The city of Los Angeles is absolutely gorgeous!
And lucky for us there are plenty of vistas available so that we can sit back and soak in the amazing views.
Now some views you have to pay to get access to. And there are some that are completely free.
In this post we are going to focus on those free views.
So when you have friends visiting from out of town you can blow them away with a few activities that are not going to cost a lot of money. (there will be plenty of opportunity for them to spend money on the other tourist activities out there).
Here is our list for some of the best views in Los Angeles that you can enjoy for free!
1. Mulholland Scenic Overlook
If you’re looking for endless panoramic views of the city, you must drive through Mulholland Scenic Parkway. It’s one of the most famous roads in the country and its stretches fifty five-mile total offering stunning views most of the way.
Cruising Mulholland is an awesome way to spend a day enjoying incredible city, mountain and ocean views.
It starts west of the 101 Freeway in Hollywood and extends through the Santa Monica Mountains to Leo Carrillo State Beach. S
Several famous figures and celebrities reside in Mulholland Dr, also many of the houses seen in this road are some of the most exclusive and expensive in the world.
You can also pull over get out of the car to stretch and take in the gorgeous views at the Mulholland Scenic Overlook on foot.
If you want to get a birds eye view of the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Bowl and the LA Skyline then a stop at the Hollywood Bowl Overlook is a must.
2. Top of City Hall
Next we head to the center of the city to another free treat to delight yourself and family or friends visiting, it’s the the downtown observation deck in City Hall.
It offers spectacular views of the city and just like I mentioned before it has no cost. All you need is to find a parking lot or use the meters that are in the blocks surrounding the building.
Remember that since you have to go inside the City Hall to access the observation deck, you need to bring your photo i.d with you and pass through a metal detector.
After that, head to the 27th floor and enjoy the 360 degree views of the city. If you go at the right time you will feel like a VIP as this deck is not known to most people.
You may find yourself taking in those amazing views of City Hall and Downtown all by yourself.
3. Getty Center
Art with a view, is what comes to mind when I think of the Getty Center, bring your other half or soak up in solitude one of the best views of LA.
Plenty of opportunities for pictures, tranquil walks in the gardens and of course the amazing views overlooking Los Angeles.
On a clear day you can see almost all of our gorgeous city, the San Bernardino mountains, the San Gabriel mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
It’s located in 1200 Getty Center Dr. and it opens 10 am to 5:30 daily except for Mondays. Saturdays it closes at 9:00 pm.
While its free to enter the Getty there is a $15 dollar parking cost. After parking you will be taken to the museum by tram. If you go with a few people you can split the cost of parking and it will be $5 dollars or less apiece. Not bad for access to a world class museum with world class views!
The Getty Center has a restaurant cafe building with indoor and outdoor sitting, where you can find a simple yet satisfying menu including sandwiches and soups.
If you prefer to eat at the restaurant you can make reservations and enjoy a seasonal menu with views of Santa Monica mountains.
4. The Grove Parking Lot Roof
Want a view of the city without having to take a hike? The parking lot at The Grove gives you incredible views of Hollywood Hills, Century City and more. Feel the breeze, enjoy the view and the vibe of one of the most popular outdoor malls in Los Angeles.
Now I know a mall rooftop parking lot is not where you are expecting to want to hang out.
BUT this isn’t an everyday parking lot. This rooftop lot features panoramic views that can’t be passed on, especially if you’re already going to shop at the mall or cruise through the popular farmers market.
Parking at The Grove can be a nightmare anyway so you might as well just head straight to the rooftop where there is plenty of parking and those spectacular views.
Surprise your tourists friends by giving them spectacular photo ops from this parking lot roof at the iconic Grove.
5. Griffith Park Observatory
The Griffith Park Observatory is one of the most visited places in Los Angeles by tourists and locals. It’s a gorgeous, legendary facility located in mount Hollywood in Los Angeles.
If you have friends visiting its an awesome way to show them something impressive for free. And if you live here and haven’t been there yet, don’t delay, check this one of you LA bucket list now.
Besides the incredibly beautiful Observatory this is one of the best places to get a good look at and take amazing pictures of the Hollywood Sign!
The Observatory itself also has a roof and terraces showcasing incredible views from different angles of our gorgeous city.
And if that isn’t enough of a free treat for you, the Observatory also lets you use the telescopes gratis in the evening when skies are clear.