Los Angeles Free & Discount Deals Guide 2025: Giveaways, Happy Hours, and Free Days

Looking for the best free and discount deals in Los Angeles for 2025? This guide rounds up museum free days, birthday giveaways, happy hour bargains, student markdowns, and neighborhood picks by ZIP code—plus the apps Angelenos actually use to score comp tickets and promo offers. From the Arts District (90013) to Santa Monica (90401) and Venice (90291), here’s how to fill your calendar and your plate without emptying your wallet.

Free Museum Days and Always-Free Art in Los Angeles (2025 deals)

LA’s museum scene is one of the country’s best—and a surprising amount of it is no-cost or deeply discounted. Always confirm hours and terms before you go; many institutions require timed reservations even for complimentary entry.

The Broad (DTLA, 90012) — Always Free

General admission is free with advance timed tickets. Standby lines are common on weekends. Special exhibits may require paid tickets. Pro tip: Pair your visit with a stroll at Grand Park (90012), also free.

MOCA (Little Tokyo/Arts District, 90013) — Free General Admission

MOCA offers free general admission at both MOCA Grand Avenue and the Geffen Contemporary. Some special exhibitions or programs may be ticketed.

Hammer Museum (Westwood, 90024) — Free, Year-Round

Always free admission and frequent gratis programs, talks, and film screenings. A reliable no-spend art stop near UCLA.

Getty Center (Brentwood, 90049) & Getty Villa (Pacific Palisades, 90272) — Free Admission, Paid Parking

Both Getty locations are complimentary to visit; you’ll need a timed reservation and will pay for parking. The views at the Center and the gardens at the Villa are worth the trip.

California Science Center (Exposition Park, 90037) — Free General Admission

Permanent galleries are free; IMAX and special exhibits cost extra. Families love the hands-on science zones. Combine with the Exposition Park Rose Garden (free, seasonally open).

Griffith Observatory (Los Feliz/Griffith Park, 90027) — Free Admission

Building and grounds are no-cost; planetarium shows are ticketed. Arrive early or use transit to avoid paid parking crunches.

Fowler Museum at UCLA (Westwood, 90024) — Free

World arts and cultures museum with complimentary entry. Often hosts free talks, tours, and family days.

Fisher Museum of Art (USC, 90089/90007) — Free

On the USC campus; check ID requirements for campus entry. Exhibitions rotate through global and local contemporary art.

La Brea Tar Pits & Museum (Miracle Mile, 90036) — Discount & Select Free Days

Outdoor tar pits and park are free 24/7. The museum offers occasional free or low-cost days—check the calendar for 2025 and reserve ahead.

Natural History Museum of LA County (Exposition Park, 90007) — Free/Discount Days

Watch for free days and reduced admission throughout the year (reservations usually required). The Nature Gardens are great for kids.

LACMA (Miracle Mile, 90036) — Smart Freebies

• NexGenLA: Kids 17 and under join free and can bring one adult for free general admission.
• Free days and special event discounts appear throughout the year; check the 2025 schedule.

Skirball Cultural Center (Brentwood, 90049) — Free/Pay-What-You-Wish Times

Skirball often lists free or pay-what-you-wish slots (typically on select Thursdays). Advance timed tickets are usually required.

The Huntington (San Marino, 91108) — Monthly Free Day

The first Thursday free day uses a ticket release system; reservations go quickly. It’s outside the LA city limit but worth the planning for gardens, art, and library collections.

More recurring 2025 museum deals

• Museums Free-For-All: Many SoCal museums typically offer one free admission day each January. Expect 2025 details early in the year.
• Bank of America Museums on Us: Cardholders get free general admission to select museums the first full weekend of each month.
• Museums for All: EBT cardholders receive free or $3-and-under entry at participating institutions (e.g., NHM, La Brea Tar Pits, and others—confirm participation).

Best Restaurant Freebies, Birthday Giveaways, and Happy Hour Deals

Restaurants across Los Angeles offer ongoing discounts, birthday promotions, and happy hour bargains. Always check current terms—availability and times can change.

Birthday freebies and sign-up rewards

• Denny’s (multiple locations, e.g., DTLA 90015): Historically offers a birthday Grand Slam for Rewards members with valid ID—confirm participation at your local diner.
• BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (Westwood 90024, Burbank 91502): Expect a free Pizookie reward for Premier Rewards Plus sign-ups, often with an extra birthday treat.
• Starbucks (citywide): Starbucks Rewards members typically get a complimentary birthday drink or food item—must be claimed on your birthday.
• Sprinkles (Beverly Hills 90210, DTLA 90015): Join Sprinkles Perks for birthday rewards redeemable for a cupcake—watch the app for 2025 terms.
• Baskin-Robbins (citywide): The Birthday Club commonly includes a free scoop or discount coupon.
• Krispy Kreme (Inglewood 90301, Burbank 91502): Rewards members often get a free doughnut on their birthday; joining the app sometimes includes a welcome freebie.
• Jersey Mike’s (citywide): MyMike’s members receive a birthday sub reward most years; check 2025 app details.
• Sephora (Beverly Grove 90036, Century City 90067): Beauty Insider birthday gift each year, no purchase required.
• Ulta Beauty (LA Live 90015, Burbank 91502): Ultamate Rewards birthday gifts and bonus points promos rotate by year.

Happy hours and everyday bargains

• Yard House at L.A. LIVE (DTLA, 90015): Robust happy hour food discounts—great for pre-game eats before a concert or game. Check late-night happy hour for additional markdowns.
• Golden Road Brewing (Atwater Village, 90039): Weekday specials and seasonal deals on pints and shareables at the large beer garden.
• The Stalking Horse (Palms/Cheviot, 90034): British pub with rotating happy hour bites and beer deals.
• Wurstküche (Arts District, 90013 & Venice, 90291): Sausage hall known for weekday specials; look for draft or combo discounts.
• Grand Central Market (DTLA, 90013): Several vendors run weekday happy hours or “late-night” discounted plates—watch stall boards for limited-time promos.
• Tuesday taco deals: Many spots along Sunset (90026–90029), Pico (90019–90035), and Lincoln (90291) run Taco Tuesday discounts. Verify local signage and social posts for current pricing.

Pro tips to stack food deals

• Use Too Good To Go for surplus bakery and cafe “surprise bags” (often $4–$7) in neighborhoods like Santa Monica (90401) and Silver Lake (90026).
• Check Yelp Check-In Offers and Google Maps Offers on restaurant listings for immediate coupons.
• Follow your favorite trucks on Instagram; LA food trucks frequently post flash giveaways and BOGO promos for first arrivals.

Free Outdoor Fun and Low-Cost LA Adventures

Beaches, hikes, and public gardens are LA’s ultimate no-cost playground—just budget for parking where applicable.

Beaches (Free, parking varies)

• Santa Monica Beach & Pier (90401): Walk the pier, catch free Twilight concerts when in season, and browse Third Street Promenade street performances.
• Venice Beach (90291): Skatepark, Muscle Beach, and public art walls are all free to watch.
• Dockweiler State Beach (90245): Free beachfront fire rings—arrive early on weekends to claim a pit.
• Manhattan Beach (90266): Walk the pier and visit the free Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the pier (donations welcome).

Hikes with standout views

• Griffith Park (90027): Miles of free trails, plus summer Independent Shakespeare Co. plays—free and beloved.
• Runyon Canyon (90046): A classic LA hike with no admission; popular at sunrise and sunset.
• Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (Culver City area, 90232/90230): Free to climb; paid lot available if you’re driving.
• Temescal Canyon (Pacific Palisades, 90272): Waterfall after winter rains; street parking fills early.

Gardens and green spaces

• Exposition Park Rose Garden (90037): Free when in bloom; closed seasonally for maintenance.
• Lake Balboa at Anthony C. Beilenson Park (Van Nuys, 91406): Spring cherry blossoms, free picnic spots, and inexpensive pedal boat rentals.
• Grand Park (DTLA, 90012): Fountain splash pad for kids, free cultural festivals, and holiday installations.
• Echo Park Lake (90026): Free strolls; pay only if you rent swan boats.

Live Music, Arts, and Event Giveaways in 2025

Free concerts and community festivals run nearly year-round in LA. Many series rely on RSVP lists—claim your slot early.

Free concert series

• Grand Performances (California Plaza, 90013): Free summer world-music and dance concerts with city views.
• Levitt LA (MacArthur Park, 90057): Free outdoor concerts spanning cumbia to indie rock, with family activities.
• Jazz at LACMA (90036): Free Friday evening sets during the season; bring a blanket.
• KCRW Summer Nights (various ZIPs): Complimentary DJ parties and live sets at venues from Chinatown (90012) to the Pier (90401).
• Valley Cultural Foundation (Woodland Hills, 91364): Free Concerts on the Green and Monday Movies throughout summer.

Free and discounted arts experiences

• Amoeba Music (Hollywood, 90028): Regular free in-store performances and signings—arrive early.
• Independent Shakespeare Co. (Griffith Park, 90027): Annual summer stage productions, free with suggested donation.
• LA Made (LAPL branches, citywide): Free author talks, art workshops, and concerts through the Los Angeles Public Library system.
• TodayTix/Goldstar/Fever: Day-of and rush pricing for theater, comedy, and immersive events across 90012, 90028, 90036, and more.

Sports, Attractions, and Theme Park Discounts

Major LA attractions don’t have to break the bank—watch for local-resident discounts, weekday markdowns, and giveaway nights.

Pro and college sports deals

• Dodger Stadium (90012): Promotional giveaway nights include bobbleheads and themed merch; upper-deck seats can be a bargain if you buy early.
• BMO Stadium (Exposition Park, 90037): LAFC and Angel City FC occasionally run midweek or supporter-section discounts; follow team socials for flash sales.
• UCLA/USC (90095/90089): Students often get free or heavily discounted tickets for many sports; families can find value games and ticket bundles.

Theme parks and attractions

• Universal Studios Hollywood (91608/91602): Watch for Southern California resident ticket sales and off-peak 1-day markdowns; entry to Universal CityWalk is free (parking fees vary).
• Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, 90802): Seasonal discount nights and coupon codes appear throughout the year; check for late-afternoon savings.
• Los Angeles Zoo (Griffith Park, 90027): Membership promos and occasional discounted admission days, especially in shoulder seasons.

Student, Teacher, and Family Discounts in LA

Educational IDs and family programs unlock serious savings across the city.

Performing arts and music

• LA Phil Student Insiders (90012): Students can snag low-cost tickets (often around $10–$20) to Walt Disney Concert Hall and Hollywood Bowl concerts.
• Theater rush (various ZIPs): Many venues offer student/teacher rush or under-30 pricing—check the Geffen Playhouse (90024), Center Theatre Group (90012), and independent houses in NoHo (91601).

Museums and families

• LACMA NexGenLA (90036): Free youth membership lets each child bring one adult free for general admission.
• Museums for All: EBT/WIC/CalFresh cardholders get free or low-cost entry at many LA-area museums and aquariums—bring ID and card.
• LAPL Discover & Go: Los Angeles Public Library cardholders can reserve limited free passes to partner museums and attractions each month. Popular picks go fast.

Transit and mobility savings

• Metro GoPass: Eligible K–12 and community college students ride free with a registered TAP card via participating schools.
• LIFE (Low-Income Fare Is Easy): Qualified riders receive fare credits or free ride allotments on Metro and partner agencies.
• Angels Flight (90013): Historic funicular is a discount icon—just a small fare with TAP card discounts for quick hill hops.
• Metro Bike Share: Students and low-income riders can qualify for discounted passes; watch for $0 unlock promos.

Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood: Free and Cheap Highlights by ZIP

Use this quick index to plan by neighborhood. Each includes at least one free thing and a go-to deal.

90012 — Downtown/Grand Park

• Free: The Broad (timed-tickets), Grand Park events, and views from the Walt Disney Concert Hall garden.
• Deal: Angels Flight funicular is a tiny splurge; look for TAP discounts.

90013 — Arts District/Little Tokyo

• Free: MOCA Geffen admission and murals along Traction Ave.
• Deal: Grand Central Market happy hour plates and off-peak coffee specials.

90028 — Hollywood

• Free: Hollywood Walk of Fame strolls and in-store shows at Amoeba Music.
• Deal: Discount Tuesday movie tickets at nearby cinemas; check Laemmle/AMC.

90036 — Miracle Mile/Fairfax

• Free: LACMA outdoor sculpture garden and Jazz at LACMA (in season).
• Deal: La Brea Tar Pits museum select free days.

90024 — Westwood/UCLA

• Free: Hammer Museum and Fowler Museum.
• Deal: Student eats along Westwood Blvd with app-based coupons and late-night slice specials.

90401 — Santa Monica

• Free: Twilight concerts on the Pier (when scheduled), beach access, and Third Street Promenade buskers.
• Deal: Happy hour seafood plates near Ocean Ave; validate parking at participating garages for the lowest rates.

90291 — Venice

• Free: Boardwalk, skatepark, and sunset at the pier.
• Deal: Weekday cafe promos along Abbot Kinney; watch for BOGO coffee posts in the morning.

90027 — Los Feliz/Griffith Park

• Free: Griffith Observatory admission and trails.
• Deal: Greek Theatre lawn listening outside the gates on concert nights is free ambience.

90731 — San Pedro

• Free: Korean Friendship Bell and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (free with suggested donation).
• Deal: Port events often feature complimentary family activities and maritime demos.

91364 — Woodland Hills/West Valley

• Free: Valley Cultural Foundation’s Concerts on the Green.
• Deal: Warner Center happy hours and rotating food truck nights with bundle pricing.

91601 — North Hollywood/NoHo Arts District

• Free: Public art walks and park performances.
• Deal: Fringe and small theaters with pay-what-you-can previews; TodayTix rush for last-minute bargains.

Apps, Passes, and Hacks to Find LA Deals in 2025

These tools surface giveaways and discounts faster than word of mouth.

Ticketing and event apps

• Goldstar: Live event markdowns, comp ticket offers (just pay fees), and same-day bargains.
• TodayTix: Rush and lottery tickets for theater and comedy—watch for $15–$25 windows.
• Fever/DICE: Pop-ups, DJ nights, and immersive experiences with free RSVP or early-bird pricing.
• Bandsintown/Songkick: Track free in-stores, rooftop sessions, and secret set RSVPs.

Food and retail savings

• Too Good To Go: Surprise bags from bakeries and cafes (Silver Lake 90026, Santa Monica 90401, Westwood 90024).
• UNiDAYS/Student Beans: Student-only retail discounts at Westfield Century City (90067) and The Grove (90036).
• AAA/Costco: Attraction and restaurant gift card bundles that cut 15–30% off face value.

City passes and seasonal promos

• Go City Los Angeles: If you’re stacking paid attractions, the pass can offer significant per-day savings—especially off-peak.
• SoCal Museums Free-For-All: Mark your January calendar; 2025 participants announced close to the event.
• Bank of America Museums on Us: First full weekend monthly for cardholders—bring your card and ID.

Quick Planner: A 48-Hour Free-and-Cheap LA Itinerary

Day 1 — DTLA and Arts District (mostly free)

1. Morning: Timed entry at The Broad (90012). Coffee deal via a check-in offer along Grand Ave.
2. Midday: MOCA Grand (90012) or Geffen Contemporary (90013), then picnic at Grand Park.
3. Afternoon: Angels Flight ride (small fare), then window-shop at Grand Central Market for late lunch happy hour bites.
4. Evening: Free concert at California Plaza (Grand Performances, in season) or a comp ticket via Goldstar.

Day 2 — Westside and the Coast (complimentary + discounts)

1. Morning: Hammer Museum (90024), then stroll UCLA campus sculpture gardens.
2. Midday: Head to Santa Monica (90401). Grab a Too Good To Go surprise bag for a budget picnic.
3. Afternoon: Beach time and Santa Monica Pier; check for free Twilight shows.
4. Evening: Venice sunset (90291), then happy hour at a nearby cafe or pub with weekday food specials.

One More Daily Freebie in Your ZIP: ZipSweep

Want a daily no-cost giveaway that’s hyperlocal? ZipSweep is a free, ad-funded daily sweepstakes built around U.S. ZIP codes. Each day, a winning code (ZIP + user ID) is drawn. If the exact match doesn’t claim by 9 PM, the prize sometimes rolls over and becomes available to anyone in that ZIP—first come, first served. It’s fast, fair, and frictionless—no tickets, no payments, no catch—and a fun extra freebie to check alongside your regular LA deals.

From comp museum days and birthday rewards to student rush tickets, Los Angeles is packed with ways to save in 2025. Keep an eye on calendars, RSVP early, and stack apps to turn full-price plans into fun, low-cost adventures—then grab a local daily freebie while you’re at it.