I have lived in LA for a little over 3 years now and am constantly surprised by the breadth of new experiences and adventures you can find if you look hard enough. And while the big attractions like Hollywood Blvd and Santa Monica pier are certainly iconic and worth the time for first time visitors, there are so many totally free things you can see in LA off the beaten path. So I've put together a list of some of my favorite things/places to do in LA that are Totally Free and Off the beaten path.

1. Hike up to Griffith Observatory and Learn about the Stars

Okay, so in the realm of popular things to do in LA, hiking up to Griffith Observatory is in the top 5. But as a self proclaimed astronomy/space nerd, I can't help but include this on every single one of my LA lists. Hiking up to the observatory is a fun ,not too strenuous hike with serious photo-worthy views of LA and the Hollywood Sign. But for me, its the museum inside that is worth a meandering. Griffith Observatory, known as the 'Peoples Observatory' was completed in 1937. The museum inside also houses many artifacts throughout astronomical history as a nice showcase and education center for the public. Today, Griffith Observatory still operates and observes and is contributing to the ongoing research of the stars.

2. Picnic at Echo Park Lake

Echo Park Lake

I moved to LA after Echo Park's massive renovation project had been completed so I count myself lucky. The park is such a great place to spend your weekends hanging around. You can jog around the lake, take the paddle boats out, or my favorite: grab a picnic, blanket, and a good book! I always feel most calm when I'm around the water and Echo Park Lake epitomizes relaxation and enjoyment for me. Also check out the Echo Park Farmers Market that goes on every Friday from 3pm-7:30pm.

3. Greystone Mansion

The Greystone Mansion plays an intriguing part in Hollywood History but it still remains one of the best kept secrets of LA. Even some of my native Angelinos friends have never even heard of Greystone Mansion. Also known as the Doheny Mansion, this estate sits on 16 acres right in the heart of Beverly Hills and was home to Ned and Lucy Doheny. Ned was involved in a mysterious murder/suicide with his secretary and after his widow passed away the mansion was eventually added the National Register of Historical Places. Now the sprawling estate is a top movie/tv location. Some of the biggest movies that used the mansion were The Big Lebowski, The Social Network, and There Will Be Blood. For a complete list of all the movies/tv shows that have filmed on site, click here!

4. See the View from the top of City Hall

City Hall might not be the tallest building in DTLA currently but for 36 years it was due to a city charter that prohibited any buildings from being taller until 1964. Since then, many buildings have sprouted up around City Hall, but it still possesses a little bit of charm. To get to the top of the building, you have to have:

Have a Valid ID/passport
Pass through a metal detector
Take 2 elevators
Walk up the stairs
Enjoy the view

At the top, there is a podium photo-op set up so that you can capture yourself as the mayor of Los Angeles. Its cute and fun. My favorite thing about City Hall is the architecture. The building was built in 1928 and is reminiscent of the Art Deco era. City Hall always celebrate monthly events outside and on the day I went, they were having their Black History Month celebrations with live music, food, and guest speakers. It was a really cool to sit out and watch the party.Visit lacity.org for more info!

5. Relive your favorite movie moments at the Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building is iconic in Hollywood History. You will probably recognize the interior in some of your favorite movies! most notably in Blade Runner. The building itself was built in 1983, commissioned by a gold mining millionaire. He first hired a local architect but later fired him because he did not feel his work was lavish enough. Today the building is a National Historic Landmark and completely free and open to the public. The interior is so ornate and cool that I like to pop in every time I'm in the area. For a List of other movies/tv shot at the Bradbury Building click here!

6. Walk up and down the Silver Lake Stairs

The Not-so-Secret Staircases of Los Angeles have become a huge destination for bloggers especially with Silver Lake's Adopt a Stair program. The Los Angeles stairways were installed long before the LA Car culture, in which trolleys and busses were the main form of transportation. People had to walk through the sprawling hills down into the city. The fine people over at Secret Stairs - LA have even compiled a book that you can buy off amazon of the different hikes incorporating most of the steps. You will find many staircases in Silver Lake due to the hilly terrain. They are all worth the visit. The Mattachine Steps happen to connect the neighborhoods to the east bank of the Silver Lake Reservoir.

7. Find your Zen in Franklin Canyon Park

I discovered Franklin Canyon Lake completely by accident. I have always been very connected to the ocean because I grew up in Santa Barbara. One day, I was looking for a new place to wander and in Google Maps, I noticed a park that I had never been too with a lake nearby. So I set my sights for Franklin Canyon Park immediately . At the reservoir , the sound of traffic does not exist as you can hear the ducks in the pond. Its a great place to take a couple minutes to yourself, be present, or meditate.What are some of your favorite things to do and see in LA that are totally free?