Free Museums in Los Angeles You Should Visit
There's plenty of fun and free things to do in Los Angeles. Here's a breakdown of the best free museums in Los Angeles.
The streets of Los Angeles are truly something special. The colorful murals, hustle and bustle, and organized city chaos pass you by as you observe the unique architecture—from Spanish-style two-story homes to contemporary skyscrapers—and everything in between.
Indeed, L.A.'s streets are just as iconic as the city's attractions. While you're on the way to one of Los Angeles' top destinations, slow things down a notch so you can stroll down the most famous sidewalks and experience the city's unfiltered liveliness. Here are the Los Angeles streets to visit next.
World-renowned for being a luxurious shopping destination, Rodeo Drive is one of the most famous streets in Beverly Hills. And is definitely among the best places in Los Angeles to take pictures. For an extravagant retail therapy session, stroll along the stretch between Dayton Way and Santa Monica Boulevard. Shop 'till you drop, then visit the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, for an exquisite culinary experience. Walk off your meal by meandering through Beverly Gardens Park; admire the Beverly Hills City Hall’s Spanish Renaissance building, which features an eight-story tower topped with a colorful dome.
Stretching 15 blocks, Hollywood Boulevard—home to the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame—is definitely one of L.A.'s must-see streets. Along this star-emblazoned thoroughfare is the TCL Chinese Theatre, arguably one of the greatest theaters in the world. Film buffs will also love visiting the Hollywood Museum, which houses more than 10,000 props and artifacts from classic films and contemporary movies.
While you're touring Hollywood Boulevard, stop by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! to see all things strange, shocking, and bizarre. You should also snap a photo with your favorite (waxed out) celeb at The Hollywood Wax Museum before shopping and dining at Hollywood and Highland, which is home to more than 70 retail stores and 25 restaurants.
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Is there any place more suitable for taking selfies than Los Angeles' Sunset Boulevard? The approximately 22-mile stretch from Hollywood to the Pacific Coast Highway has been seen in many a film and belongs on your L.A. bucket list. Start off your trip midday for the best afternoon shots under the palm trees, then peruse the eclectic shops lining the street. Once the sky shifts its hues from bright blues to vibrant reds and electric oranges, head to the Sunset Strip to watch as the sun slowly dips beneath the horizon.
Ponder your day as the last few rays of sunlight linger on before dusk's omnipresent beauty ushers you onward to your next stop on Sunset Boulevard: Chateau Marmont. Whether you’re looking to spend the night or to enjoy a delectable meal at the on-site restaurant, this castle surely oozes Hollywood's glitz and glamour—it's no wonder it's a top spot for seeing celebrities.
A few miles south of Chateau Marmont is The Roxy Theater, where legendary musician Frank Zappa recorded his albums. Now, you can walk in for live performances by local and famous indie bands. For comedic relief, head to The Comedy Store for a dose of much-needed laughter; renowned comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld and Rodney Dangerfield have performed here. The best way to end your Sunset Boulevard adventures? Indulge in a sweet treat from Icy Rush Co. for a crazy delish ice-cream sandwich with sprinkles.
The drama series Melrose Place didn't come up with this name out of the blue. Los Angeles' Melrose Avenue is another famous street, mostly known for shopping and entertainment—not to mention the prominent Paramount Pictures Studio. After your studio tour, catch a movie at the Melrose Rooftop Theatre, which serves as an awesome venue for romantic outdoor dates or family outings.
You can also geek out at Mega City One, the ultimate comic book store where you're welcome to stay awhile and read to your heart's content. Other unique finds on Melrose Avenue include The Record Collector and the beloved Pink's Hot Dogs. The street art and murals along this stretch are totally worth the Instagram shots, too, so make sure to have your camera ready.
This iconic Los Angeles street became famous thanks to the film Mulholland Drive starring Naomi Watts. Definitely one of the best scenic drives in L.A., the road curves its way to the adjacent neighboring hills overlooking the city. World-renowned celebrities such as Madonna, John Lennon, Jack Nicholson, and Marlon Brando have spent quite some time along this stretch of road.
Whilst exploring Mulholland, make sure to stop by the timeless Canyon Country Store—back in the 1960s, counterculture musicians and artists lived here. Frank Zappa; Crosby, Stills, and Nash; The Doors; Carole King, and numerous others frequented the place quite often, too. Looking like it's still living in the era of the Summer of Love, the Canyon Country Store is a great pit stop to grab a sandwich, sip a cup of joe, and reminisce about the glorious golden age of Hollywood.
You should also stop by the Spadena House (a.k.a., The Witch’s House) located at the corner of Mulholland and Walden Drive. The home is known for its ornate and deliberately decayed design, making it a must-see landmark. For an excursion away from the city, strap on your hiking shoes and head to the nearby Franklin Canyon Park—one of the best state parks in Los Angeles—for an awesome outdoor family hike. Trek the easy, two-mile Franklin Canyon Site Trail, which features panoramic views of downtown L.A. and the L.A. Basin at the Hollywood Bowl Overlook. On a clear day, you'll be able to spot the Hollywood Sign and most of Los Angeles.
There's plenty of fun and free things to do in Los Angeles. Here's a breakdown of the best free museums in Los Angeles.
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