There are plenty of free things to do around the Hollywood Sign and the surrounding Hollywood area. Here’s a list of some of the best free activities you can enjoy when visiting the Hollywood Sign:
1. Hike to the Hollywood Sign
- What to Do: The Griffith Park Trails and Runyon Canyon offer some of the best free hiking routes that lead to stunning views of the Hollywood Sign. These trails are open to the public and provide great opportunities for photography.
- Why It’s Free: Hiking in Griffith Park is free of charge, and the trails are well-maintained, offering panoramic views of the sign and the city below.
2. Griffith Park
- What to Do: Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, and it offers a variety of activities such as nature walks, picnicking, and birdwatching. It's a great place to explore on foot and enjoy the outdoors with a view of the Hollywood Sign.
- Why It’s Free: Entry to Griffith Park and its hiking trails is free, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed day in nature.
3. Griffith Observatory
- What to Do: The Griffith Observatory offers stunning views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign from its grounds. You can also visit the exhibits inside the observatory for a deeper understanding of astronomy and science.
- Why It’s Free: The observatory and its grounds are open to the public without any charge. The public telescopes are also free to use in the evening when the observatory is open.
4. Runyon Canyon
- What to Do: Runyon Canyon is another popular free hiking spot that provides excellent views of the Hollywood Sign and the city. The canyon is often frequented by locals and tourists alike, and it’s a great place for a walk, jog, or to simply enjoy the scenic beauty.
- Why It’s Free: Access to Runyon Canyon and its trails is free. It’s also a dog-friendly location, so pet owners can enjoy the hike with their furry friends.
5. Hollywood Walk of Fame
- What to Do: While not directly near the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-see attraction in Hollywood. Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and discover over 2,600 brass stars honoring famous figures from the entertainment industry.
- Why It’s Free: Walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame is completely free and offers an interesting and iconic experience as you find your favorite celebrity's star.
6. TCL Chinese Theatre Forecourt
- What to Do: The TCL Chinese Theatre is famous for its handprints and footprints of Hollywood legends. While there is an admission fee for the theater tours, it’s free to visit the forecourt and see the famous prints.
- Why It’s Free: Access to the forecourt and the iconic handprints is free for anyone to enjoy.
7. Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlook
- What to Do: Mulholland Drive offers some of the best free viewpoints in Los Angeles, with incredible views of the Hollywood Sign, the city skyline, and beyond. The scenic overlook is easily accessible by car.
- Why It’s Free: The Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlook is open to the public with no entry fee.
8. Hollywood Reservoir & Lake Hollywood Park
- What to Do: For a peaceful and scenic spot to relax, visit Lake Hollywood Park. This park provides an excellent view of the Hollywood Sign from a distance and is perfect for a stroll or a picnic.
- Why It’s Free: The park and surrounding trails are free to explore, and you can enjoy a leisurely walk with a view of the iconic sign.
9. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- What to Do: The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the final resting place of many famous figures from Hollywood’s golden age. The cemetery is a peaceful place to walk around and reflect on the history of film and entertainment. It also hosts outdoor movie screenings in the summer.
- Why It’s Free: Visiting the cemetery is free during daylight hours, though there may be fees for special events.
10. Take Photos at Iconic Hollywood Landmarks
- What to Do: There are several iconic landmarks in the Hollywood area that are free to visit and great for photography. These include the Hollywood Sign, TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Sunset Boulevard.
- Why It’s Free: All of these spots are open to the public and free to access. They offer fantastic photo opportunities for solo travelers or groups.
11. People Watch at Hollywood & Highland Center
- What to Do: The Hollywood & Highland Center is a popular shopping and entertainment center near the Hollywood Sign. You can walk around the area, people-watch, and take in the energy of Hollywood Boulevard without spending any money.
- Why It’s Free: Walking around the center, observing street performers, and enjoying the bustling Hollywood atmosphere are all free.
Conclusion:
There are plenty of free things to do near the Hollywood Sign, from hiking and sightseeing to exploring Hollywood’s famous landmarks. Whether you’re hiking up to the sign for a stunning view of Los Angeles or strolling down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the area offers a wide range of experiences without any cost.
