Beyond the 90 Minutes: Best Free Things to Do in Los Angeles Between Matchdays
Hello, stadium travelers! 🇲🇦🔥🇺🇸
Traveling for a World Cup is an absolute dream, but let’s be honest—between stadium tickets, flights, and accommodation, your travel budget can take a serious hit. But here is the good news: the host cities have so much more to offer beyond the stadium gates, and some of the best experiences won't cost you a single dollar!
If you are hanging out around Southern California between matchdays and waiting for the next big kickoff at SoFi Stadium, you don't have to sit in your room. Straight from The Stadium Traveler 365, here is your ultimate budget-friendly guide to exploring the best free sights in Los Angeles like a pro traveler.
🏖️ 1. Soak Up the Vibe at Venice Beach & Santa Monica
You cannot visit Los Angeles without stepping onto its iconic coastline. A walk along the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk is pure entertainment—filled with street performers, artists, and the famous outdoor Muscle Beach. From there, you can walk or bike down the path straight to the historic Santa Monica Pier. Watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from the sandy shores is a legendary California experience that costs absolutely nothing.
🎬 2. Stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame
It’s touristy, it’s vibrant, and it’s completely free to explore. Head down to Hollywood Boulevard to find the stars of your favorite actors, musicians, and icons embedded in the sidewalks. While you are there, you can get a great view of the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and snap some classic photographs of the bustling city streets that have formed the backdrop of countless films.
🔭 3. Hike to the Griffith Observatory & See the Hollywood Sign
For the absolute best panoramic views of the entire Los Angeles basin and the closest free viewing spot of the world-famous Hollywood Sign, head up to Griffith Park. Admission to the Griffith Observatory grounds and the building itself is entirely free. It’s the perfect place to go for an afternoon hike to stretch your legs between intense matchdays and catch a breathtaking view of the city lights turning on at dusk.
🎨 4. Walk Through the Urban Light at LACMA
If you want to grab an spectacular photo for your travel profile, head over to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) at night. While entering the museum galleries requires a ticket, walking through the famous "Urban Light" installation outside is completely free. It features 202 restored historic cast-iron street lamps arranged in a beautiful, glowing forest formation that looks incredible under the night sky.
YOUR BETWEEN-MATCH PLAN? ✈️
What is your favorite way to spend time in a host city when there is no match?
💬 Over to you:
Which of these free LA spots would you visit first between World Cup matches? Do you have any hidden budget travel tips for exploring host cities? Share your itineraries, recommendations, and questions in the comments below!