Griffith Observatory - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
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Griffith Observatory
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Griffith Observatory

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Griffith Observatory
4.5
#2 of 920 things to do in Los Angeles
Observatories & Planetariums
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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About
A public observatory in Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory has been featured in many movies, from 'Rebel Without a Cause' to 'La La Land'. Nestled on Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory boasts some of the best views of the city—the best time to visit is at sunset. Inside, the observatory offers quite the experience as well—it has a planetarium, various exhibits, free-to-use telescopes, and more. The best part? Admission is free and it’s easily accessible with plenty of parking. Make a day out of your visit at Griffith Park, where you’ll find hiking trails and horseback riding. – Tripadvisor
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
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714 within 6 miles
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497
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See what travelers are saying
  • its5oclocksumwhere
    Derry, New Hampshire426 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Photo Spot!
    This was my second time going and I love it! The views are amazing! I took so many photos! Some day I would love to hike the trails. Parking was $10 an hour. Inside is a plethora of information! I loved the exhibits!
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written April 28, 2023
  • Rachaelj9902
    Seattle, Washington16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You have to take this tour
    We had a wonderful tour. Our guide had so many tidbits that you wouldn’t get on your own. He had a great sense of humor and was extremely knowledgeable. He’d been to the Galileo museum in Italy, so he had photos of actual telescopes as comparisons of the replicas we were looking at.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written April 29, 2023
  • redrover045
    London, United Kingdom75 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing
    One of the best planetarium shows we have seen. Also loved that they have fragments of so many objects from space and detailed explanations of how many aspects of astronomy work. The building is a work of art too, worth seeing in and of itself.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 30, 2023
  • Catherine C
    San Antonio, Texas25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gorgeous views all around!
    We came on a day when the observatory was closed, so we didn't get to see inside, but the grounds and the views were amazing. There weren't very many people wandering about, so we could take photos without having to wait too long for people to get their social media pics (LOL) - it really was gorgeous. We will definitely be back to see inside!
    Visited April 2023
    Written May 3, 2023
  • Liz S
    Biloxi, Mississippi1,590 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    No open on Monday.
    Just the experience of the drive and sites to be seen up there at Griffith Observatory made this stop on our tour worthwhile. The Hollywood sign was picture perfect. The amazing sundial had me in awe. The building was beautiful. I had seen Adells open air concert there on TV and the grounds were amazing.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 3, 2023
  • John B
    Chepstow, United Kingdom86 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting place for all the family!
    Great place loads things to see and interact with. Great distant views of LA and the iconic Hollywood sign. Great place for a photo opportunity! Plan for at least a 2-3 hour visit as the place is constantly busy. Parking at the observatory is at a premium. There is paid for parking all along the mountain road leading to the observatory, it’s a bit of a hike uphill to the observatory, though! Currently parking is $10 an hour. Entrance to the observatory is free.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 5, 2023
  • DanielHarn
    Las Vegas, Nevada179 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun time learning
    Fun day at the observatory. At first our son was bored but he really got into it after seeing the planetarium show and he ended up not wanting to leave. It was really cool to view Venus through the telescope and to see the history of not only the observatory but the universe as well. Parking was a challenge because the free lot was closed for a concert and we weren’t able to do the hike needed for the on road parking but we managed to find a close spot so the hike ended up not being too bad. Tip - make sure you check the Greek theater schedule before going so you can use the free lot, so much easier.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 23, 2023
  • rebahcs
    Düsseldorf, Germany28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent view to LA skyline - and excellent astronomic exhibition
    Griffith Observatory was one of the highlights of our visit to LA. The view of the LA skyline is marvellous from there. Daytime but specially after sunset. We spent also some (unfortunately not enough) time in the exhibition inside the observatory. It is very impressive, very well presented. Next time we will plan 2-3 hours there.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 25, 2023
  • Michael L
    London, United Kingdom603 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stimulating visit with the lecture/overhead projection in the Planetarium, absolutely brilliant. Highly recommended.
    Excellent and stimulating visit. Entry is free and adult tickets to the planetarium lecture is just $10/adult. Would like to have stayed longer as there was much to read and absorb. The lecture and over head projection in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium was exceptional and absolutely fascinating. A must visit location. Highgly recommended.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written July 14, 2023
  • Jason G
    Baltimore, Maryland713 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Plan Accordingly
    Park for free in the lots for the Greek Theater on days when they don’t have concerts (check their schedule) and take the DASH bus up to the observatory for free. The stop is right across from the theater. If you try going on days when there are concerts, you need to be out of the lot by 1:00, and considering the observatory doesn’t open til noon on some days, that doesn’t give you enough time, unless you want to just go for the views (in which case, get there earlier). Is definitely worth doing if you can figure out the scheduling of everything.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written July 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles20,669 reviews
Excellent
13,358
Very good
5,902
Average
1,133
Poor
170
Terrible
110
Natalie Y
Peterborough, UK36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Spectacular views of LA & an interesting show
Sep 2019
Public transport can get you right to the top so I'd avoid driving as the parking was full. The views across LA are absolutely amazing. We arrived in time to watch the sunset, went inside & watched the show, then got views of the city at night when we came out. Highly recommended.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HypnoWarrior
Porirua, New Zealand1,117 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Loved the planetarium show
Dec 2019
The biggest downside to the observatory was the parking. It's prohibitive close to the Observatory, so we parked down by the Greek Chruch, but it's quite an uphill walk from there to the planetarium. Going back was easier on the legs. I dropped the family off and did the walk myself and then back with the family.

As for the observatory it has a lot of little exhibits.. None of them are spectacular, but some are fun (faraday cage). The highlight was the planetarium show. We did the early morning show as it's the only one they allow young kids to. It was a really impressive show and both the 3 yr old and 9yr old enjoyed it.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nanamar
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Iconic observation point
Jan 2020 • Family
Griffith Observatory is a great place to get the classic panoramic view of Los Angeles including best views of the Hollywood sign. The Observatory itself is architecturally striking Art Deco style and has scientifically interesting displays, though the interior itself is not large and can be toured in a short amount of time. There is very limited parking near the observatory (fee), including 7 handicapped spaces for which there is no charge. There are several hiking trail heads nearby, so naturally the area can get quite busy and congested. Definitely worth the effort. This location was used in the 50’s movie “Rebel Without A Cause,” starring James Dean. There is a memorial tribute to him on the right side leading up to the entrance to the Observatory.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhys_H24
Wrexham, Wales162 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Loved this place
Feb 2020
What a great day to spend a first day in LA, after long journey from UK. I would advise to arrive prior to opening, as you should have a good parking spot at the top of the road, later on when we left the trail of cars parked on the road stretched well over a mile. The observatory and the views where amazing, but it was also a great spot to go walking on some of the trails and as I said for a first day in LA it was really great start. Parking is $10 an hour, however Observatory is free, we were passed a 3 hour ticket from someone who was giving up their space which just added to the day. Museum inside was informative, we didn't take in a visual show which you pay for, but young and old all enjoyed it.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Attorney Day
Orlando, FL635 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Extremely busy
Feb 2020 • Couples
The Griffith observatory is full of tourist from near and far. Especially busy on Friday and Saturday. Boasting the best views in LA it is quite a site to see. We could not really enjoy the exhibits based on there being so many people, but we were able to find some good places to take a few shots. I highly recommend visiting on a week day during the morning which was the advice of one of the workers when there is significantly less guest and it can be truly enjoyed. I also would love to see what it looked like at sunset, I bet the skyline is amazing. We went on a fairly clear day but there was a bit of an overcast typical for LA in February.

Overall I would attempt to visit on a less busy day to get the true feel.

Tip: if you go as part of a tour you get priority drop directly in front of the building. Otherwise you have to park quite away and walk uphill to the facility which can be problematic for those with mobility issues. Not recommended for those with height issues as it is very steep.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wineanddine32
Corpus Christi, TX261 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Lots of peoiple and long wait
Dec 2019
We went on a Fridat night. The cars were lined up and movng slowly. Most parking lots were full. We found a spot and took the shuttle bus up. The main entrance was closed and guy were periodically use a magephone to say the main entrance was closed but entrance was through the elevator. The web site said there would be people setting up teleccopes, so I searched the terraces and found a long line for the telecope. It was a clear night the moon was just a sliver with a planet above it. The line was really slow moving and when we got to the front of the line we were told the telescope viewing wouldn't start for another hour.
We went inside and looked at some exhibits and decided to leave rather than wait an hour. We were really disgusted that there wasn't any information/signs or anyone letting people know what was going on and when. Thousands of people disastisfied.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WestJordanJim
west jordan38 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Space and science 101
Dec 2019 • Couples
This is an amazing place to visit if you were ever interested in anything about the solar system, our planet, earthquakes, ocean tides, and how much you would weigh on each of the planets in the solar system. It teaches you about eclipses, stars, and has stunning visuals and interactive displays. Well worth your time. They have movies also but it is best to buy your ticket fast as they fill up quickly. You have stunning views of the valley on the outside walkways. The only downside is that parking at the lot at the observatory is $10.00 an HOUR. You can’t see it all in an hour so park below and enjoy the walk up. This is an amazing place.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James and Ellie’s Adventures
Essex, UK320 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great experience
Jul 2022 • Couples
First thing to note before arrival which we didn’t know. You have to show proof of being vaccinated and attend with ID to enter the grounds just outside Griffith observatory.

If you don’t have these you will not be permitted access around the observatory for great views or visit inside.

The views are spectacular around of the Hollywood sign and more so overlooking downtown LA.

You can park at the Greek theatre on non theatre days which what we did.

The walk up is about 20/25 mins and around 1.25 miles ish.

Parking up by the observatory be very crowded and costs for parking are $10 an hour!

Inside the observatory there are lots of great things to see and learn about space and everything else you can easily spend a few hours here with ease 🤓.

So glad we got to visit this on our trip and this was a highlight for us, as we love things to do with space and being able to see through the telescope and look up close at the moons surface was awesome.

We went on a Sunday so telescope viewing was from 7pm to 9:30pm and we waiting online for approx 35/40 minutes but is well worth it.

On our way back down to the Greek theatre we saw a wild cayote about 30 foot away from us behind a fence on the sidewalk but was still awesome to see at sunset!
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David K
Springfield, IL22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A Must do in LA! Planning ahead is the key to enjoyment!
Feb 2020
The Griffith is a must do in LA - if for nothing else but the scenery! Great shots of the Hollywood sign and downtown LA if nothing else. But the great things about this place does not stop there. The Observatory is top notch! One of the best I have been too! Yes, it is crowded and yes, parking does have it's issues, but the Griffith is a must see and has great value.

If you put it on your list plan ahead- I cannot stress this enough! Due to it's popularity, shows and specials often sell out well in advance so buy on line and plan. Parking is a monster so take public transportation or a ride service if you can.

Yes, Griffith can be a bit of a challenge, but well worth it. Plan ahead and you will have an enjoyable experience!
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
müge
Irvine, CA32 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
really good L.A view and science museum.
Feb 2020
The Hollywood sign is visible and there is a good spot to take photos. On the park it is possible to cycling, trekking, etc.. Observatory has a museum and its free to visit except planetary (planetary is $7).

Parking is $10 per hour and there is no option unless you park at the roadside.

The observatory is a good spot to take children and show them cool stuff about physics
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Griffith Observatory - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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