60 attractions

Free things to do in California

53 attractions whose own website says admission is free, and 7 more with a free day or evening open to everyone. Every line below is the venue’s own sentence, quoted word for word.

Not a coupon list. A venue is here only if its own website says admission is free, or names a regular free day that anyone can use. Free-for-some offers — residents, military, EBT cardholders, children — stay on the venue’s own page under “If you qualify”, because they are savings, not free days.

Always free

53 attractions, by region.

Free in San Diego

7

The venue says: “Admission is Free” — craftsmanshipmuseum.com, checked September 4, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is always free” — lajollahistory.org, checked September 4, 2026

The venue says: “Always Free Admission” — soledadmemorial.org, checked September 4, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is Free, Classroom Tours are available.” — nhgallery.org, checked September 4, 2026

Free in Los Angeles

8

The venue says: “Our core exhibit galleries are always FREE and do not require a reservation.” — californiasciencecenter.org, checked September 4, 2026

The venue says: “The tour is free, but a donation of $3.00 per person is appreciated.” — sanpedrobayhistoricalsociety.com, checked September 4, 2026

The venue says: “FREE ADMISSION” — lafdmuseum.org, checked September 4, 2026

Free in Orange County

4

The venue says: “Admission is free.” — fullertontrainmuseum.org, checked September 4, 2026

Free in the Bay Area

11

The venue says: “Our FREE Public Train rides has resumed operations” — ggls.org, checked September 6, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free however donations are welcome.” — rowlandfreedomcenter.org, checked September 5, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is FREE.” — sharpsteenmuseum.org, checked September 4, 2026

Free in the Central Coast

10

The venue says: “Barn animals, outdoor fun & tractor rides. Always FREE!” — goletahistory.org, checked September 6, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free.” — smnaturalhistory.org, checked September 4, 2026

The venue says: “General admission is FREE!” — sacvalleymuseum.org, checked September 6, 2026

Free in the Inland Empire & Desert

7

The venue says: “Parking & Admission are ALWAYS FREE!” — greenspotfarms.com, checked September 6, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free, but donations are graciously accepted.” — thehemetmuseum.org, checked September 4, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is Free” — mottemuseum.com, checked September 4, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is always free.” — pettersonmuseum.org, checked September 5, 2026

Free in the Central Valley

2

The venue says: “Admission is free!” — mchenrymuseum.org, checked September 6, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is Free” — veteransmemorialmuseum.org, checked September 4, 2026

Free in Sacramento & Gold Country

4

The venue says: “Visiting the State Capitol Museum is free.” — capitolmuseum.ca.gov, checked September 4, 2026

The venue says: “Museum admission is free.” — museumofmedicalhistory.org, checked September 4, 2026

The venue says: “A Non-Profit Museum that Offers Free Admission” — sierraloggingmuseum.org, checked September 4, 2026

Free days and evenings

7 attractions that open their doors for nothing on a set day each month. The day is in the venue’s own words below; check it before you go.

The venue says: “On the first Sunday of each month, general admission is free and tickets to our special exhibitions are offered at a discounted price of $10.” — asianart.org, checked September 5, 2026

The venue says: “Every Second Sunday and Third Thursday of the month. Free Admission” — mcasd.org, checked August 25, 2026

The venue says: “Every first Sunday of the month, admission to OMCA's Galleries of California Art, History, Natural Sciences, and any Special Exhibitions in our Great Hall are free.” — museumca.org, checked September 4, 2026

The venue says: “FREE ADMISSION SATURDAYS Visit the museum for FREE every first Saturday of the month from 12pm - 4pm.” — tularehistoricalmuseum.org, checked September 5, 2026