This map shows the stops on our Hollywood audio tour which you can purchase here.
If you’d like to add this map to your Google Maps app so you can follow along using GPS, just click the square bracket in the upper right hand corner.
Helpful hint: If you want to use Google Maps without using data, you can download the DC area as an offline map when you’re on WiFi.
This post will focus on celebrity home tours in Beverly Hills, both guided tours as well as one that you can do on your own for free. Read more »
This post is our guide to the best things to do at night in Los Angeles at night, including free and family-friendly things to do as well as restaurants and music venues.
Read more »
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 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.
Click here to find Vertoe 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 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.
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).
The Broad and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) offers a complimentary bag and coat check in the lobby.
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.
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).
Check out their website for more information.
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.
Why not check out the Airbnb-style option above?
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.
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.
Why not check out the Airbnb-style option above?
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.
To learn more, check out our post comparing the different Los Angeles Tourist Attraction Passes.
Traveling to other cities as well?
Check out our luggage storage post about solutions in all major U.S., Canadian, and European cities, or click below:
This post provides details about visiting Universal Studios in Hollywood.
We also include information about the Universal Studios Tour, ticket prices, discounts, attractions to see, and more. Read more »
This post covers all of the wonderful free or almost free things there are to do in the LA area.
And be sure to check out our master things to do in LA post.
This section will feature our top 10 activities to enjoy for free in LA. Where appropriate, we’ve noted what is also kid-friendly.
For tips on the most popular activities in LA, check out our posts on walking tours, bus tours, and other things to do in LA.
Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass.
Head to Tinseltown and explore the sights that you’ve always seen on the silver screen!
Before you go, read our guide on things to see in Hollywood.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Tip: Check out the other things to do in Griffith Park.
Take your time exploring downtown LA with a free, self-guided walking tour.
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!
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!
Tip: Consider taking our pay-what-you-want walking tours of Downtown LA!
7. Watch a Live Recording!
With so many shows filming in LA, there are a lot of opportunities to be a part of a studio audience – for free!
This guide shows you the best ways to secure your tickets for either a game show, talk show, or late-night show.
Tell Jimmy Kimmel and Ellen we said hello!
With beautiful weather nearly all year round, LA has some excellent hikes that you don’t have to leave the city to experience.
Enjoy the sweeping views from Runyon Canyon (where everyone goes to see and be seen), hike from Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign, or take a short hike to see the original Bat Cave!
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.
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.
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.
Museums
(Free reserved tickets on the first of every month or a daily stand-by line)
The Broad art museum downtown LA features a vast collection of contemporary and pop art.
See pieces from the likes of Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Kara Walker among many others.
(free admission second Tuesday of every month)
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!
Grand Avenue & the Geffen Contemporary (free admission on Thursdays from 5 pm – 8 pm)
Focused mostly on American and European art created after 1940, MOCA is a great place for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts.
Within the museum’s near 6,000 pieces, you’ll find Roy Lichtenstein, Ellsworth Kelly, Franz Kline, and Elizabeth Murray, among many others.
(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.
(free admission second Tuesday of every month)
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.
With an art collection that dates back to the Middle Ages, the Getty is one of the best art museums in LA.
Enjoy artwork from classic artists like Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and others.
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.
Another famous cemetery in Glendale that charges no admission fees.
Celebrities buried here include Debbie Reynolds & Carrie Fisher, Paul Walker, Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and Humphrey Bogart.
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!
Below is just a small sampling of things that can be done at night in LA and everything that’s listed here charges no admission.
For suggestions on other nighttime activities, see our post Things to do at Night in LA.
Bursting with entertainment for people of all ages, Universal CityWalk at Universal Studios doesn’t charge any admission to enter!
There you’ll find loads of restaurants and shops, a dueling piano bar, movie theatre, much more!
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!
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!
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.
Los Angeles has a number of free family-friendly activities and attractions to take advantage of!
Some of the items we’ve listed above, like exploring the Santa Monica Pier, or spending some time at Universal CityWalk, are great for families.
Here are a few more free things to do that are kid-friendly.
For even more family-friendly ideas, check out our master family-friendly things to do in LA post.
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.
(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.
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.
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!
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!
There are countless places to shop till you drop in Los Angeles, from high end to flea market finds.
Some of our favorite places to window shop (and make purchases!) include Rodeo Drive, The Grove, Westfield Century City (where LA’s Eataly is located), and the wholesaler’s heaven that makes up the fashion district in DTLA.
This historic funicular has been taking commuters up Bunker Hill in downtown LA since 1901.
Now more of a photo opportunity and fun ride, the railway costs just $1.00 per ride or $.50 if you have a Metro card!
Look for it across the street from Grand Central Market.
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 provides details about each of the hop-on-hop-off Los Angeles bus tours available to you, including ticket prices and discounts. 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!
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!
Tickets are only $5 and it is BYOB, of course.
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!
To buy tickets, click here.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Head to YouTube for many other fantastic workouts like Yoga with Adrienne or Pop Sugar Fitness.
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!
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