Welcome back to my ‘What to do in L.A. for free’ series. Today, we tackle Downtown. This guide will take you on a journey through the best free things to do.
1. El pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
Known as the birthplace of Los Angeles, this is built near the site where in 1781, settlers of Native American, African and European heritage journeyed from present-day northern Mexico and established a farming community. Since then, as we all know, LA has become one of the world’s largest metro areas.
2. Olvera Street
This Mexican marketplace was created in 1930 and features old structures, painted stalls, street vendors, cafes, restaurants and gift shops. It also is the home to Avila Adobe, the city’s oldest existing residence.
3. Pico House
Built by Pío Pico, the last governor of California under Mexican rule. It was the first 3-story building and grand hotel in LA.
4. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
A Mexican-American museum and cultural center.
5. Union Station
It opened in 1939 and is known as the “Last of the Great Railway Stations” built in the United States.
6. LA City Hall
Completed in 1928, this beautiful Art Deco building offers free public access to its 27th floor observation deck where visitors have a 360 degree view of Los Angeles.
7. Japanese American National Museum
The museum has done an excellent job of preserving and displaying the history and culture of Japanese Americans. The museum offers free entry on Thursdays.
https://www.janm.org
8. Little Tokyo
The neighborhood was declared a National Historic landmark district in 1995.
9. James Irvine Japanese Gardens
Enjoy some peace and greenery at these lovely gardens.
10. The Bradbury Building
Built in 1893, its light-filled Victorian interior rises 50 feet with open-cage elevators, marble stairs and elegant iron railings. It has been featured in movies like Blade Runner, 500 Days of Summer and Pay It Forward.
11. Grand Central Market
The doors to the market first opened in 1917. It hosts food vendors, florists, coffee shops and more.
12. Angels flight railway
The train line opened in 1901 making it over 120 years old. You can still ride the piece of LA history for $1 each way. It’s the world’s shortest railway!
13. The Last Bookstore
Known for having a large selection of new and used books and records, it also has interesting book art and a rare book annex that is worth checking out
Plus, the book art is really cool.
14. Central Library
The library is made up of two buildings. The older of the two was built in 1925 and designed with influences of ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean Revival architecture.
15. The Museum of Contemporary Art
It was Founded in 1979 by artists and is devoted exclusively to displaying contemporary art.
https://www.moca.org
16. The Broad
Also a contemporary Art museum, it has pieces from artists like Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons.
https://www.thebroad.org
17. Thien Hau temple
The Chinese temple is dedicated to the ocean Goddess Mazu.
18. Arts District
Located downtown, it has many breweries, galleries, restaurants and retail shops.
Here are links to the rest of the ‘What to do in L.A. for free’ series so you can start planning your trip!
Top 10 Free things to do in LA:
Hollywood:
The Coast & Beach Cities:
Dropping 4/25
East, South, Westside & Valley:
Dropping 5/9