The Observatory is a popular tourist destination and at the same time a serious scientific institution. It was opened in 1935. Visitors can take part in a planetarium presentation or lecture, as well as a themed exhibit featuring telescopes and planetary models. During the Second World War, the Observatory trained pilots, and in the 1960's, astronauts were trained here to fly to the moon.
Address:
2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles
Phone:
+1 213-473-0800
25.08.23
D
Great and free exhibit. The free Dash bus goes all the way up to the observatory. Great view of downtown Los Angeles, especially at night, and a good view of the Hollywood sign during the day. Several telescopes in the garden that you can use are foc.. Read more »used on the moon or planets.
21.08.23
Bill
Saw this place more than hundred times on TV, but you don't realize how astonishing Griffith Observatory is until you are here in person.
The building of the observatory itself is such an elegant architecture situated up on the hill of Hollywoo.. Read more »d, plus the story of Mr. Griffith, this is definitely a must visit place when you are in LA downtown area.
Meanwhile, this is also the perfect location to appreciate the night view of the Great LA metropolitan area, just utterly beautiful.
14.08.23
What
A great place -if not the best to watch sunset in LA. You can have a great view of downtown LA and the city, as well as the sun setting behind the Hollywood sign! There usually is a lot of people coming to see the sunset, so be sure to be there prett.. Read more »y early if you want some good parking spots, not too far. It is very crowded, but it's cool. Plus, inside is a pretty cool exhibit explaining various astronomy and space exploration techniques, so it's very instructive. I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a spot to watch sunset in LA, not too far from the city.
27.07.23
James
Incredible views of the city and absolutely worth the visit. Free entry to the mind blowing space exhibition inside the observatory as well. The final road up is single lane and is always busy so expect to wait and crawl up the last mile or so if arr.. Read more »iving by car / Uber. But there's parking further down the hill if you can manage the walk. You can also see the Hollywood sign from the front of the observatory.
23.07.23
LuDster
Excellent place to visit, don't be put off by the seeming 'big' queues, the queues move quickly and it's worth the wait.
Parking can seem like a chore, you can park on the side of the road leading up to the Observatory or drive up.. Read more » to the top. Either way you'll pay $10/hr to park, This sounds a lot but it actually keeps the place 'moving' and prevents people parking all day 👍
If you don't want to hike up the hill just join the queue for the Car Park at the top, you won't wait long to get up there and get a Parking space 😉
As for the Observatory, it is really good 👍😎 great views across LA from its many Balconies and Terraces, the main part is free to visit and has some great exhibits.
Well worth a trip 😎
20.07.23
Rav
From the moment we approached the iconic building perched atop the Griffith Park hills, we were captivated by its grandeur. The architecture itself is a masterpiece, evoking a sense of timeless elegance that made us feel like we had stepped into a sc.. Read more »ene from a classic Hollywood movie.
The highlight of our visit was, without a doubt, the awe-inspiring view of the cityscape and the glittering night sky from the observatory's terrace. As the sun set on the horizon, the city lights began to twinkle like stars below us, creating a surreal ambiance. It was a surreal feeling that transported us right into the iconic scene from the Terminator movie, where the observatory played a pivotal role in the plot.
In conclusion, our visit to the Griffith Observatory was an unforgettable experience that left us feeling inspired and enlightened. The blend of science, history, and breathtaking views was truly exceptional, and we can't wait to return
16.07.23
Chen
A wonderful place. Must watch the shows in the Planetarium. It is a brand new experience for me. I watched both the “signs of life” and the “center of the universe”. It gets even busier during the night. I parked my car near t.. Read more »he Greek theater and took the free DASH bus to the observatory. But when I were able to get down, there were a lot of people waiting for the DASH bus that I have to wait more than 1 hour to get on the bus. Better walk down earlier
15.07.23
Ray
Amazing, educational & a must see in LA. This is our first trip to California and this was our first stop. Parking can be an issue though.
We drove up through the Hollywood Hills to Griffith around 5pm. Once there, we drove to the top in search.. Read more » of a parking spot. We found one near the top but all the nearby meters were broken. 🤷♂️
We walked around, took pics of the Hollywood sign, looked at the amazing exhibits inside, & watched 2 shows. Side note: "Signs of Life" costs ($10 adults, $8 teachers/students/seniors, kids 5-12 are $6, kids under 5 are free) but is a MUST SEE. You need to arrive 15 min before your show.
When we go again, I'd get there a little earlier. We missed the telescope. 😞 (The telescope closes at 9:30) Oh well, next time. Can't wait!
🌠 🔭 🙂
06.02.23
Alexandra
Accessibility: there are some disabled parking spots in the parking closest to the Observatory, but it is still not a very short distance, be aware. If you can walk but have difficulty walking, I do recommend bringing your own wheelchair. Once you g.. Read more »et up to the Observatory, there are ramps on both the left and right side of the Observatory to go inside of it and skip the stairs directly in front. The doors are propped open to get inside the Observatory, and there are elevators to get from the first floor up to the top of the Observatory, and a separate elevator to go down to the gift shop and separate exhibits. This place is surprisingly accessible. I did not see any wheelchairs here to rent, though. It is SUPER busy on the weekends, so if you want to skip some of the crowd, try to go during workday hours in the week.
Experience: this place is super cool and beautiful. There are incredible views from everywhere here, and the Observatory itself is amazing and educational. Even kids will enjoy this place! This is one of those must-see places in Los Angeles. 5 out of 5 stars!
Tip: no pets allowed inside the Observatory, but you can have your pet on a leash outside the Observatory.
21.01.23
Sadaf
Great views from the top! We were lucky to observe the beautiful sunset from the top. Finding the parking could be tough task, so better to weak comfy shoes and park whatever the first parking slot is available!
The views are def amazing and the bes.. Read more »t part that you get a great view of Hollywood sign! We haven’t taken any trail but heard there are couple of ones which is worth considering!
03.08.22
Steve
Stunningly beautiful views in all directions. The Griffith Observatory is definitely worth a visit. It’s a very popular attraction but parking was easy. From such a high vantage point it’s amazing to see the hills and neighbourhoods falli.. Read more »ng away to the LA skyline in the distance. The major photo opportunity is of course the Hollywood sign perched above.
24.05.22
YayIts
B E A U T I F U L
if you’re visiting or a local this view never gets old it is so beautiful no matter what time of the day I’m sure at night it’s even more incredible.
It’s a great place for learning and just kind of enjoying .. Read more »the vibe here it’s pretty welcoming to any age group and I know kids here will have tons of fun with all the science and stuff going around it’s pretty amazing! We had such a fun time here and we didn’t wanna leave also it’s great for taking pictures and everything here it’s just very aesthetically pleasing!
17.05.22
Alan
Great views and fun time but note that the actual inside of the observatory (and thus food/ gift shops is only open Friday-Sunday). Ample parking at $10 per hour available at the top close to the observatory.
The views are amazing and you get a grea.. Read more »t view of LA as well as the Hollywood sign. There are a couple of nice trails around the observatory starting at various points in the park which are worth considering.
There is also a large scale solar system depiction on the ground to show its immense size. The large open ground is also quite nice.
08.05.22
Moon
Every time I am in LA, it is a mission of mine to always visit the Griffith Observatory! I love this place day and night! During the day, you can explore the observatory and watch shows in the planetarium. At night, you can see the city lights of LA .. Read more »come to life! Super dreamy! I highly recommend this place if you like city lights or you’re a La La Land fan!
06.05.22
Kaz
What a nice park. The observatory is perched on top of Mount Hollywood with easy parking and free at the observatory if one arrives early and on a weekday before 12am. Wow! The Hollywood sign is visible from the observatory. What! Hiking down the mo.. Read more »untain is easy but going up isn’t so easy so keep that in mind. Bring water and comfy hiking shoes. Great place
16.04.22
Emmett
An absolute must see! The view is amazing. Interesting and beautiful architecture. Free!
Go early to ensure you get parking or you will have to park and walk. With young kids you will definitely need a stroller.
The view of Hollywood sign is perfect!.. Read more » Many photo ops.
05.04.22
Marcus
This is one of my favorite places to go to in Los Angeles.
The Good:
—The views on all sides are absolutely breathtaking!
—You can see the Hollywood Sign on the right side up on Mt. Lee.
—You can park for free on West Observatory R.. Read more »oad, West Canyon Road, and the upper parking lot by the Observatory on Monday through Friday from opening until 12:00 P.M. and on Saturday and Sunday from opening until 9:00 A.M.
—There are a lot of trails near there, and there are many ways to get a great workout.
The Bad
—Parking is $10.00 per hour in the upper parking lot and on roads near the Observatory anytime Monday to Friday after 12:00 P.M. and on Saturday and Sunday after 9:00 A.M.
—Currently, the buildings are only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
18.03.22
Justin
For anyone that lives in LA or is visiting, this is a must-go-to place. The views here are absolutely outstanding and breathtaking. A great photo spot to get some good photos on your trip or for your profile. They have a really cool observatory, cafe.. Read more »teria and some seating outside. I really loved visiting here and bringing our family, it was a nice spot and a great place to see some beautiful views. There's also some hiking trails that people can go to. Please make sure you come and visit
09.03.22
Charles
What can you say, the GO is iconic on a number of levels. It's much larger than I expected and the displays are very interesting. My wife and sons saw one of the planetarium shows and they thoroughly enjoyed it. I stayed out on the upper terrace.. Read more » enjoying the unbelievable night view of the city and surrounding area. It'd be nice if the parking system was better but I guess you can only stuff a finite number of cars on a mountaintop. Recommended!
16.01.22
Nadia
Was a beautiful place. I went with a group of friends and it made the experience a lot better. You get a beautiful view of LA and the Hollywood sign. Loved watching the short documentary about the building's history. It was only 25 minutes long .. Read more »so I highly recommend it. The only thing I didn't do was watch the special showing of stars. I'd definitely go back for that and take more friends who are into astronomy.
11.12.21
Apurv
Beautiful observatory. Amazing view in the night and during the sunset. Great place to learn about the universe and other scientific fundamentals taught in the school. You can learn all that in a fun way.
Must visit show in the planetarium- ‘C.. Read more »entered in the Universe’. It would be the best $7 (or $5 if you are a student) you will ever spend on a show. Amazing animations and story narration?.
The observatory has trails to the Hollywood sign too. There is easy access to the city via special shuttles that operate to and from observatory to the metro station. Super convenient and can save you from huge $10 per hour parking fee.
03.12.21
Barney
Went in the evening time.
The planetarium showing was very enjoyable. Walked around and explored the exhibits. Got to see the Tesla demonstration as well.
Lovely views from the balcony areas.
Outside on the front lawn area they set up telescopes t.. Read more »o see different planets, stars, or the moon.
Overall a wonderful experience.
03.11.21
Kevin
An amazing place you must stop by if ever in LA (regardless of whether you’re into Astronomy or not)! Free admission to explore as you please, but, I highly recommend the “Centered in the Universe” show as well! Make sure you visit .. Read more »the bottom floor and roof for surrounding views of LA. Only knock I would say is parking at the top is $10 an hour, but even with that, I’d say it’s well worth it (you can also hike up from the bottom).
29.10.21
Mike
This place was amazing. Taking the bus up there and just the amazing view there was amazing. The museum itself was super awesome too. I'm quite into astronomy, so it was fascinating to see everything and read things. I also got to see the Tesla .. Read more »Coil, that was neat. But the views from the roof and surrounding areas are breathtaking.
22.09.21
Kody
Awesome place! Came years ago but barely remembered it, so I came back. Property looked well maintained, inside was also very well kept. Lots to do here inside to get out of the sun. Great views of the city from above and great photo op with the Holl.. Read more »ywood sign in the background.
07.09.21
Carlos
The park is an incredible place for hikes, walks, and anything you can think of. The views of the city and surrounding areas are stunning.
I recommend coming in the morning for the sunrise or evening for sunsets because it is incredibly worth it.
If.. Read more » you are going for the Observatory itself, be mindful that it doesn’t open all week, only on specific days.
Although the park has free parking, it can easily fill up and you’d struggle to find anywhere empty. You might even have to park a little down the hill in a large parking space and hike up to the top.
PS if you wanna see the Hollywood Sign here, you won’t. Kinda.
09.08.21
Laura
The Observatory is a stunning building, jam packed with history. As you drive up to it you see Griffith Park, the The Greek Theater and a great view of the Hollywood sign. Parking is ample and there are clean public restrooms in the parking lot. The .. Read more »entire grounds are immaculately landscaped, and as you walk around you find all the curious details that make this place so special. From the statue of James Dean to the sundial which is right on time, every inch of this place has something to discover. Some small things that disappointed me were that the best part of the walk around it is closed to the public and the actual Observatory and Cafe were closed that day too. The Cafe doesn't look like it will be opening any time soon, but there were signs on the doors to the Observatory that indicate that with a mask you can go in, on regular days I guess. To really discover all the things to see, I recommend going on a day the building is open. I was there with someone who took the tour as a kid and was able to show me what he remembered, and for that I'm grateful, because it make the experience so much more memorable when you understand what all the things there are, and why they are there. It's definitely a bucket list item ???⭐
18.07.21
Willie
I thought this was going to be one of those overrated things about LA but I was wrong! This is so worth the stop! I enjoyed everything about this place! The parking can be a bit tricky but if you come from the north entrance, the free parking makes.. Read more » it easier to park. Then they have a shuttle bus that takes you to the top if you do not want to walk to the top. The actual observatory is amazing. Great views of the Hollywood sign and the city. We went around 7 so we got to see the sunset version and night version of the views! The observatory is free and there are so many things to read and see inside. We did the planetarium and it was so so cool. Worth every bit of the 7 bucks and they have shows every 30 minutes or so. You can buy tickets inside and the lines for it was not too long for a Sunday evening. Def my favorite place in LA!
17.07.21
Andy
The view from the top of the hills and LA is beautiful. Parallel parking while going up the hill can be a challenge on busier dates but it is definitely worth it. The hike to the top is pleasant and catching the sunset is stunning! There is a place f.. Read more »or a quick bite/drink at the observatory before your way down. In my opinion this is the best tourist attraction in LA.
08.07.21
rebecca
Worth the paid parking at the top of the hill. Impressed and enjoyed the planetarium video. Such a great field trip for school studies. 3:30pm was a decent time to go. It started getting crowded as we left around 6pm. We assume because you can look t.. Read more »hrough the telescope at night and the sunset would be amazing I'm sure with views of the Hollywood sign and LA Valley. Great trip!
27.06.21
Sambit
(October, 2019) I love this place, it's on a high elevation apart from the city for its obvious reasons. It has the exclusive ancient devices, measuring parameters and portrayed ideas for astronomical observations. The temporal journey of our pl.. Read more »anet and almost about every celestial body very very informative contents are available. The presentation of the universe and how it began and other information also, through the planetarium's hall. It thrilled us there, the props and explanations are so very exciting. One must visit here.
17.04.21
Mark
Located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles the observatory is on the south side of Mount Hollywood (with a view of the famous Hollywood sign). Free parking is close by down the (steep) hill and paid parking is available close to the observatory, but I wou.. Read more »ld advise to come early as the area can get busy at times as it is a popular tourist attraction. You can see the entire city of LA from here. Great drive up there too.
02.02.21
Shneur
One of a kind. Beautiful place, a must visit when in LA. One can park on top of the hill for $10 or on the bottom and hike to the top and continue onto multiple trails on the park. The museum has good history and info of the observatory and telescope.. Read more »s. Its free to visit inside but some rooms/theaters have a small fee. There is a cafeteria inside and out. The views from the top on a clear day is spectacular and the sunsets look heavenly.
Thumbs up for the great review ?. And follow me for my travels on Instagram @ Happy_explorer_2
31.01.21
Raiya
Come observe the best location Los Angeles has to offer. Before the next atmosphere layer of Smog comes and blankets itself over the city covering mother nature sexy curves and looks once again.
A two for one special offering the great view of the .. Read more »city of Los Angeles while having a great view of the Hollywood sign too.
Don't come out to only drive to the top!
There's plenty of trails in the valley of the area,
Just waiting to be walked on and explored.
All while seeing everything from nature, to the city and that iconic Hollywood sign.
You'll easily spend a half day or more in this area alone.
Also make sure to go to the local shops and restaurants to show your appreciation for the area.
24.01.21
Samantha
A place of pure magic! The actually observatory itself is breathtaking and so very educational. The view is beyond exquisite and the memorial for James Dean is such a beautiful touch. From certain spots you can see the Hollywood sign and all the way .. Read more »to the ocean as far as you can see. I perfect spot to really take in the beauty of the city of angels.
08.01.21
Naomi
We were very much looking forward to this but it was okay. The displays were okay and could have been a lot more interactive. We then watched the show and that was very nice. Be careful not to fall asleep though! The seats were comfy and the host.. Read more »9;s voice was so soothing.
The observatory also offered great views of the Hollywood sign and downtown LA.
28.12.20
Vince
Great free day near Hollywood caught local bus to base of road walked up to the top great walk past local houses Stop on way at The Greek Theatre where Neil Diamond recorded Hot August Night mid seventies finish walk at top Fantastic views all direct.. Read more »ions aver LA and beyond Small historic monument to James Dean was were part of his last movie was filmed before he died tragically after the film Rebel without a cause was released The planetarium is fantastic and free to enter plenty of info on stars planets and space travel Upon leaving after spending 3 hours at the top we discovered a free shuttle bus service that runs from top to bottom every hour great way to travel back a must do
22.12.20
Craig
The Griffith Park observatory is closed right now. The grounds are open and the trails are accessible. Depending on the time and day it can be pretty crowded. The observation decks are wonderful places to take pictures or just for viewing. The paid .. Read more »telescopes are wrapped up for safety precautions and can not be used at this time. The restroom and wash area was open for public use. The parking lot right at the observatory is self paying. The posted parking fee is $15 per hour ?. Once you pass through the tunnel. There us free parking along side of the road. Then you can walk up to the observatory. If you pass that up and get to the top. Keep going because they have free roadside parking on your way down. If you missed a parking spot. Going down veer to your left and it will take you right back up.
15.12.20
Robert
What I like best about the observatory is it some example of classic art deco architecture. It's got some cool gadgets inside and it is a fantastic view of Los Angeles. And there are many occasions. The only time I didn't enjoy it when it w.. Read more »as closed for renovations some 15 years ago. If you're in the area go see it but I wouldn't break your neck trying to get there are there lots of things to do in Los Angeles
29.11.20
Julie
I love this place. We’d been many years ago, and it was too late to go in, so we just walked around, but I was so pleased that we went in this time!
Parking was intense - we parked all the way down the hill and walked up.
It is a beautiful bu.. Read more »ilding, informative, and fun. I’d recommend going into the planetarium too! It was so good! We watched the show “water is life.” The lady narrating was so animated, I enjoyed her as much as the show!
I’d also recommend staying until sunset, as the view is insane. Lots of people will join you, but it will be worth it.
16.11.20
Krystal
What a great place to bring the kids and get them out of their shell! fun atmosphere and totally safe for my family. I ran into a few friends while there and I learned about other animals too! It was a beautiful sunny day while I was there so could i.. Read more »t have gotten better?! I think not.
15.11.20
Eduardo
My favorite place to hike and to walk. I visit it 3 to 4 times a week. The city view at sunset is just magnificent, you can see Downtown LA and Hollywood perfectly. You will notice a lot of tourists and families at the Observatory, but there is plent.. Read more »y of hikes that are for adventurous people, some leading to the Hollywood Sign, which can take more than 4 hours round trip. If you are going to hike, take a water bottle with you, many hiking trails don't have drinking fountains. The night view of the city is magical, and many times a year several people gather to stargaze and to see meteor showers. If you are visiting Los Angeles, this is a place to visit.
25.10.20
Vivien
This is one of the only popular place in Los Angeles that I vote as a "must see." The views are amazing! I suggest coming here closer to sunset time, as you will get to experience both day and night view of LA. The hiking is fun here, but I.. Read more » suggest bringing layers, our weather can change in only a few hours! Packing your own lunch is highly recommended! The Planetarium is a great plus point if you want to do something different there.
29.09.20
Mohammad
Good view and good science
The most incredible view of LA, you can see the entire city from up there, and you can also see the Hollywood sign, I visited it in the daytime and I enjoyed it, but I heard that it is more incredible at night.
Inside you c.. Read more »an enjoy free scientific exhibits, that the whole family would enjoy this, kids, teens, and adults, you can also see the big telescope inside the dome, and you might even be lucky to see them moving the telescope, I read that you can even look in the telescope some nights, I am not so sure about that.
Parking is very bad, it is expensive and you will have to park far away and walk up the hill the rest of the way, their website recommends taking a bus up there, you should consider it.
18.09.20
John
Best to go at night. Great photo props. Best of all it's free. We were there 9 pm and there was a lot of people.
07.09.20
H
Great place to see views of down town la.
21.08.20
Ankitt
Griffith Park is one of the biggest parks in the state and features a wide variety of attractions and activities, including the Los Angeles Zoo, a planetarium, theatre, riding centre, golf courses, tennis courts, and walking trails.
While exploring .. Read more »the trails and scenic drives of the park, you’ll witness spectacular views and pristine natural areas.
The Griffith Observatory, another popular attraction in the park, is situated on the north slope of Mount Hollywood, high enough to be a perfect location from which to watch the night sky and enjoy views of the city below.
During a visit, you’ll have the opportunity to view the moon and planets when you look through the Zeiss telescope. You can also check out the interesting exhibits within the astronomy museum and watch a film about the history of the observatory. Also on site is a solar telescope used for viewing the sun.
05.08.20
Anton
Such a magical and informative place to visit. Gives you the whole view of LA from outside. I love going there. The weather was amazing and the breeze was so nice. It's also great to clear your mind and to see the view of everything from above a.. Read more »nd even the famous Hollywood sign. I think it this is must-see destination in LA in normal life. Even though it used to be always crowded and very hard to find a place for parking. Today this place is closed so you can enjoy the view outside. But this is already a good reason to go there!
26.07.20
Jose
Parking is a nightmare but if you come early in the day it’s great and easy to get close but don’t be surprised if you have to walk. But beyond that, the observatory is great. So much to see inside and out. It can get crowded but nothing .. Read more »that you can’t over come if you take your time. If your into hiking, it’s a great place to hike up to also.
03.07.20
Georgeanna
This is one of the only popular place in Los Angeles that I vote as a "must see." The views are amazing! I suggest coming here closer to sunset time, as you will get to experience both day and night view of LA.
The hiking is fun here, but .. Read more »I suggest bringing layers, our weather can change in only a few hours! Packing your own lunch is highly recommended! The Planetarium is a great plus point if you want to do something different there.
4.8 / 37
