Universal Studios Hollywood is a magnet for movie fans and thrill seekers, but there's a whole cast of free adventures waiting just beyond the ticket gates. Whether you’re looking to fill your day with culture, stretch your legs in the sun, or soak up some authentic Hollywood history, you’ll find plenty of no-cost ways to experience the best of LA. We’ve rounded up our favorite free things to do near Universal Studios, ranging from scenic parks to quirky neighborhoods and hidden local secrets. Ready for your sequel? Let’s keep the fun rolling—no ticket required!
Our favorite free things to do near Universal Studios include:
- Universal CityWalk
- Hollywood Bowl Museum & Garden
- Lake Hollywood Park
- Runyon Canyon Park
- The Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Hollywood Heritage Museum Grounds
- The Hollywood Sign Hiking Trails
- Griffith Observatory Grounds
- Noho Arts District Murals
- Los Angeles River Greenway Trail
Universal CityWalk
You don’t need a Universal Studios ticket to dive into the energy of Universal CityWalk. This lively pedestrian promenade is the perfect place for people-watching, snapping photos, and soaking up lively LA vibes without reaching for your wallet. Giant neon signs, street performers, and an ever-changing soundtrack give the place a distinctly theme park feel—without the admission fee.
Stroll under the twinkle lights while your senses are surprised at every turn: colorful art installations, music echoing from open-air plazas, and rotating movie memorabilia displays. If you’re a window shopper, check out the quirky stores (giant candy shops and movie-themed boutiques are a treat even if you’re just browsing). Time your visit for one of CityWalk’s free outdoor concerts—you might get lucky and catch a local band performing under the SoCal sunset.
Hollywood Bowl Museum & Garden
Tucked in a gorgeous outdoor amphitheater just a mile from Universal Studios, the Hollywood Bowl Museum is a treasure trove of music history—and it’s always free. The museum tells stories of legendary performances, star-studded summers, and the evolution of LA’s most legendary music venue. Vintage concert posters, classic video clips, and rare memorabilia line the walls, bringing decades of musical magic to life.
Step outside the museum to wander the shaded terraced gardens, where you’ll score prime views of the famous shell and the surrounding Hollywood Hills. On off-days, you can sometimes peek into the amphitheater itself (as long as no events are scheduled). The whole site has a relaxed, creative energy—perfect for a quiet afternoon or a pre-evening stroll before checking out more of what Hollywood has to offer.
Lake Hollywood Park
For close-up Hollywood Sign views and classic LA picnic vibes, Lake Hollywood Park is hard to beat. This park sits at the foothills of the iconic sign, offering the best selfie backdrop around—without the crowds you’ll find at more touristy spots. Wide lawns lined with palms and mature trees make it a local favorite for stretching out with a blanket or tossing around a frisbee.
The dog-friendly park also features easy walking paths overlooking Lake Hollywood’s reservoir and the sprawl below. Pack snacks, grab a seat on a shady bench, and let the city views do their thing. Watch for neighborhood dogs living their best lives, local kids flying kites, and the ever-present hikers heading for higher ground.
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park
Active types, lace up your sneakers—you’re just a quick drive from one of LA’s most beloved free hiking escapes. Runyon Canyon Park has a trail for every energy level, with winding paths leading to wide-open summit views of Hollywood, downtown LA, and (on clear days) the shimmering Pacific. The main trailhead sits moments from Universal Studios, making it an easy detour after a morning at the theme park.
Along the way, expect plenty of friendly pups (this park’s famously dog-welcoming), regulars on their yoga mats, and fitness fans posing at the panoramic overlooks. The people-watching is almost as entertaining as the scenery. If you hit the park early, the golden sunrise spilling over the city delivers an unbeatable photo op—and a hit of classic California endorphins.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Star-spotting has never been this affordable. Just a short ride from Universal Studios lands you on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, where over 2,700 names are immortalized across glittery pink-and-gold stars in the sidewalk. Keep your eyes peeled for the stars of your favorite musicians, actors, and beloved cartoon icons—half the fun is spotting unexpected celebrities as you wander.
Take in the buzz of Hollywood Boulevard, with its blend of historic theaters, busy costumed buskers, and vintage souvenir stands. Classic sites like the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre (home of the Oscars) anchor either end of the route, so you can take in LA’s entertainment legacy without breaking your budget. Bring your camera—there’s no shortage of photo ops and larger-than-life characters ready to greet you.
Hollywood Heritage Museum Grounds
Before Tinseltown became the entertainment capital, there was a humble barn—now celebrated at the Hollywood Heritage Museum. Even if you skip the paid indoor exhibits, you can explore the pretty grounds for free. The historic DeMille Barn sits in manicured gardens, surrounded by vintage movie equipment and informative plaques about the birth of the film industry.
Wander the grounds, relax beneath shady trees, and imagine the earliest silent films taking shape right here. The tranquil vibe and vintage wooden structures offer a peaceful break from the city’s non-stop pace. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for Hollywood’s grassroots beginnings and a few neat photos to prove it.
The Hollywood Sign Hiking Trails
Craving a dramatic LA view but don’t want to join the crowds at Griffith Park? Set off from the Brush Canyon Trailhead and take a free hike to even closer vantage points beneath the legendary Hollywood Sign. The gentle ascent cuts through wild chaparral, fragrant sage, and hillside wildflowers, all while teasing bigger and better sign views with every switchback.
At the summit, you’ll score spectacular photos (and possibly see a celebrity or two powering up the trail). Along the way, information boards highlight the sign’s wild history of reinventions and close calls. This mini-adventure delivers fresh air, wide-open spaces, and the chance to say you’ve literally walked in the shadow of stardom—no special effects required.
Griffith Observatory Grounds
Griffith Observatory Grounds
Everyone knows the Griffith Observatory for its stargazing shows and planetarium (which charge entry), but you can wander the observatory’s grounds and terraces completely free. The setting is cinematic for good reason—here you’ll find some of the best views in LA, from downtown skyscrapers all the way out to the blue Pacific. The crisp white domes set against the hills have starred in countless movies, and snapping a photo here is an LA rite of passage.
Stroll along landscaped paths, admire public telescopes, or scan the horizon for local wildlife. Benches and grassy patches offer perfect picnic spots, and on clear evenings, you can join local astronomers as they set up telescopes for free sky-watching. Inspiration is practically guaranteed—this place brings out anyone’s inner scientist or movie buff.
NoHo Arts District Murals
If you’re craving creative inspiration, head to the nearby NoHo Arts District for a self-guided street art safari. Vibrant murals, playful paste-ups, and ever-changing graffiti brighten every block. The district’s main drag, Lankershim Boulevard, is lined with colorful masterpieces—some small and subtle, others sprawling high across entire buildings.
Every walk here feels like a new discovery, with hidden gems tucked around alley corners and behind neighborhood cafes. You’ll spot everything from classic film tributes to bold contemporary designs, all curated by some of LA’s most talented muralists. It’s a free public gallery with a laid-back bohemian vibe, perfect for wandering with coffee in hand and putting a fresh spin on your usual Insta feed.
Los Angeles River Greenway Trail
For a quieter escape, discover the LA River Greenway Trail—a peaceful stretch just minutes southeast of Universal Studios. This urban oasis follows landscaped banks lined with native shrubs, wildflowers, and plenty of shade. Runners, cyclists, and dog-walkers all share the path, and a gentle breeze from the river keeps even hot days feeling fresh.
Rest stops dot the trail where you can watch ducks paddle past or pause for a snack with laid-back city views. Side paths lead through pocket parks and community gardens bursting with edible plants and cheerful sunflowers. The Greenway feels worlds away from Hollywood’s hustle and bustle, giving you a chance to reconnect with nature and maybe even spot a heron or two on your adventure.
With so much free fun waiting around Universal Studios, your Hollywood adventure doesn’t have to stop when you leave the park gates! Get out there, explore a little extra, and make every moment (and dollar) count—because the best Universal Studios memories are sometimes just around the corner, and absolutely free.
Enjoyed this? Check out (Ticketed) Things to Do Near Universal Studios Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes
Step up your sightseeing with Go City®
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!
