Sign from the upper breezeways.
It’s a great place to relax with a bite after a day in Hollywood or before seeing a show at one of the nearby theatres!
Tip: For even more ideas on what to do in LA at night, check out our guide here.
Located across from City Hall in DTLA, Grand Park offers families a great place for a respite in between activities.
Look for a children’s playground, Starbucks Coffee Shop, open grassy areas, and water installations.
On the weekends, the park often hosts special events or free entertainment.
KidSpace Museum
(free first Tuesday of each month from 4 pm – 8 pm)
If you’re in the Pasadena area, swing over to the KidSpace Museum where you can spend hours letting your child’s imagination take the lead!
The museum features a number of outdoor and indoor playing and learning zones and caters to kids up to ten years old.
Tip: For more ideas on how to spend your time in Pasadena, check out our Things to do in Pasadena post.
Hit the Beach
It’s not a trip to California without a stop at the beach!
While there are loads of different beaches to choose from in the LA area, some of the most family-friendly beaches include Zuma Beach, Seal Beach, and Marina Beach aka Mother’s Beach for its roped off swimming area.
Most of the items below charge no admission fee but it’s hard to enter a food hall or go shopping without purchasing anything!
The below food options are great for people who are on a budget so if you’re visiting LA and are conscious of your spending, you might want to consider one of these.
Stroll the Food Stalls at Original Farmers Market
Located adjacent to The Grove shopping complex, the Original Farmers Market offers a large variety of food stalls and small shops to visit.
Enjoy plates that include tacos, empanadas, French crepes, breakfast all day, ice cream. and much more!
Grand Central Market
In the heart of downtown, the historic Grand Central Market has evolved from its many produce stands.
Today, visitors can try ramen, artisan peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, a variety of ethnic cuisines, or sample craft beers and gourmet coffee.
Tip: Grand Central Market is the ending point on our downtown pay-what-you-wish walking tour!
Go Window Shopping (or more!)
There are countless places to shop till you drop in Los Angeles, from high end to flea market finds.
There are so many free events throughout the year in LA that we’ve separated them by month, as many events occur in conjunction with holidays or seasons.
If you want to learn more about seasonal free events and activities click on one of the links below.
This post covers the top things to do in Los Angeles for tourists and visitors. We include free, nighttime, and family-friendly activities and events.Read more »
This post covers the best things to do in Hollywood, including nighttime, free, as well as family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities. Read more »
Hello fellow travel-lovers! What a strange time to be a tour guide and well, a person. All of our tour guides from our many cities are at home, staying safe. While we are eager to return to being out and about, sharing stories, we are finding alternative ways to celebrate our cities! We are also finding lots of things to do from home. Here are a few suggestions for things to from your home after you’ve logged off of your Zoom meeting, finished organizing your sock drawer and opened your fridge and then closed it again. Have fun! Let us know if we’ve missed any great events that you’ve seen!
1) Isolation Drag Bingo- May 1st, 8th, & 15th
Looking for something fun to do? Join a weekly live bingo game hosted by Drag Race star Charlie Hides.
This 90 minutes of Bingo should be a blast- with prizes of a $100 Amazon gift card, wigs, and lashes!
This annual event has gone digital! Instead of going out, you’ll enjoy beer tastings in your own home. To prepare for the event, there will be a scheduled beer pick up with 10 special release beers and swag.
The evening of the event, you’ll be digitally invited to experience guided tastings, music, and games. Cheers!
3) Live Virtual Theatre “The Present” -May 7-April 7
The Geffen Playhouse is producing a LIVE virtual magic show called “The Present” with magician Helder Guimarães and producer Frank Marshall.
It will be a blast! Be sure to buy tickets here. Geffen is a Not-for-profit, so you’ll feel good supporting them too!
4) Watch Some Good News
John Krasinski is producing at home news show filled with Some Good News! If you need to feel better about the world, this is a great start! He has several 15-20 episodes. Below is a small clip from NASA sharing Some Good News with us!
5) Read a good book
Hop onto the Los Angeles Public Library page to check out a digital book, audio book, magazine, or newspaper. You can also watch movies, videos, and T.V. Alternatively, you can hop onto their ancestry page and research your family history! Plenty of rabbit holes to fall into on the L.A. public library page.
If you don’t have a public library card, you can sign up online to gain access to many of the free programs and content.
6) Dance!
Sweat Spot is an amazing dance studio in L.A. led by choreographer Ryan Heffington. It hosting dance parties on Instagram LIVE with Ryan’s playlist as well as classes on instagram. Don’t forget to send a tip to their Paypal! See below for a fun looking class, Pre-COVID, of course.
7) Order food from local restaurant
Los Angeles has many local, family-run restaurants that offer tasty meals with delivery right to your door. This is a great option after you’re ready for a break from baking all of the bread. Many restaurants are offering booze with their takeout meals!
Rose and Blanc is offering full afternoon tea pick up if you’d like to have a little tea party with your roommates.
Arther J which is known for their steak, is offering full family meals (feeds 4-6 people) as well as essential box kits packed with eggs, proteins, butter, and other delicious staples to be delivered.
8) Work out in your Living Room
If there is anything L.A. is known for- it’s celebrities! Because they live here! During the pandemic, enjoy Chris Hemsoworth’s fitness app for a limited time for free.
There are loads of other apps offering limited free or reduced memberships including Nike, Barre3, and Down Dog.
If you are like us, we are just itching to travel! But of course, we want to be safe and responsible. So for now, we are traveling from our couch!
You can find our podcast “Tour Guide Tells All” Podcast here which highlights our D.C. Tour guides.
We also offer virtual tours on social media so you can still learn from and enjoy our cities! From short 3-5 minute clips on our Instagram & Facebook stories to longer videos on our YouTube channel.
We are hosting “Tour Guide Tuesdays/Thursdays” on Facebook LIVE from all of our cities as well!
Follow us for updates and fun content!
10) And if nothing else… Pour yourself a drink and raise a glass. You’ve made it through April 2020.
This post covers the best things to do in Los Angeles in June and has been updated for 2020, including nighttime, free as well as family-friendly events and activities.
Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES IN JUNE
This section will feature our top 10 activities to enjoy in LA throughout June.
These are some activities that you can enjoy any time of the year:
Let Free Tours by Foot help you plan your trip to Los Angeles. Our local experts have written everything you need to know about what to do and see in Los Angeles.
If you just don’t know where to start, visit our main post.
Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.
TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES IN APRIL
This section will feature our top 10 activities to enjoy in LA throughout April.
4) Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
To make the most out of your time in LA, and save a lot of money while seeing the sights, consider purchasing a tourist attraction discount pass.
You’ll pay one fee upfront and receive free or highly discounted entry into many of the city’s most popular attractions and activities.
Tourist discount passes work by bundling multiple tickets into one price, usually between 20%-50% the retail price.
Read our post comparing the different LA tourist discount passes. Several bus tour companies, including hop-on-hop-off buses, also offer discounts and deals.
5) Step Back in Time at the Renaissance Festival
On weekends from April 4 – May 17, you can enjoy the original Renaissance festival.
Take a day to visit the Renaissance Faire which has drawn more than five million people since its inception as a way to create “living history” in 1963.
Guests of all ages will enjoy live entertainment, creative food choices, activities,
Mark your calendar on April 18-19 for the 25th annual L.A. Times Festival of Books, held on the campus of USC.
Bookworms will enjoy numerous conversations and performances by a variety of authors and other groups & individuals.
Additionally, hundreds of booksellers, literary organizations, and publishers will be present to all attendees. Food trucks will also be on-site!
Advance tickets for author conversations (some that are free!) are highly recommended.
7) See California’s Wildflowers & the California Poppy Festival
Plan a visit to any of the areas where California’s wildflowers and state flower, the poppy, grow through the whole month of April when they are typically in vibrant bloom!
During one weekend (April 27-28), the California Poppy Festival will be held in Lancaster where guests can enjoy entertainment, shop arts & crafts, and grab free wildflower maps to learn about the best places to view them.
Festival gates open at 10:00 am on both days. The festival is free and fun for all ages!
If you’re looking for a bus tour, we have a great comparison of L.A.’s best. From hop-on-hop-off buses to nonstop our nighttime tours, you’ll find one to suit you.
Another option is to check out a studio tour. See what it is like to be a working Hollywood actor or a gaffer. Or find out what a gaffer does!
April 16-19, presented by TCM, LA’s Classic Film Festival hits Hollywood this April! Join film lovers from around the globe and watch classic movies on the big screen in some of the most historic and beautiful theatres in the country.
Further, enjoy appearances and panel discussions by a variety of celebrities and filmmakers. This year’s festival focuses on grand illusions: fantastic worlds on film!
Andrew Schulz Comedy
April 11-12 Andre Schulz will be at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown L.A. Be sure to reserve your tickets before they sell out!
Also, while you are there- check out the Orpheum Theatre, which is one of the oldest movie palaces in L.A.
Enjoy the Los Angeles Philharmonic
April 21 at 8:00 pm, the Los Angeles Philharmonic presents David Blood & Du Yum. If you are a music lover, experiencing music in the Walt Disney Concert Hall will be incredible!
On April 26 at 7:30 pm, head to the Smorgasburg Beer Gardenfor a free event of storytelling to celebrate the visual legacy and power of hip-hop called An Evening with Contact High.
On April 27th at 7:30 pm, National Geographic presents award-winning photographers combined with storytelling.
Bring your picnic blanket and get cozy under the L.A. night sky!
Head to the Wallis Center
The Wallis Centerin Beverly Hills has amazing performances year-round. In March 2020, we can look forward to several fantastic events and entertainers:
April 2 | Violins of Hope
April 4 | Ory Shihor on piano
April 15-18 | Heidi Duckler Dance
April 18-25| The Minghella Project
See Live Stand-Up Comedy
If you’re in need of a good laugh, Los Angeles is home to some of the best comedy clubs and improv in the world and there are a lot of notable comedians who perform here throughout the year.
A few times a year the National Parks offer free weekend for visitors but in April, there is an entire free week from the 18th through the 26th!
If you have an available car, this is an excellent time to pack up the family and enjoy a park in California!
The closest National Park to Los Angeles is Joshua Tree.
It is located roughly an hour and a half outside of the city and California is also home to Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Pinnacles that are day trips from LA.
On free weekends, you can expect parking to be limited and crowds to be large so go early for the best experience!
Boat Show
On April 23-26, Newport Beach hosts an annual Boat Show.
There will be 200 new sailboats and a variety of other boats on the water. There will be vendors with local wares and plenty of street food.
Public Art Fair in Pasadena
April 25-26 trek out to Pasadena for the Jackalope Pasadena Art Fair.This event is held April, August, and November, and is free to attend.
Of course, you may end up spending a few bucks on some amazing art!
One Saturday every month (April 25) the Observatoryhosts a night where guests can try amazing telescopes between 2:00 pm – 9:45 pm on the lawn.
You can also check out the free museum while you are there!
Free Monday night Concerts at Echo
If you love live music and are on a budget- head over to Echo on a Monday night for their free Monday night residency (18 +). Check out this hot spot on days other than Monday and the tickets are still very reasonable.
Smorgasburg in L.A.
Smorgasburg is the largest open-air weekly food market in America! Stop by every Sunday between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. The marketis free but you will definitely be tempted to spend a few bucks on a meal or two or three.
TIP: Our Guide to Free Things to do in LA lists a number of activities and events that won’t cost you a dime!
March 20-April 19th, 2020 is Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boysenberry Fest which honors its long-standing history with the fruit with a three-week festival celebrating unique foods and beer & wine.
Knott’s Berry Farm is the birthplace of the boysenberry! Indulge in over 75 boysenberry inspired dishes among many other events and activities!
After you’ve had your fill of boysenberry treats, you can also enjoy the theme park, of course!
Hunt for Easter Eggs
While all the official details have yet to be announced, Easter is April 12 in 2020 and events are likely to be held around then.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardenhosts a Big Bunny Spring Fling for 5 weeks where kids can make bunny-themed crafts, plant seeds, see a live bee show, and of course, play with some real bunnies!
All these activities are included (though some have an extra charge, like taking a photo with Mr. Bunny himself) with admission costs.
You can also take part in the free Pershing Park Easter Egg Hunt that is free and open to the community with hunts for different ages, face painting, and a bouncy castle.
April 26 is Dutch Day in Long Beach! It is known as the largest Holland Orange Festival of SoCal.
There will be Dutch street food, a beer garden and a D.J. Plus fun attractions for the kiddos.
Travel Town
Does your kiddo love trains? A great activity is to go to Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park. There are daily miniature train rides as well as docent tours the second Saturday of the month.
Spongebob Squarepants – The Musical!
The Dolby Theatre presents the tour of Spongebob Squarepantsin April and it is a must-see!
This musical is perfect for a family but also really quite wonderful even with a group of adults.
It features music from a huge variety of artists like Plain White T’s, Lady Antebellum, John Legend, They Might be Giants, Sara Bareilles, and the list goes on.
See a Movie at the El Capitan Theatre
There is nothing for L.A. than watching movies! The El Capitan Theatre is a gorgeous movie palace in the heart of Hollywood.
If you are a Disney-lover, this is a great theatre to visit because it is owned by Disney and only plays Disney movies! The best part is that there is often a pre-show event or performance on stage.
