In today’s increasingly connected world, having access to free and fast Wi-Fi service is more than a convenience, it’s practically a necessity. Logging on at your local coffee shop is one thing, but what about when you’re traveling or out on the town? To help you check-in, “Like,” and share wherever you go, we’ve created the following guide to the best places in Los Angeles to access free Wi-Fi.
Parks
In August 2014, the City of Los Angeles launched free Wi-Fi in six parks across the city. The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Recreation and Parks, American Park Network, and Toyota, which paid for the system. The public Wi-Fi is now available at Pershing Square, Griffith Observatory, Echo Park Lake, Reseda Park, Venice Beach and Cabrillo Beach. Known as the "Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi" service, the network can be accessed at designated areas throughout the parks. At Venice Beach, coverage includes popular spots such as the famed Muscle Beach, basketball courts, and the skate park.
Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the world's sixth busiest airport and third busiest in the United States, offering 680 daily flights to 96 domestic cities, and 910 weekly nonstop flights to 59 cities in 30 countries. In August 2013, Skift named LAX the world’s most checked-in place on Facebook. Travelers from around the world can let their friends and family know they’re in L.A. or work online, thanks to the complimentary Wi-Fi that's offered in most public areas of LAX. In addition to free access, passengers may choose higher speed service. Pricing for Premium Access is $4.95 for one hour, or $7.95 for 24 hours. Visitors can also use "roaming credentials" for subscription services. For more information and support, contact the Wi-Fi helpdesk at 877.AWG.WiFi (877.294-9434).
HOTELS
Hotels across Los Angeles offer free Wi-Fi throughout their properties, from guest rooms to public spaces and on-site event venues. Complimentary Wi-Fi can be enjoyed at a wide range of hotels, from modern boutiques like The Standard Downtown, Andaz West Hollywood and the Custom Hotel; to historic properties like the Beverly Hills Hotel; and business hotels like the Hilton Los Angeles Airport. Browse our extensive list of L.A. hotels and you’ll find the perfect accommodations, along with the added convenience of free Wi-Fi. Book Now →
DOWNTOWN LA
Downtown L.A. is one of the most historic and walkable regions in Los Angeles. Visitors can discover Downtown's hidden gems and utilize free Wi-Fi while exploring districts such as Pershing Square, the Historic Core, the Financial District, Bunker Hill, and Little Tokyo.
STAPLES Center & Dodger Stadium
A ticket will get you in, but you'll need Wi-Fi if you want to capture memories at STAPLES Center or Dodger Stadium, which were both listed in the Top 10 Most-Instagrammed Places of 2013. Launched in May 2013, "STAPLES Center Wi-Fi powered by Verizon" provides free coverage throughout the arena, which is home to the NBA's Lakers and Clippers, the NHL Kings, as well as the site of world-class performances. Free Wi-Fi is available for the seating bowl, inside all 166 suites and on the suite levels, the upper and main concourse areas, and in all back-of-house areas, from locker rooms to production offices. The free Wi-Fi extends to Microsoft Square L.A. LIVE and the rest of the L.A. LIVE complex. Guests can connect to the service by selecting "VerizonWiFi" from the list of available networks.
As part of an extensive series of improvements that were made for the 2012-13 season, Dodger Stadium installed a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi network and cellular antenna system to support cell phone and Internet connectivity. At a press conference in January 2013, Dodger president and CEO Stan Kasten announced that Dodger Stadium was going to have the best cell phone and Wi-Fi services of any major league ballpark. Wireless access improved considerably at the landmark stadium, and fans had plenty of moments to share as the Boys in Blue went all the way to the National League Championship Series.
Los Angeles Convention Center
The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is a state-of-the-art convention and exhibition center, attracting over 2.5 million visitors annually. The LACC is renowned as a environmentally-friendly facility, receiving the prestigious US Green Building Council’s LEED-EB GOLD Certification. The LACC offers free Wi-Fi in two of its high-traffic areas, the South Lobby Compass Café and the West Hall Galaxy Café.
MUSEUMS
Numerous museums from L.A.’s world-class collection of cultural attractions provide free Wi-Fi. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) invites visitors to take flash-free photos (unless otherwise noted), so take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and upload that selfie you just took in front of Flower Day. Perched on a spectacular hilltop location above Brentwood, the Getty Center offers GettyLink, its free Wi-Fi service, throughout the complex. The center's sister museum, the Getty Villa, also features GettyLink at its Malibu location. Thanks to its free Wi-Fi, the Hammer Museum courtyard offers a tranquil urban oasis that could also serve as an al fresco office during lunch.
LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY
With 72 branch locations and more than six million volumes, the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is one of the largest publicly funded library systems in the world. The historic Central Library is a Downtown L.A. landmark, the third largest public library in the country in terms of books and periodicals. All 72 branches of the LAPL offer free Wi-Fi to the public. For branch locations and hours, visit www.lapl.org/branches.
SHOPPING
Check in with free Wi-Fi before you check out of L.A. shopping centers. The Hollywood & Highland Center is one of L.A.’s most popular shopping and entertainment destinations, and its location at an iconic intersection in Tinseltown makes it a hotspot for free public Wi-Fi. One of L.A.’s newest shopping destinations, FIGat7th is also on the cutting edge by offering free Wi-Fi. Not only does Westfield Century City offer free Wi-Fi throughout its open-air public spaces, the second-level food court provides convenient charging stations.
BEVERLY HILLS
Just because you can afford to shop on world-famous Rodeo Drive, doesn’t mean you're not eager to enjoy free Internet access like everyone else. Beverly Hills offers free public Wi-Fi via its City Guest network, accessible in various spots throughout the ritzy neighborhood, including the famed “Golden Triangle.”
SANTA MONICA
Officially known as City Wi-Fi, Santa Monica’s free service features 25 active “hot zones.” Among the most popular wireless access spots are the Annenberg Community Beach House and Palisades Park.
CULVER CITY
Town Plaza Wi-Fi is a free service offered to visitors of downtown Culver City, a roughly one-square-mile area bounded by City Hall, the Pacific Theater, Trader Joe’s and Main Street. The service is designed to enhance the visitor experience by making the Internet available for casual use when visiting Culver City’s downtown. Culver City was the first L.A. community on the Westside to offer free wireless Internet access to the public.