It’s easy to splurge in West Hollywood, but you can have just as much fun without spending big. Some activities are totally free, while others are nearly free, with no admission fees — just the occasional parking meter. Below are our eight favorite free things to do in West Hollywood.
1. Expand Your Mind with Free Literary Events at Book Soup
Feel the words of your favorite writers at Book Soup’s free author readings and book signings. Snap a pic to prove to friends (and social media followers) you mingled with literary giants. The store keeps a regularly updated event calendar on its website, so you can plan your brush with brilliance in advance.
2. Soak Up Design Inspiration at the Pacific Design Center
You can’t miss the trio of colorful buildings — red, green and the famously nicknamed “Blue Whale” — that make up West Hollywood’s iconic Pacific Design Center. The showrooms are reserved for design professionals and event guests, but the outdoor spaces are fair game for curious creatives and passersby looking to catch some California rays and good vibes in a unique setting. Snap photos of the striking architecture or take a breather in the courtyard. Need a caffeine break before your next adventure? Stop by Community Goods, the LA café taking over social media feeds. It’s parked right out front — and it’s a known celeb hangout.
3. Take a Self-Guided Tour of Santa Monica Boulevard
Stretch your legs along the 2.9-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard that runs through West Hollywood — from La Brea Avenue to Doheny Drive — and explore one of LA’s most eclectic corridors. Along the western edge, pass legendary local spots like The Troubadour, a historic music venue, and The Abbey, a landmark LGBTQ+ bar. Mid-boulevard, you’ll find the MAK Center for Art and Architecture, an art museum housed in three architecturally significant historic structures, including the Schindler House. Near the eastern edge, admire the retro facade of Jones Hollywood, an Italian restaurant known for pizza, or peek into Bar Lubitsch, a Russian-themed bar with a vintage lounge vibe.
4. Head Outdoors and Enjoy the Beautiful SoCal Weather
West Hollywood is home to several public parks, green spaces and winsome parklets where you can chill with a cup of coffee and some reading material. See what’s blooming in the community garden at Plummer Park, catch the best skyline views of LA from the rooftop pool at West Hollywood Park or explore a quieter dog-friendly retreat, Kings Road Park, a lush urban space with a small trickling fountain and nice shady spots. See our full park guide.
5. Go to Free Events Throughout the Year
West Hollywood knows how to throw a party — and some of the best ones are totally free.
In June, a splash of color fills the streets as flags, fans and floats stroll by in celebration of Pride Month. WeHo Pride is an iconic event and one of the most star-studded Pride celebrations in the world. Kick off the weekend at Friday Night at OUTLOUD, a free concert featuring big-name artists — just make sure to register in advance to secure your spot. Show your pride at the parade and catch even more performances at the WeHo Pride Street Fair, a free, all-ages event.
In October, the legendary West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval takes over Santa Monica Boulevard with outrageous costumes, live music and more people-watching than you can handle.
Looking for more family-friendly activities? Check the West Hollywood Public Library’s calendar for their Saturday morning Drag Story Hour series, featuring joyful readings by performers from the local drag scene.
6. Meet the Locals at the Helen Albert Farmers’ Market
The Helen Albert Farmers’ Market is making Mondays cool again at Plummer Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The scent of coffee, local honey and fresh flowers fills the air as neighborhood vendors show off the city’s charm. It doesn’t cost a thing to chat with locals or explore the park — but if your stomach says otherwise, you can grab a bite of authentic LA street food and support local makers.
7. Choose Your Own Adventure with Walking in WeHo
Explore West Hollywood’s history, culture and architecture on your own time with one of the city’s free self-guided walking tours. With the highest Walk Score in California, West Hollywood is made for exploring on foot.
First, choose your own adventure based on what piques your interest. The Stuart Timmons LGBTQ History Mobile Tour brings the city’s queer legacy to life with stories of colorful local characters and the community’s lasting contributions to “The Creative City.”
The Harper Avenue Historic District Tour showcases stunning examples of 1920s and ’30s apartment architecture, while the Old Sherman Walking Tour traces the roots of West Hollywood back to its railroad-town days. Lace up your shoes, charge your phone and set out for a journey through West Hollywood’s storied past.
8. Spot Some of LA’s Brightest Murals
As you stroll along, keep your eyes peeled for public art — sculptures, murals and mosaics are sprinkled throughout West Hollywood thanks to the City’s arts programs. Spot visually captivating works like Corner Glory, a stainless steel sculpture that rises five stories along the corner of The Dylan apartments on Santa Monica Boulevard, or go hunting for murals starting at West Hollywood Public Library, where you’ll find large-scale pieces by celebrated street artists like RETNA, Shepard Fairey and Kenny Scharf. It’s a bit like a cultural treasure hunt, and the City even provides an interactive map to help you locate each piece and learn more about the artist and their inspiration.