Summary
You could spend a lot of money in Hollywood going on movie star homes tours, visiting Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, or purchasing pricey tickets to one of the many wax museums along Hollywood Boulevard. However, you don’t have to. Skip those expensive guided tours, walk right past all those ticket counters and cheesy attractions, and still have a great time in Hollywood.
1. Take a Walk on Hollywood Boulevard
Address
Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
There’s a lot to do and see on the boulevard, and most of it is free. That includes the stars on the Walk of Fame, the handprints and footprints at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and strolling around Hollywood and Highland. You can also see the famed Dolby Theatre, formerly known as the Kodak Theatre, and the popular Hollywood & Highland shopping complex.
Moreover, when celebrities get a star on the Walk of Fame or get their handprints and footprints cast in cement at the Chinese Theatre, they have to show up. Although these events don’t happen every day, there’s no charge to watch when they do.
2. Be in a Studio Audience
You can be in the studio audience of some popular television shows for free. All you need to do is make a reservation and have enough time to stay until they’re done. Therefore, you can be in the studio audience for selected sitcoms, talk shows, and game shows. While this is free (and fun!), it can be time-consuming: A taping for a 30-minute show can run two hours or longer.
3. Stalk the Hollywood Sign
You can see the world-famous Hollywood sign from all over town. You could probably spend a whole day just driving around to all the places where you can admire it. Even though you can’t get close enough to touch it, and it’s becoming harder to access the hiking trails that take you closer, you can still see the sign from various locations, whether from your car or by walking. Consequently, ensure that you do not try to access the sign by going over the fence—it’s heavily guarded.
4. See a Free Performance at the Hollywood Bowl
Address
2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA
Phone: +1 323-850-2000
To enjoy an evening concert at the Hollywood Bowl, you typically have to buy a ticket. However, if you want to hear the music and see the place for free, some morning rehearsals are open to the public. Additionally, the Edmund D. Edelman Hollywood Bowl Museum is free to visit. If you’d rather attend an evening concert (which is quite enjoyable), some concerts feature tickets for less than $20.
5. Pay Your Last Respects to Departed Celebrities
Address
6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038, USA
Phone: +1 323-469-1181
Hollywood Forever Cemetery, located just behind the famous Paramount Studios, is visitor-friendly and free. They even provide maps of the stars’ final resting places. Furthermore, many other cemeteries where numerous celebrities are buried also welcome visitors at no cost. Legendary Forest Lawn hosts famous individuals from various eras, while Marilyn Monroe’s remains are in the Westwood Village Memorial Park.
6. Take a Self-Guided Driving Tour
Address
1416 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Phone: +1 323-802-1500
Simply driving around Hollywood is one of the best ways to see many sites in the neighborhood. A few hours spent in the car can take you past landmarks like Jim Henson’s Muppets studio, the unique Capitol Records building, Hollywood High, and the Magic Castle. If you would like to add a charming lunch stop to your drive, consider visiting Pink’s Hot Dogs, a famous hot dog stand that has been attracting crowds since 1939. You might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity enjoying a hot dog or see a limousine pull up to fetch snacks for its occupants.
7. Check out the Farmers Market
Address
Farmers Market Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
The Farmers Market may not be in Hollywood itself, but it certainly feels like it belongs there.
Established in 1934 at the corner of Fairfax and Third Street, the market began with farmers driving in from surrounding areas to sell goods from the backs of their trucks. Today, the market remains true to its roots, housing stalls for butchers, bakers, produce sellers, and other vendors offering a variety of items, including candies, nuts, and cheese. There are more than 100 stands and over 500 employees working in the market. Although parking requires a fee (unless you make a purchase for parking validation), walking around the market is free, and visitors can sample treats from various food stalls.
8. Visit the Hollywood Heritage Museum
Address
2100 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068-3241, USA
Phone: +1 323-874-4005
This quaint museum pays tribute to the humble beginnings of Hollywood. Housed in a famous yellow wooden building recognized by movie buffs, the Hollywood Heritage Museum showcases artifacts, photos, and other unique memorabilia that detail Hollywood’s rise. Notably, the building is the old Lasky-DeMille Barn, where the acclaimed director Cecil B. DeMille and producer Jesse Lasky created several of their films. Built in 1895, it initially served as a barn for one of the many Southern California produce farms.
