Los Angeles is a city with plenty of free activities at night. Some of the activities are part of the city’s large arts and entertainment community, while others focus on the multicultural heritage of the area. Natural wonders from the Hollywood Hills to the Pacific Ocean are outdoor highlights.
Santa Monica Pier offers fishing without a license, street performers and an amusement park with rides such as a ferris wheel. Admission is free and the pier is open 24 hours a day year-round. Parking is available at the pier dock or along the beachfront for a fee.
Sierra Club leads two-hour night hikes at Griffith Park every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Griffith Observatory has public telescopes available Wednesday through Sunday each week weather permitting. Telescope demonstrators are on-site to assist with any questions. Public viewing pullout spots along Mulholland Drive provide views of the city lights as well as the valley below.
Farmers Market gives shoppers the chance to experience local products such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Each stall owner determines his hours, but most stay open for shopping until 9 p.m.There are two parking lots available next to the market and any merchant will validate parking. The market presents Thursday night jazz concerts and live music on Fridays. Special entertainment is also on hand for holidays.
Tickets to any prime-time television sitcom taping with an audience are free. When you plan to attend a taping, remember you will have to stay for the entire session, which may run late. Series begin taping between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and can run up to five hours. You can pick up tickets up to 30 days before the show. Popular series have a waiting list and may not be able to accommodate your request. The studios issue more tickets than there are seats available, so arrive early.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, located on both sides of Hollywood Boulevard, pays tribute to celebrities from film, television and other areas of the entertainment industry. Along the walk of fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theater features footprints and handprints from celebrities of the 1920s through today.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has free admission every night after 5 p.m. Parking is also free after 7 p.m. in selected lots. From April through November, the museum presents concerts as part of the Friday Night Jazz series. The Hollywood Bowl Museum shows the history of the popular landmark. The museum is open the nights of shows in addition to during the day.
Grand Performances present performances at the California Plaza. Parking is available for a fee at Olive Street, which is under the plaza. The venue allows picnics and folding chairs.
