100 Cheap Things to Do in LA: Outdoors
Updated on December 18, 2017
With L.A.'s gorgeous weather, there's no need to stay inside. Spend a day in the California sunshine with one of these outdoor activities for less than $20.
For more budget-friendly ways to experience L.A., visit our guide to the 100 Cheap Things to Do in Los Angeles.
Perry's Cafe & Beach Rentals
Explore the Santa Monica and Venice beachfront and get some exercise by renting rollerblades or a mountain bike (starting at $10/hour) from Perry's Café & Rentals.
3621 N. Sepulveda Bl., #2 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266//} ?>
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Mingle with amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles at the LAIR at Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Zoo admission is $20 for adults, and parking is free.
5333 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027//} ?>
Runyon Canyon Park
Visit Runyon Canyon for a star-studded hike and yoga in the park. Although yoga classes are free, donations are recommended. Classes are offered three to four times daily.
2000 N Fuller Los Angeles, CA 90046//} ?>
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Catch a movie during the Cinespia screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery during the summer. Don't forget a picnic, wine and blankets. Tickets are $16.
6000 Santa Monica Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90038//} ?>
Los Angeles Dodgers / Dodger Stadium
Make way to Dodger Stadium to root for the home team. You can't get the full game day experience without ordering a Dodger Dog, one of L.A.'s food icons. Individual game tickets for Top Deck seating start at just $12.
1000 Vin Scully Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012//} ?>
Pacific Park
Cap off a day at the beach by riding the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel at Pacific Park, on the historic Santa Monica Pier. Take in panoramic views of the Southern California coastline for $8 per ride.
380 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401//} ?>
Sherman Oaks Castle Park
The whole family will enjoy the fun challenges of miniature golf in the lush surroundings of Sherman Oaks Castle Park. An 18-hole round of mini golf is $6.50 for adults ages 13 to 64, $5.50 for children (5-12) and seniors (64+). Children age 4 and under are free with a paid adult.
4989 Sepulveda Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91403//} ?>
Grand Park
Stroll through Grand Park on Tuesdays for their weekly farmers market. Vendors offer produce, flowers and prepared foods. No need to leave Fido at home - Grand Park offers complimentary pet valet in their dog run, located at Spring Street between First and Temple.
Grand Park Los Angeles, CA 90012//} ?>
Griffith Observatory
Indulge your love of all things astronomical at the Griffith Observatory. Take a hike through Griffith Park, then catch a show for $3-$7 at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium (rate varies depending on whether you are an adult, senior, student, child, or Friends Of The Observatory member.)
2800 E. Observatory Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90027//} ?>
Dockweiler Beach
Warm up on a chilly night with a bonfire at Dockweiler Beach. Although beach admission is free, parking costs between $3 and $13 during the summer.
8255 Vista del Mar Playa del Rey, CA 90293//} ?>
The Standard Downtown LA
Spend the day outdoors without sacrificing luxury. Head to the Rooftop of The Standard Downtown L.A. to enjoy their heated swimming pool and Biergarten fare.
550 S. Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90071//} ?>
Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection
Along with its sister property, the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Hotel Bel-Air offers its guests and the local community outdoor yoga on the front lawn every Saturday from 10-11:15 a.m. Non-hotel guests are requested to give a $15 donation that will benefit a local charity.
701 Stone Canyon Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90077//} ?>
Venice Beach
Get a workout while people-watching at Venice Beach. Afterward, relax with a cocktail at High, the Hotel Erwin's rooftop lounge.
3100-2700 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291//} ?>
Mondrian
Visit the pool at the Mondrian for panoramic views of L.A. and a see-and-be-seen crowd.
8440 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069//} ?>
Chester Washington Golf Course
Take your clubs to Chester Washington Golf Course during twilight hours on weekdays for rates as low as $14.99, depending on tee time.
1818 Charlie Sifford Dr Los Angeles, CA 90047//} ?>
Los Feliz Golf Course
If you're a novice golfer, the Los Feliz Golf Course is for you. Green fees are only $8 on the weekend, perfect for those learning the basics. In the 1996 film, Swingers, Ron Livingston asks Jon Favreau whether he should play Goofy in a scene that was filmed at Los Feliz Golf Course.
3207 Los Feliz Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039//} ?>
Descanso Gardens
Get in touch with nature during a stroll through picturesque Descanso Gardens. General Admission is $9, seniors and students $6, and parking is free.
1418 Descanso Dr. La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011//} ?>
Pershing Square
Outdoor fun isn't limited to the summer months. During the winter, grab your skates for Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square.
532 S. Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013//} ?>
Exposition Park
Catch an outdoor movie during Street Food Cinema in Exposition Park. Take your pick from a variety of food trucks, and enjoy music curated by the Viper Room. Tickets are $10.
900 Exposition Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90007//} ?>
Morning Crunch Boot Camp - Santa Monica
Get ready for beach season at Morning Crunch Boot Camp. Getting into shape is less intimidating when you're enjoying beachfront views. The Weekend Warrior Adventure Workout is $19/person for a two-hour session.
380 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401//} ?>
Get the details on many more almost-free ways to experience Los Angeles with our exclusive guide. Read More →