Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Florence-Graham, CA

  • Published 2023/02/21

Florence-Graham is a vibrant unincorporated community in Los Angeles County, California, that offers plenty of exciting and free attractions for locals and tourists.

From historic parks to outdoor recreation areas, several points of interest within the community and its surrounding areas won’t cost you a dime.

Since Florence-Graham is a suburb of Los Angeles, you can always make a quick day trip to the nearby city for even more free activities.

Some of the free activities discussed here can be combined with a visit to Los Angeles.

Without further ado, here are some fun and free things to do in Florence-Graham, California.

Spend a Day at Franklin D. Roosevelt Park

Franklin D. Roosevelt Park is one of the oldest parks in the Florence-Graham area and the entire Los Angeles County.

Located at 7600 Graham Avenue, this park is named after the famous president, who dedicated it in 1933.

At 2.5 acres, the park covers more than 25 acres and is packed with many features that will keep you entertained all day.

Some amenities include sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields, handball courts, volleyball courts, and much more.

There’s also a public fitness zone and fitness par course where you can work out and get active in the open.

There’s also a skate park for all skateboarders looking for a place to practice or showcase their moves.

Kids will also enjoy all the amenities and equipment at the playground and tot lot.

If you like exploring the entire park, you can stroll on the many trails or lie down and relax under one of the many trees.

With tons of amenities and activities, Franklin D. Roosevelt Park is one of the best free places to visit in Florence-Graham.

Learn Something New at Graham Library

Tourists should consider going to public libraries more during their travels.

Most of their amenities are complimentary, and you also learn something new there.

For instance, you can visit the Graham Library in Florence-Graham.

The Graham Library offers free access to a wide selection of books and media, free computer access, and Wifi.

They also offer free lectures and reading sessions all year round, various library services, and a host of adult and children’s programs.

In addition to library services, you can join book clubs to discuss recent books or attend events such as writing workshops and movie nights.

However, some of these activities require you to pay a registration fee.

Overall, Graham Library is a great place to visit during your vacation at Florence-Graham.

Relive Basketball History at Colonel Leon H. Washington Park

Colonel Leon H. Washington Park is one of the most popular parks in the Florence-Graham community.

Conveniently located at 8908 Maie Avenue, this park is one of the venues for the Drew League, a famous Los Angeles-based basketball tournament founded in 1973.

From 2006 to 2011, many famous NBA players played at the park’s gymnasium, like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Amare Stoudamire.

While the Drew League has moved to the nearby King/Drew Magnet High School Gymnasium, Colonel Leon H. Washington Park is still a trendy spot for basketball tournaments and casual pick-up games.

Apart from its basketball roots, this park also features plenty of amenities for visitors.

Other amenities include a children’s play area, community center, picnic tables, tennis courts, barbecue areas, swimming pools, public fitness equipment, exercise center, futsal courts, skate park, and more.

If you want to experience basketball history, check out Colonel Leon H. Washington Park.

Spend the Day at Ted Watkins Memorial Park

Named after the Watts Labor Community Action Committee founder, Ted Watkins Memorial Park is a popular park in the Florence-Graham area.

Located at 1335 E 103rd Street, this 28-acre park provides recreational activities and historical significance.

Ted Watkins Memorial Park is home to the Promenade of Prominence Walk of Fame, a walkway that features the names of community leaders in the Florence-Graham area.

The park is also home to Team Ridley-Thomas Youth Club, which provides youth with sports, education, and recreational activities.

In addition to this park’s historical significance, visitors can enjoy various amenities, including picnic tables, barbecue areas, playgrounds and tot lots, a community center, and a gymnasium.

It also has several sports facilities, including basketball courts, tennis courts, a soccer field, softball, and baseball fields, a field for flag football, a swimming pool, and volleyball courts.

There’s also a skate park, which is excellent for those trying skateboarding or rollerblading.

So, if you want to learn about the history of Florence-Graham and exercise while you’re at it, check out Ted Watkins Memorial Park.

Join a Community Event at Mary M. Bethune Park

Mary M. Bethune was a prominent African-American educator and civil rights leader in the Florence-Graham community.

To honor her legacy, this park at 1244 E 61st Street was built in her name.

This park is also quite popular as a venue for various community events such as movie nights, holiday parties, and art/craft classes.

Mary M. Bethune Park also has an active community center that provides various programs and services for Florence-Graham residents, especially the youth.

Apart from the community events, visitors can also enjoy several amenities here, including a children’s play area, picnic tables, barbecue areas, rentable multipurpose rooms, campsites, and well-maintained restrooms.

The park also features sports facilities such as basketball courts, baseball fields, tennis courts, a gymnasium, handball courts, flag football fields, swimming pools, and much more.

Mary M. Bethune Park is also home to the first skatepark in Florence-Graham.

The skate park features a half pipe, grind rails, and other classic skateboarding elements.

With plenty of amenities and community events, you’ll have fun at Mary M. Bethune Park.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Despite the limited number of free attractions in Florence-Graham, it’s conveniently located within Los Angeles County.

Visitors will still have plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the attractions of the City of Angels and its surrounding areas.

With that said, here are other things to do nearby Florence-Graham, California.

Take a Self-Guided Campus Tour of the University of Southern California

Signage of the University of Southern California

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The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university in Los Angeles, 13 minutes from Florence-Graham.

This school is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and is worth visiting.

The best way to explore USC is through a self-guided campus tour.

Reservations are not required to visit the University Park Campus.

However, you must book reservations for guided and self-guided tours.

People walking along the University of Southern California

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These free tours will take you to the university’s most iconic spots, from its lush gardens and parks to its state-of-the-art buildings.

The free tours also allow visitors to explore the beautiful grounds of the university, take in its awe-inspiring architecture, and learn about all the exciting opportunities it offers.

If you want a free and educational experience, check out the University of Southern California and explore its historic grounds!

Auditorium at the University of Southern California

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Enjoy Football at Raul R. Perez Memorial Park

Raul R. Perez Memorial Park is a multipurpose park and sports complex at 6208 Alameda Street in Huntington Park, California, seven minutes from Florence-Graham.

At 4.47 acres, Raul R. Perez Memorial Park is a large outdoor area that offers a variety of sports and recreational facilities.

Watching a local football game is one of the best things to do here.

The park features a football field that hosts youth, high school, and adult football leagues.

While entering the actual football field area during a game will require you to pay an entrance fee, you can still watch the games from the outside.

The park also has other facilities, including a children’s playground, picnic area, walking trail, outdoor exercise equipment, rentable private spaces, a community building, and a well-maintained restroom.

So, if you’re looking for something fun near Florence-Graham, why not watch a local football game at Raul R. Perez Memorial Park?

Explore Salt Lake Park

The 23-acre Salt Lake Park in nearby Huntington Park is a massive outdoor recreational area that offers many exciting activities and facilities and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Salt Lake Park offers numerous amenities, including a recreation center, a gymnasium for playing indoor basketball and volleyball games, outdoor basketball courts, a soccer field, baseball fields, batting cages, tennis courts, public weight rooms, and much more.

There’s also a playground for kids who want fun and a jogging trail for visitors who wish to stay active.

Salt Lake Park also features a skate park where you can witness some of the best skateboarding performances in Los Angeles County.

If you feel hungry, there’s also a concession stand that sells a variety of snacks and beverages.

This park is ten minutes from Florence-Graham.

Stimulate Your Curiosity at California Science Center

Exterior of the California Science Center

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Visit an exciting and educational attraction for visitors who want to increase their knowledge of science and technology, the California Science Center.

Located in Los Angeles, the California Science Center is a great spot to explore and learn about science.

The museum features many interactive exhibits perfect for children and adults, such as the Discovery Room and the Discovery Suites.

Aircraft in the California Science Center

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The California Science Center also offers the Samuel Oschin Pavilion, a permanent space shuttle exhibit, and the IMAX theater, featuring documentaries and educational films.

While access to some of the center’s exhibits requires an admission fee, entry to the center itself is 100% free.

Explore the nearby California Science Center for an educational and stimulating experience.

You can find the center 14 minutes from Florence-Graham.

Interior of the California Science Center

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Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park

Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park is a tranquil and pristine park in Los Angeles, five minutes from Florence-Graham.

The park is named after Augustus F. Hawkins, a former politician and founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

He was also one of the longest-serving members in the history of Congress.

Located at 5790 Compton Avenue, this 8.5-acre local park offers an excellent place for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.

A former cement pipe storage yard, the local government has converted the area into an outdoor recreational park that offers picnic areas, a playground, and plenty of trails for pleasant walks.

This remarkable state-of-the-art natural park provides a green feature in the urban landscape and is a great spot to relax, unwind, and take in beautiful sights.

The park also features native plants, an outdoor amphitheater, and a shaded picnic area where you can have lunch or snacks.

Don’t forget to explore Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park and enjoy its many outdoor activities.

See Contemporary Art at the Broad Museum

Exterior of The Broad Museum

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For art lovers who want to check out the local art scene in Los Angeles, the Broad Museum is the ideal destination to visit.

Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Board Museum is a contemporary art museum showcasing works from an array of renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Robert Rauschenberg.

The museum also offers free audio-guided tours to help you understand the artworks displayed.

Interior of The Broad Museum

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The Broad Museum also offers interactive exhibits such as the “Infinity Mirrored Room” that allow visitors to explore different contemporary art forms.

Some of these exhibits will require an admission fee; however, general entry to the museum is free.

If you want to contemplate and appreciate the works of great artists, don’t forget to visit the Broad Museum, 17 minutes from Florence-Graham.

Boulder sculpture at The Broad Museum

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Play Tennis at Lynwood Park

The parks mentioned in this list up until now all feature tennis courts.

However, none can compare to the tennis scene at Lynwood Park, which is an excellent spot for those who love playing this timeless game.

Located nearby Lynwood, California, Lynwood Park is well known for its active and competitive tennis community.

The park features four well-maintained tennis courts and plenty of space for spectators to view the games.

Tournaments are held regularly at Lynwood Park, offering a vibrant and exciting atmosphere perfect for those looking to improve their game and make new friends.

Apart from tennis, Lynwood Park also offers other amenities such as baseball fields, an open field for playing soccer and football, basketball courts, and plenty of walking trails.

This park is 14 minutes from Florence-Graham.

Go on an Adventure at South Los Angeles Wetlands Park

If you’re feeling active and want to go on a long and adventurous hike, go to South Los Angeles Wetlands Park in Los Angeles, eight minutes from Florence-Graham.

Located just 2.6 miles from Florence-Graham, this 9-acre park features trails that wind through a network of wetlands, creeks, and ponds.

Walking through its trails is quite refreshing as the scenic views allow visitors to take in the beauty of nature—having a chance to observe a variety of fauna and flora—while in the middle of an urban city.

Visitors can spot various species of birds and other wildlife in the park, such as ducks, rabbits, turtles, beavers, and even fish.

So, visit South Los Angeles Wetlands Park if you’re looking for a fun and free activity that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Take a Free Tour of the Walt Disney Concert Hall

Exterior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall

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If you’re a fan of music and architecture, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a must-visit attraction in downtown Los Angeles, 17 minutes from Florence-Graham.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a great spot to appreciate art and music.

The hall offers free one-hour guided tours that guests can join, which feature the building’s exciting features, such as its architectural designs and acoustic qualities.

Apart from that, the hall also offers plenty of musical performances throughout the year—from classical to jazz and world music—so you can find something that will pique your interest.

Interior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall

Maciej Bledowski / Shutterstock.com

However, apart from the free one-hour tour, the live performances will require you to pay for tickets.

The price of these tickets will depend on the type of performance you’re watching, so check the hall’s schedule for more information about any upcoming events.

Don’t forget to take a free one-hour tour at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Part of the Walt Disney Concert Hall's interior

Kapi Ng / Shutterstock.com

Play Sports at the Ross Snyder Recreation Center

There’s nothing like getting active and playing sports with the locals at the Ross Snyder Recreation Center.

This park in Los Angeles is one of the best places to visit for those looking to stay active and play sports.

The center is eight minutes from Florence-Graham.

It offers plenty of amenities such as basketball courts, baseball, and volleyball courts, a soccer field, a softball field, and two outdoor swimming pools.

In addition to all these amenities, the center also features a fitness room where visitors can work out and stay in shape.

Check out the Ross Snyder Recreation Center for a fantastic sports experience.

Final Thoughts

Florence-Graham and its surrounding areas offer plenty of free and exciting things to do and explore.

Plenty of attractions can pique your interest and provide a memorable experience.

Check out the free things to do in Florence-Graham, California, on your budget-friendly vacation to the Golden State!

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