Griffith Observatory
- Admission
- Free admission to the building and grounds; planetarium show tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/students, and $6 for children ages 5-12.
- Hours
- Tuesday - Friday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM; Closed Mondays.
- Duration
- 2-3 hours
- Parking
- Paid parking is available in the lot at the observatory for $10 per hour. Free parking is available at the Greek Theatre lot lower down the hill, but a walk or paid shuttle ride is required from there.
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible ramps, elevators, designated parking spaces, and accessible restrooms. Assistive listening devices are available for planetarium shows.
Perched high on Mount Hollywood, this iconic Art Deco landmark offers stunning views of the Los Angeles Basin and the stars above. It features world-class science exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and historic telescopes. Best of all, admission to the building and grounds is completely free.
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Opened in 1935, Griffith Observatory was funded by a bequest from Colonel Griffith J. Griffith, who envisioned making astronomy accessible to the public. The stunning Art Deco architecture has made it a Hollywood favorite, famously appearing in films like 'Rebel Without a Cause' and 'La La Land.' Inside, visitors can explore interactive exhibits detailing the solar system, watch live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and peer through historic telescopes.
Beyond its scientific appeal, the observatory offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Los Angeles, including the downtown skyline and the Hollywood Sign. The surrounding Griffith Park offers miles of hiking trails that lead directly to the facility. Whether you are an astronomy buff or just looking for the perfect sunset view, it remains one of Southern California's most cherished cultural landmarks.
Ratings
museum◆ Visitor Tips
- ◆ Arrive early in the day or use public transit to avoid heavy traffic and parking hassles.
- ◆ Buy your planetarium tickets at the desk as soon as you arrive, as they often sell out.
- ◆ Stay until after dark to look through the historic 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope.
- ◆ Walk the exterior terraces for incredible photo opportunities of the Hollywood Sign and city skyline.
Heads Up
- ◆ Traffic up the mountain can become extremely congested, especially around sunset and on weekends.
- ◆ Parking at the top is limited and can be quite expensive during peak hours.
Common questions
Can you see the Hollywood Sign from the Griffith Observatory?
Yes, the Griffith Observatory offers one of the best vantage points in Los Angeles for viewing the Hollywood Sign. You can see it clearly from the western side of the observatory's outdoor terraces.
Is parking free at the Griffith Observatory?
Parking in the immediate lot at the top of the hill is paid and rates are relatively high. Free parking is available further down the hill near the Greek Theatre, from where you can walk up or take the low-cost LADOT DASH bus.
Can you look through the telescopes at Griffith Observatory?
Yes, the historic 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope and portable lawn telescopes are free for the public to use on clear nights when the observatory is open. Lines for the Zeiss telescope can be long, often exceeding an hour on busy nights.
Can you buy planetarium show tickets in advance online?
No, tickets for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows can only be purchased on-site at the observatory on the day of your visit. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket counters and automated kiosks inside the building.
Can you hike to the Griffith Observatory from Griffith Park?
Yes, several popular trails lead up to the observatory, including the West Trail from Fern Dell and the Boy Scout Trail from the Greek Theatre. These hikes are moderately steep but offer direct pedestrian access to the grounds.