A SHORT GUIDE TO FREE ACTIVITIES IN LOS ANGELES, SAN DIEGO, ORANGE COUNTY, AND SANTA BARBAR
By Lindenberg Junior (Updated July 2025)
Summer in Southern California officially runs from Thursday, June 20 through Monday, September 22, 2025 – and if you’re looking to make the most of it without spending a dime, we’ve got you covered! From iconic beach walks to free music under the stars and inspiring festivals, SoCal offers a kaleidoscope of outdoor fun, perfect for families, couples, friends or solo adventurers.
Forget the TV — this is your season to unplug and rejuvenate. Here’s a handpicked list of more than 10 awesome FREE (or very low-cost) things to do across L.A, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Orange County in 2025. and do not forget to check our CALENDAR, Soul Brasil events page for more Free Fun and of course, Brazilian events in Southern California!
1. Kick Off the Season with These Free Summer Parades & Festivals
- Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration – June 20-22, 2025
A stunning kickoff to the season with wild costumes, giant puppets, and live performances in Alameda Park. - Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off – June 28, 2025
Five music stages, tasty chili samples, and beachside vibes. Don’t miss the community mural or the children’s area!
2. Picnic + Hike Day at Palos Verdes Peninsula
From Ocean Trails Reserve to Point Vicente Lighthouse and the Redondo Beach Pier, this is a dream spot for nature lovers and sunset chasers. Ideal for a family picnic or a romantic hike.
3. Waterfront Day at Marina Del Rey
Walk, bike, or relax along the promenade. Check out Fisherman’s Village, grab a snack, or catch free weekend concerts.
- Visit Marina Del Rey
- Summer Concert Series – Fisherman’s Village https://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events
4. Beach Hopping & Boardwalk Culture
No California summer is complete without a beach day. Some top free beach walks:
- Venice Beach to Santa Monica Path — street performers, skate dancers, Muscle Beach, and more
- Pacific Beach, San Diego
- Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara
5. Griffith Park Adventures (L.A.)
4,000+ acres of pure fun: pony rides, free museum exhibits, scenic hikes to the Hollywood sign, and free telescope viewings at Griffith Observatory.
- Griffith Park & Observatory https://www.laparks.org/griffithpark
6. Free Summer Concert Series Across SoCal
Grab your blanket and enjoy the soundtrack of summer:
- Twilight Concerts – Santa Monica Pier (Thursdays at 7PM)
- Marina del Rey – Fisherman’s Village (Saturdays at 6PM)
- Levitt Pavilion Free Shows – MacArthur Park & Pasadena
- Long Beach Live on Pine – Saturdays
- DTLA Pershing Square Summer Concerts (Wednesdays & Sundays)
7. Hollywood Bowl Free Rehearsals (Weekday Mornings)
Want to hear the L.A. Philharmonic for free? You can! Check the Hollywood Bowl schedule and stop by during morning rehearsals (typically weekdays from 9–12).
8. O’Neill Regional Park Hikes (Orange County)
Perfect for family-friendly hiking. Bonus: educational talks by rangers about local wildlife.
- Entry Fee: $2 weekdays / $4 weekends https://www.ocparks.com/parks-trails/oneill-regional-park
9. Three Must-Visit Imaginative Playgrounds for Kids
- Rocketship Park – Torrance
5101 Calle de Ricardo, Torrance, CA - Vincent Lugo Park – San Gabriel (La Laguna)
300 W. Wells St, San Gabriel, CA
City of San Gabriel Info - Atlantis Play Center – Garden Grove
13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, CA (admission $2 per person, under 2 free)
Park Info
Bonus Tips
- Bring sunscreen, water bottles, and reusable bags.
- Many of these venues have eco-conscious practices — help keep them clean!
- Arrive early for better parking (especially for free concert events).
We hope this 2025 edition of Southern California Summer Free Fun helps you plan some magical, memorable, and budget-friendly adventures this season! If you found this helpful, feel FREE to SHARE and don’t forget to recommend it to friends and family who deserve a beautiful summer too! And do not forget to check our CALENDAR back from time to time to be aware of some Brazilian or other free events that you wouldn’t want to miss.
