Lifestyle 62 Totally Free Things to Do in LA

Ciclavia

You can easily find plenty of fun ways to blow your hard-earned paycheck around LA, but the real skill is knowing how to make the most of the city without spending a red cent. And no, we’re not talking about the “free stuff” section of Craigslist -- though you can find some pretty sweet deals there (free dirt anyone?). From concerts and beer to art classes and archery, here are our favorite free things to do in LA.

Binge-watch the best classic films and television shows at The Paley Center for Media Forget Netflix, at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills you have access to a massive library of the best television and radio shows from decades past -- all for free (or a suggested donation if you’re feeling generous). You can also check out historic news coverage, weekend film screenings, and special media exhibits highlighting popular shows like American Horror Story, South Park, and Survivor.

Greystone Mansion | City of Beverly Hills

Hit the real Lebowski's house OK, it actually belongs to oil tycoon Ed Doheny, but the 18-acre Greystone Mansion and Park acts as the millionaire Jeffrey Lebowski's digs in the eponymous Coen brothers movie -- and admission to the stunning estate and parking are totally free. Park ranger-led tours of the grounds and mansion are offered December to April, but those will cost you, El Duderino. Play it cool while listening to live outdoor jazz at LACMA Impress your date or just get your regular jazz fix at these free outdoor concerts, which take place Friday evenings from April through November in front of the museum. Performers include local legends and world-renowned musicians, and span a huge range of styles. For more free jazz, head to The Living Room of the W Hollywood on Sundays at 9pm where you’ll catch music from America’s Got Talent semifinalist Nikki Leonti featuring sultry performances from Brooke Lynn's Burlesque along with special musical guests each week (including some big names). Snack poolside at the stunningly renovated Hotel Figueroa in DTLA On Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 10pm, unwind beside the pool at the recently reopened historic hotel, nibbling passed complimentary bites like zucchini and potato-leek flatbreads from the wood-burning oven of Veranda, award-winning chef Casey Lane’s new spot. Of course, it’s encouraged that you order up a coastal-inspired cocktail from Rick’s, but as the palm trees sway and the DJs play, you’ll find it was worth it.

griffith observatory

Get educated at The Great Wall of LA Recently renovated, this vibrant half-mile mural along the Tujunga Wash drainage canal in the SFV depicts the history of LA from 20,000 BCE to 1984 -- after that, you'll have to figure out what happened. Check out some great comedy at UCB If you can't afford the exorbitant $5 fee for the later shows, Sunday night’s excellently named ASSSSCAT show is totally free at the newer second location on Sunset, and typically features comedians you’ll recognize from TV and film. Or hit more great comedy at Improv at The Clubhouse Hilarity abounds at this "indie" improv theater in Hollywood, which is also often free (or by donation).

Head to one of the free concerts at Amoeba Dude, seriously, some big acts play these free gigs (Billy Idol!), along with some great up-and-comers. View DTLA from City Hall's observation deck Head to the 27th floor of City Hall to scope out 360-degree views of Downtown for free (as long as you don't count your tax dollars hard at work in the building below you).

Visit the most famous building in cinema Duck into the Bradbury Building, one of the oldest commercial buildings in Central LA and the home of glass skylights, ornate iron railings, and elegant staircases that you may remember from Blade Runner, and, OK fine, 500 Days of Summer, too. Take a guided tour of Olvera Street Meander through this Mexican-styled marketplace to learn the history of the "birthplace of LA" for free from the pros, and then spend your saved cash on caramel-filled churros at Mr Churro. Get a workout by the Santa Monica Pier Ditch that pricey gym membership and head to the beach by the pier for the massive swing/ring/rope adult playground where you can get a free workout/watch other people get a free workout. Relax at the Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens While you likely won't find Bowie or Jim Henson puppets at this Labyrinth, you will find free admission to this super-super-super-chill hideaway in the heart of Mid-City. Tour Disney Concert Hall Because you've always wanted to know more about Frank Gehry's crazy-ass scheme for the concert hall. Self-guided and docent-led: both free.

Check out a one-of-a-kind view at Camera Obscura Located in what is probably one of the coolest senior centers ever, this 113-year-old optic device gives you a 360-degree view of the building's surroundings using an Aristotle-era pinhole camera.

divanov/Shutterstock

Explore the gardens of Lake Shrine Temple Whether you're looking for spiritual enlightenment or just a quiet place to relax without spending a dime, this 10-acre retreat in the Palisades is your spot. Check out some art at the Regen Projects This massive gallery in the middle of Hollywood hooks you up with views of steadily rotating contemporary artwork, all for the low, low cost of nothing at all. Get your sculpture garden on at UCLA Stroll through five acres of manicured grounds to check out more than 70 sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries, then take your date to one of the nearby UCLA-friendly bars. Throw a bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach Gather some free firewood on Craigslist and head to one of the few places in LA County where you can legally have a bonfire on the beach. Save more cash by parking on the street for free to avoid the parking lot fee.

Imagine what LA looked like before the Ice Age at the La Brea Tar Pits Get prehistoric wandering around these gurgling pools of tar for $0.00, and check out the museum when admission is free on the first Tuesday of every month (except July and August), and summer Fridays from 5pm to 8pm until August 31. Explore the Brewery Artwalk Twice a year, more than 100 artists open up their studios for this free art walk in the former PBR brewery. There's a beer garden, and though it ain't free, it does serve more than PBR.

See a soon-to-be-famous band on Monday Nearly every major Eastside venue -- The Satellite, The Echo, Bootleg, and the Silverlake Lounge -- has a free residency show on Mondays, which many major bands (Grouplove! Cold War Kids! Local Natives!) have worked their chops up at.

Hike all over town You're probably familiar with at least some of the many places to hike around this fair city, but in case you need some more inspiration, here are our picks for the best.

Sarah Bennett/Thrillist

Ciclavia

Learn to draw classic works of art On the first and third Sundays of the month, The Getty invites artists of all experience levels to join free drawing classes, where you'll learn to sketch the works of the masters. The Getty Villa holds a similar free class one Saturday out of the month; just don't forget to bring your sketch pad. Navigate the hidden staircases of LA's historic neighborhoods The Secret Stairs guides allow you to explore winding staircases -- once used for the city's long-defunct streetcar system -- and enjoy stunning views of the city that most people miss. You can download some of the maps for free or purchase the app or books if you want to splurge. Learn to sip coffee like the best baristas At its stylish training center in Silver Lake, Counter Culture Coffee offers free coffee tastings to the public every Friday from 10-11am.

Watch sea life up close at San Pedro's Cabrillo Marine Aquarium This under-the-radar aquarium often hosts free events, including docent-led tours, and free tide-pool walks, where you'll learn about marine wildlife and enjoy a bit of fresh air. The Aquarium itself is technically free as well, though donations are encouraged (and no, sand dollars don't count). Learn to dance like a real cowboy Put a little bit of country in your rock 'n' roll and learn how to line dance like a pro, for free, at Cabo Wabo Cantina in Hollywood, or the Cowboy Palace Saloon in Chatsworth.

Sign up here for our daily LA email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun Los Angeles has to offer.