Student Perspectives: Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
Hello! My name is Ashley, and I’m a third-year student at USC currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering with a Master’s in Materials Engineering. Since the Los Angeles area is so big, there are plenty of free things that the city offers. Here are some places that I’ve been to and really enjoyed!
Getty Center
Although I'm from Los Angeles, I didn’t have much interest in the Getty Center until I attended USC. I decided to visit the Getty Center, located near the Brentwood area, after realizing that the exhibitions featured many artworks from my favorite artists and time periods (Impressionism and Dutch still lifes, anyone?). The vast collection of art at the Getty left me thoroughly impressed! The museum houses everything from Greco-Roman sculptures to Rococo-furnished installations, Romantic paintings, and contemporary photographs. Within the Getty Center, there are also four stunning gardens that visitors can explore, offering unparalleled views of the entire Los Angeles cityscape. These gardens are popular for USC students not only for picnicking but also for relaxing and strolling through the beautiful flower mazes. Even if you’re not a fan of art museums, I highly recommend visiting the Getty Center. The views and the gardens alone are worth the trip!
Getty Villa
Run by the same organization, the Getty Villa is located in Pacific Palisades. Once a private residence, it has since been transformed into a museum dedicated to Greek and Roman artifacts. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the museum’s collections, which includes Ancient, Classical, and Hellenistic Greek sculptures, as well as exquisite Greek pottery. The museum also features a wide array of Roman sculptures, and I was particularly impressed by the intricate detailing in the fabrics. Outside the galleries, the Villa boasts an iconic fountain with crystal-blue water, where my friend and I couldn’t resist taking plenty of pictures. In addition to the fountain, there are numerous gardens and smaller fountains scattered throughout the property. Furthermore, USC’s Thematic Option program provides free visits to the Getty Villa to watch plays like Oedipus Rex and Memnon at the outdoors amphitheater. The soothing sound of rushing water made the experience incredibly relaxing!
Korean Bell of Friendship
The Korean Bell of Friendship is an excellent spot for flying kites, thanks to the strong winds in the area off the San Pedro coast. Every time I visit, I see many people enjoying the open space by flying kites or having a picnic. It’s a beautiful location with a stunning view overlooking the beach, and the nearby Point Fermin Lighthouse adds even more charm to the area. Just below the Korean Bell, the beach features small tide pools that I found incredibly fun and fascinating to explore. There are also several scenic paths perfect for leisurely strolls along the shoreline. To top it all off, the sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking. If you enjoy places of nature more often, I would definitely recommend coming here.
The Grove/La Brea Tar Pits
The Grove is an iconic mall located in the Fairfax area, offering a wide variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. One of its standout features is the Farmers Market, where you can find an incredible selection of fresh, local food—from bakeries and ice cream to barbecue and pasta —which many USC students love to go to. My personal favorite spot at The Grove is the three-story Barnes & Noble, which boasts stunning interior decor and is a must-visit for book lovers. If you visit The Grove during the holiday season, you’re in for a treat. The entire mall transforms into a magical winter wonderland with beautiful holiday lights and other decorations, complete with fountains inspired by the Fountains of Bellagio and a charming patio with lovely views.
While you’re in the area, be sure to stop by the La Brea Tar Pits, located just next to The Grove. These tar pits date back to the Ice Age, and the fossils excavated here are displayed in the La Brea Tar Pits Museum—which, fun fact, offers free admission to USC students! It’s absolutely worth a visit to learn about the history of these fascinating prehistoric animals and gain a glimpse into life in the distant past.
Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is a must-visit destination for anyone at USC. Just a 20-minute ride on the Metro E-line, there’s really no excuse not to check it out, so you’ll often see USC students there! From the moment you arrive, Little Tokyo’s magnetic charm captivates visitors with its Japanese-inspired architecture, delicious eateries, and unique independent shops. There’s so much to explore here that it’s hard to know where to start. One of my favorites is a Japanese confectionery store that has been around since 1903—They make the absolute best mochi! My top picks are the rainbow dango and the habutai. If you’re in the mood for bubble tea, Sunright Tea Studio is a fantastic spot with amazing fruit teas. When it comes to ramen, the most well-known spot is Daikokuya Ramen. While the long queues and wait times can be daunting, it’s well worth it! That said, you can’t go wrong with any of the ramen places in Little Tokyo. For something different, Chinchikurin is an excellent choice for okonomiyaki (a savory Japanese pancake), and you can watch as they cook it right in front of you! Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is another popular place that offers sushi on a conveyor belt, which I also definitely recommend for the unique experience. The area is also home to a myriad of shops selling Japanese plushies, trinkets, and more. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, browsing these stores is a fun and engaging experience.
Laguna Beach
Although Laguna Beach is farther out, it’s absolutely worth the trip. A lot of USC clubs and organizations like going to Laguna Beach as a day trip or a retreat! While Santa Monica Pier has its charm, it tends to be a bit too crowded for my liking. In contrast, Laguna Beach offers a more peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery. One of the highlights of Laguna Beach is the tide pools in certain areas, which make exploring even more fascinating. The dramatic cliffs along the beach create breathtaking views, especially during sunset. Many restaurants in the area overlook the beach, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning sunset. Laguna Beach is a perfect spot to relax with friends, and I highly recommend taking a day trip to explore not only the beach but also the surrounding areas. It’s a truly lovely escape!
I’ve always loved USC’s central location. It’s so close to so many prominent attractions, and every day I feel incredibly fortunate that I can take advantage of our location. I hope this guide gave you some inspiration to explore LA to its fullest!
Written By: Ashley Saw, Class of 2026