Most Olympics visitors have events spread across multiple days with gaps in between. Los Angeles is genuinely one of the best cities in the world to have free time in — but knowing where to go without wasting half your day in traffic is what separates a great trip from an exhausting one. This guide organises the best between-event activities by how much time you have and which part of the city you're based in.
The original Forum arena (now called Kia Forum) sits adjacent to SoFi and hosts concerts and events separately from the Olympics. The surrounding streets have shops and restaurants worth wandering. During the Olympics, this area will likely have fan zones and activations worth checking out.
Manhattan Beach is one of LA's most beautiful beach towns — compact, walkable, and affluent with a great restaurant strip on Manhattan Beach Blvd. El Segundo is quieter and more local. Both are a short rideshare from Inglewood and give you genuinely good beach time without going to the more crowded Santa Monica.
The Broad is one of the best contemporary art museums in the US and is free to visit on weekend mornings. MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) is steps away on Grand Ave. Both are walkable from most DTLA hotels. Book timed entry at thebroad.org if you want guaranteed access.
Grand Central Market is a historic food hall on Broadway with dozens of vendors serving everything from Thai food to egg sandwiches to birria. Open from early morning until evening. It's authentic, not tourist-centric, and gives you a genuine taste of LA food culture. Perfect for breakfast or lunch between events.
Angel's Flight is a historic funicular railway in DTLA — one of the world's shortest. The Bunker Hill area above it has brutalist architecture, public art, the Walt Disney Concert Hall (Frank Gehry design), and excellent city views. A 90-minute wander from most DTLA hotels.
Venice Beach is one of the most culturally rich and entertaining stretches of coastline in the country. The boardwalk has street performers, basketball courts, bodybuilders, and food stalls. Abbot Kinney Blvd running inland has boutique restaurants and shops. Allow 3–4 hours to do it properly.
Runyon Canyon Park above Hollywood offers excellent city views from the ridge and is manageable in 1.5–2 hours. Griffith Observatory is slightly further but offers the best panoramic views of LA and a free planetarium exhibition. Both require a short hike. Go early to avoid heat and crowds.
Old Town Pasadena on Colorado Blvd is one of LA's most pleasant walkable districts. Good independent restaurants, bookshops, boutiques, and wide pedestrian-friendly streets. After a Rose Bowl event, this is an easy and genuinely enjoyable place to spend a few hours before heading back.
The Huntington is a remarkable estate with world-class botanical gardens, an art museum, and a research library. The Japanese garden alone is worth the visit. Requires half a day to do properly. Book in advance at huntington.org as timed entry is required.
LA28 is expected to create official Fan Zones across the city where you can watch events on big screens, experience interactive exhibits, and enjoy cultural programming. These typically appear near major venue areas and in central public spaces. Details will be announced closer to the Games at la28.org.
Our free planner maps your events and free time together so you make the most of every day in LA.
Get the free plannerWhat's the best free thing to do in LA near the Olympic venues?
The beach (Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach), Griffith Observatory, Grand Central Market, and Angel's Flight / Bunker Hill are all either free or very low cost and genuinely excellent. The beach is the single best free option — it's what makes LA unlike any other Olympics host city.
Can I walk between Olympic venues in LA?
No — the venues are spread across the greater LA area. Walking between them isn't feasible. Use Metro rail or rideshare to move between zones.
Will there be official LA28 fan zones?
LA28 is expected to create live sites and fan zones in central areas. The full plan hasn't been announced as of mid-2025. Check la28.org closer to the Games for confirmed locations and programming.
Related: 3-Day LA Olympics Itinerary | LA28 Venue Zones Guide | Getting Around LA