Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory was spectacular with an awesome view of Los Angeles. I myself have always been a fond of the universe and the solar system so it is nice to look at the planets. They are able to make a comparison of your weight when you are on the different planets which was really cool.

We arrived from the Bay Area quite early, so we decided to stop by the Griffith Observatory first. Parking was quite a chore, as I have to turn around since there we no more slots near the top.
Being the geek I am, I enjoyed visiting the Griffith Observatory. My kids seem to enjoy it as well. It is easy for me to explain to them the seasons, eclipses, and other astronomy topics. I think the Foucault Pendulum, Tesla’s Ladder, and the Solar System diorama were pretty cool. Lest we forget how awesome it is to actually hold a meteorite that came from outer space!
The Griffith Observatory have excellent views of the Los Angeles skyline as well as the Hollywood sign. I was taken back though, how Griffith Observatory is a tourist spot, much like San Francisco’s Pier 39 or Hollywood’s walk of fame. I guess I did not see that coming from what I perceive in the movies. Alas, I enjoyed my visit and is a must for L.A. visitors.

We decided to walk to the Griffith Observatory through Griffith Park. Being visitors in LA, we set our phone GPS from the hotel which was about 3.3 miles. About 1 mile into the park, the trails are quite steep and not for those with health problems or small children. I made it to the observatory fine but it was quite a steep grade at times on the trail. There were not really any signs that I saw along the way, until I neared the observatory at .2 miles remaining. This was the steepest climb grade, it seemed impossible to get there.
I had a bit of a scare. My son (17) was so excited to the see the Hollywood sign, was adamant to get closer to it. That is impossible from where we were and he would not listen. He left me and I was quite upset and remained on the course.
As soon as I arrived at the Griffith Observatory I was contacting a park ranger and my son showed up. He said he went off the trail through the rocky terrain to get to the observatory. His hands were black from climbing with his hands. I was terrified that he would never be seen again. We are lucky. A word to the wise– Make sure your teenagers understand that they can get lost!
Yes, the views are absolutely incredible! And if you are used to exercising go for the hike. I recommend a phone GPS for guidance.

Breathtaking views of downtown LA, Hollywood sign, and all other areas of Los Angeles. Make sure you take your camera if you wanna get some awesome pictures.
Overall, here is a must visit place in LA, but be prepared for a long hike up the hill due to the limited parking.

I’ve yet to go inside but the view and the history of this place help to make it a favorite So Cal spot for me. It’s free to walk around and you get good cardio too. ;)

Cool place and its Free!
Located in Griffiths Park. Gets super busy on weekends or closer to sunsets. Parking and getting in is a bit of a nightmare but if you get lucky like we did, you don’t have to park in the bottom of the and walk up.
Really nice views of the city. Inside the observatory has some cools thing to look at. Though we didn’t see any shows I still thought it was worth the trip. Highly recommend for young families.

I’ve been convincing my sister to go here according to recommendation from Trip Advisor. We went here on a sunny sunday afternoon and it was a long way to go. So worth the trip thoufh. We took metro line from Wilshire/​MacArthur Stn then got off at Vermont Sunset and waited about an hour to take LA Dot. Didn’t expect the waiting time to be that long. We paid 50cents on our way there and returning as well (another 50 cents).
It’s got everything there. We saw James Dean sculpture, spectacular view of Hollywood and informations on telescope and etc (see my photos!). I also got to see Hollywood sign from far away and walked around small trail underneath the Griffith Observatory. Wifi worked well too. Yay, I got to upload some photos on Instagram.
I recommend you go here on weekdays to avoid 1hr waiting time. LA Dot bus prolly comes faster on weekday than weekends that’s my guess.

We didn’t have enough time to go in the Observatory itself, but the grounds offer a spectacular view of the Hollywood Sign and the city. I was a bit nervous about the parking situation because on the whole drive up the hill to get to the top where the Observatory is located cars were parked on both sides of the road. However, once we got up to the top, we were able to snag a spot in the parking lot (compact only, but we had a small rental car). We went on a Monday during the day though and the parking lot was pretty much filled up (you had to wait for someone to leave in order to get a spot) and then the parking up and down the hill, as I described earlier, so I’m sure the weekend parking situation is harder as some other Unilocalers have noted in their reviews.
Facing the observatory, we first went to the right and took some great pictures with the Hollywood sign directly behind us. We then walked around the left side of the Observatory where we had a great view of the city below. We continued our walk around the back of the Observatory and wrapping back around there is a great platform where you can get even better pictures of the Hollywood sign on the right side (if you’re facing the Observatory).
There are bathrooms near the parking lot, as well.
Although we didn’t have a ton of time to explore and were a bit pressed for time, I’m glad we stopped at the Observatory because we had a great view of the Hollywood sign and LA!

Truly magnificent. How lucky is LA to have this fantastic free observatory. The views alone are simply enough to place on your bucket list, and provide differing perspectives based on the time of day. The newish underground exhibits are all totally hands on and are fun for all age groups. Unfortunately, the remodel did not maintain the true architectural wonders of the main structure. For a nominal fee, make sure to check out a planetarium show.

Ever since the Paula Abdul music video with a young/​unknown Keanu Reeves, I’ve always wanted to come here. It was such a romantic video. Low and behold, I watched Rebel Without a Cause years later and realized the music video was based on that movie. I loooooove. How awesome were James Dean and Natalie Wood.
Parked quite a way from the observatory but, hey — I need some cardio anyways.
Despite the little fog (SMOG) in the horizon, it was everything that I expected. Views of downtown LA, the beautiful houses below, and even the Hollywood sign.
We took endless photos, read everything about the planets, even watched a small show on em.
Wish we had brought some food up there for a little picnic on the lawn. It was lovely.
And don’t forget, there’s WIFI up there!

Since Stephanie S. and I had a few more hours before our flight back to the bay, Kat T. took us to the Griffith Observatory. For the countless number of times I’ve been to Los Angeles, even I’m surprised this was my first visit. There is a parking lot right in front, so drive all the way up! Some people park on the side of the road, but it is a steep walk up, so be prepared.
This is a beautiful museum with tons of exhibits on our solar system… all for free! They have live programs in the planetarium, gorgeous views of the city (and Hollywood sign), and a cute little café. After exploring most of the exhibits, we headed outside to see the telescope.
This is an iconic place in Los Angeles, so you’ll probably see couples getting photographed for their engagement. So romantic!

The observatory is definitely a must-​see spot in LA — it’s FREE so why not? Parking can be a little difficult but we got lucky and didn’t have to park too far. There’s an actual parking lot at the top of the hill in front of the observatory, but my friend said that usually it’s full so you should just park wherever you can find. When we parked and walked up the hill towards the observatory, there were plenty of open spots… there are so many people coming and leaving that you’re bound to find something. The exhibits inside are informative and many are even interactive. There is plenty of space to find a good view and take photos. Bring a jacket because it gets windy up there!

I really wanted to see the view of LA and I read that this was the place to go; so the boyfriend and I put on our walking clothes and ventured here. The walk wasn’t too bad and the great thing is. you can take pictures on the way up. There are plenty of parking spaces, but a lot of people tend to try to park at the very top.
The view was what we came for, but we decided to check out the observatory as well. I didn’t find it too fascinating. I was rather bored actually. I’m glad that admittance was free because I spent perhaps 5 mins inside and found myself outside immediately. The view is really great and I took a million pictures just in this area. You could see the LA skyline and the Hollywood sign. If you’re interested in these things then definitely visit.

This place is magical. So many trails and scenic views. The sunset view from the actual observatory on a great sunset day is beyond!
Parking up at the top can be tricky. Also getting in to the park off Franklin can be a nightmare if there’s an event. I try to park by the tennis courts and do a hike in that area if the park is really crowded.
Many grassy areas for picnics. Or relaxing.
There’s so much beauty in this park. The hikes vary in level intensity. But the most beautiful is the observatory at sunset.

Embrace your inner nerd and learn something space-​y!
This place makes science and learning fun for all ages– and it’s free!
Tbh I kinda wish it wasn’t free, then it wouldn’t be as huge of an effing mess getting there. I mean, they have the worst system– they have a parking lot which they block off in prime time so everyone resorts to street parking which is a zoo– no lights no paved sidewalks, possibility of tripping and falling to your death… You know, nbd.
As you can tell my disdain for the parking lot that is Griffith Observatory took a star off– (haha get it?) but that shouldn’t deter you from getting your space on.
Ignore my rant about the parking and make a trip up and learn something.

Ain’t it funny how re-​visiting a place once you’re awl’ GROWED’ UP sheds so much light on all the confusion you’d derived upon visiting the very same place as a child???
Griffith Observatory is NO exception, my friends.
Rather than continue exhausting my fuel while chauffeuring everyone around (not by choice) this past weekend, traveling north and up Normandie beyond Sunset,… viewing the observatory within the hills was nothing short of spectacular.
Prior to foraging for food, we chose to give this place a go and I’m so elated that we did. For what it’s worth, I’m totally recommending people «Bookmark» this place…
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
So.
— Are you a «baller on a budget» looking to impress your guest (s)?
— Do you have an up and coming date w/​a certain someone all the while in search of some place romantic, conveying an unparalleled sense of tranquility?
—- Are your neighbors blasting Rihanna’s latest release («Work») on repeat and to obtain solace you’ve found yourself in need of an immediate escape?
# werh werh werh werh werh werh gazimi avi werh werh werh werh werh werh gizimi doobie der der der der der der azama bada warg warg warg warg warg warg
— Better yet, are the kids… your spouse or EVEN YOUR DOG rattling your nerves leaving you in search of an affordable method in appeasing them?
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — –
Emulating the Southwest Airline tagline, provided you — – «wanna getaway” — –, might I encourage a stop off here?
Having visited while in grade school years (and we’re talking YEARRRRRRS) ago, my recollection of this place was flagrantly vague. My recent trip was definitely well enjoyed and overdue.
Yielding some of the best views in LA, alongside FREEEEE parking, $.50 cent shuttle rides up (and down) «the hill» during peak hours and routine events, and a plethora of astronomy exhibits — the Griffith Observatory, founded by Griffith J. Griffith back within the ’30’s (1935 to be precise) is nothing shy of a Los Angeles icon.
Parking, once again — while free… is downright bonkers, HOWEVER, should you survive it, you’re likely to find this place to be absolutely enchanting.
From «tot lots» to hiking trails and picnic areas… and from there to stunningly captivating panoramic views of DTLA’s skyline as well as the infamous Hollywood sign, I’d recommend making your way this direction an hour or so before dusk. Star gazing amid LA’s «stars» has yet to disappoint and this way you’re a bit more inept to secure parking.
P. S. «BRING YOUR CAMERA».

I absolutely love this museum. I’m an incredibly huge fan of space and science and this place truly delivered. Not only do you get to learn a lot about our galaxy through reading the signs at the exhibits, but there are also so many well crafted models to help you visualize the physical nature of these objects. The museum is huge and 2 – 3 stories, but my favorite would have to be the bottom floor where its focus is on our solar system and there are enormous models of the planets with individual tid bits on each and every one of them. It was really fun and neat, especially comparing our weights on all the various planets.
Not only that, but admission and parking to this museum is FREE. On a Saturday night, driving up to the point can get pretty trafficky because I’m sure many would like to visit as the sun is setting for the beautiful view of Los Angeles and to check out the telescopes, but it wasn’t too bad of a wait. Just be patient and getting a closer parking spot to the venue is worth, especially after leaving the museum dark at night and not having to walk all the way down the mountain in the dark!
But the view of Los Angeles from the balcony and pretty much anywhere on top of this mountain is beautiful. You can see DTLA and even a really good view of the Hollywood Sign. The architecture of the Griffith Observatory is quite the view already too and is beautifully made.
Probably my favorite museum I’ve been to and we wanted to stay there forever.

It’s a shame we didn’t come earlier & stay a little longer. We were ill prepared for the weather, so we were freezing! The view of the city at night is breathtaking. I can only image it in the day time. Although the observatory was about to close in 30 minutes, the guide was still explaining the different exhibits.
Didn’t get to check out the big free telescopes, since they were closing & we didn’t have any change for the other telescopes.
Finding parking was a bit rough, but it was worth it.
For those of you who can’t hike the trail to get to the Hollywood sign you can see it from outside the observatory.
Next time I come to Los Angeles, I’m bringing a jacket, coming earlier, & hiking up the trail!

Tout d’abord, la promenade pour y monter à pied vaut le coup, est très facile et agréable!
J’y suis allée en journée, le musée est intéressant et didactique, il vaut la peine, pour les personnes de tous les âges! L’extérieur offre une superbe vue sur Los Angeles.
Si j’ai l’occasion de retourner à LA, je retournerais volontiers à l’observatoire le soir pour observer les étoiles!

I love bringing my kids up here to explore. The drive can be gruesome, especially on a weekend day. We’ve had to hike up once and it was very tiring. My boyfriend and I even parked down at the park once, and HIKED all the way up. I almost threw up but made it nonetheless. I felt like Rocky Balboa. That was a one time exercise. Never again.
My kids love wandering around the exterior of the building. I love the scenic views of LA. It’s nice to be above all the hustle and bustle. If you want to go inside the building, make sure you do not come on a Monday because they are closed. The planetarium is pretty neat. There’s so much to learn.

What’s not to love about this place?
Well maybe not the parking.
But guess what? Admission is free so right off the bat you’re already winning.
I’ve been here numerous times. Usually to play tour guide for family and friends visiting from out of town. I came by today with some family from Texas. We got super lucky. Wednesdays tend to not be very busy so we were able to find parking up top. When it’s busy, you have no choice, but to park a little lower and trek up. That uphill struggle is very real. Shortly before sunset is usually when everyone flocks.
I noticed there’s a sign right after the bathroom area warning folks about the solicitors and how you don’t have to give them anything. And what do you know — as soon as I passed the sign one guy came up to me trying to offer a book and asking for a donation. I was like NOPE. He still gave me the book though because he said he dug my tattoos. Score.
We walked around the whole place. Mostly to enjoy the views. You can see the Hollywood sign from the entrance and downtown L.A. from the balconies inside. It was nice and clear today so the views were very nice. It also wasn’t very crowded so we were in and out in less than an hour.
If you can wait, use the bathrooms inside. They’re much cleaner than the ones outside. And make sure to check out the planetarium show. It’s the only thing you have to actually pay for, but it’s totally worth it.

Best view in Los Angeles! I really love this place! You can see everything Down Town, Hollywood and ocean.
Observatory is very interesting too.

I for one can not get enough of this place even though I’ve probably been here hundreds of time. When out of towners come to visit, one of the first places I take them is to the Griffith Observatory. There’s a lot to like here. Be it the unobstructed view of the Hollywood sign or seeing the downtown skyline on crystal clear day. It’s also a great starting point since Hollywood Blvd is literally down the street.
If want a little workout, I’d suggest parking your car on Fern Dell and then hike up to the Observatory. It’s a short hike with a some what steep climb that’s sure to get your heart pumping. It’s also pet friendly.
For the scientifically inquisitive and nerds alike, there’s plenty of monthly activities going on but my favorite has to be All Spaced Considered. It’s a once a month talk with the curator and resident researchers at the Observatory and they go over the latest news in Astronomy and they show some really cool pictures. It’s highly recommended but come early as the line can stretch all the way to Pluto. ;)
Best of all. Everything is free.

You can get a two-​for-​one out of this place: 1. Park at the bottom of the hill and do the hike up to the observatory. It’s not a long or strenuous hike and you get amazing views as you go along. There, no 1, start with a little exercise! 2. Walk around the free observatory and take in the incredible views. For the science or space enthusiast, there is a lot of information and learning to offer inside. For everyone else, there are some cool pictures and demos. The views from the top are really great, especially if it’s a clear day. Excellent photo ops here since you can also easily see the Hollywood sign. There are also shows available for purchase, but I didn’t partake this time.
Parking at the bottom can be difficult if you come on Saturday morning, but you can usually find a spot eventually and it’s free. Mid-​day, there’s a lot of availability. Can’t give advice for parking in the actual lot at the top.
You can also bring your furry friend along with you for a walk, but of course they cannot come inside the observatory area.

I could go on days and books about this beautiful place!!! This is going to be a condensed down cliff notes bulleted tip list of Griffith!!!
–Free admission !!!
–Parking, especially during the weekends at any time is not for the weak. You can either chance your luck and keep riding up hoping someone leaves along the 1.5 uphill ride, or park at the bottom and «hike.» People also über or Lyft, pretty funny but smart.
–I recommend going a bit before sunset. You get the day and night views here ! Can’t see the Hollywood sign at night so come during the day if you want to see it. Head inside to the observatory after sunset to checkout everything.
–Lots of learning space inside the observatory. Talking floors ! Learn about the Big Bang, Stars and planets. There are interactive models, telescopes, hands on stuff! Expect to spend 1 – 2 hours inside of you want to see everything.
–Right when you walk in there are bathrooms and informational booth. You can also buy tickets to the planetariums — about $ 7 bucks and worth it. They make announcements overhead when they open and close the doors so feel free to roam around
–Several hikes around this area so pull up some info if you are into hiking.
–It is chilly at night so bring at least a light sweater !!!
–There Are several exits to the outside from the inside for those awesome 360 views. It’s absolutely stunning. You can see miles and miles of LA and the nighttime view is amazing to see he much life there is — all 3 million people.
–At night there are several telescopes set up! Wait in a small line and get your chance to check out a planet or moon. We saw the moon and got to see its dark spots and craters …100 miles long. So cool.
Enjoy !!!

Free admission and parking in LA? Definitely worth a trip. Great views and learning experience.
Parking on a weekend can be a bit more difficult, but at most it will just be a bit more of a walk. I would recommend parking at the bottom and hiking up.

Hard to complain about a place like this, especially when it’s free.
I think the Griffith Observatory is one of the top places to see if you’re visiting Los Angeles. Yes, it’s touristy, but for good reason. This free-​to-​the-​public observatory has excellent views of downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, the Hollywood Sign, Mount Hollywood, surrounding Griffith Park, and the Santa Monica Mountains.
The locals love it too. One of my good friends who lives in LA enjoys coming here.
Some helpful tips/​facts:
— Free parking is located at the observatory and along the windy roads leading to/​from it.
— Wear comfortable shoes because you may have to park far away and walk up uphill.
— Summer is the observatory’s busiest season. Winter is when it’s least busy.
— Try to visit the observatory at night so you can look through the telescopes to see the stars. The skies have to be clear of course. Lines for telescopes are typically cut off at 9:30pm or earlier.
— Check out some of the great shops/​restaurants in the neighborhood, Los Feliz, while you’re there. Perfect example: Best Fish Taco in Ensenada (
).
This place is an LA icon. It’s been in numerous movies, TV shows, and video games. I best remember the observatory from the Terminator movies (from the original to 2015’s Genisys) and the Grand Theft Auto video games (San Andreas and GTA V).
Since cell service can be poor on the mountain, the park/​observatory provides free Wi-​Fi. The network is called «Oh Ranger! Wi-​Fi.» I had to watch an ad and accept terms and conditions before gaining access. Once I did, the speeds/​connection I experienced was unreliable unfortunately. I had better luck using my mobile carrier’s data network.
The observatory itself is beautiful. The building originally opened in 1935 and underwent renovations from 2002 to 2006. It has an art deco design with impressive, huge domes. Some views of the observatory remind me of the fantastical settings found in the classic computer game Myst.
If you’re into science and astronomy, this is the place for you. Inside, there are many things to see and learn about. For example, there are Tesla coil demonstrations, exhibits explaining moon phases and tides, a continuously moving Foucault pendulum, a giant model of our solar system, and a fascinating section devoted to the sun (we are merely peons). For just $ 3 – 7 a ticket, you can watch a live show at the planetarium. Tickets must be purchased on-​site. Underground is a theater (Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater) where you can watch free programs. It also hosts lectures and presentations.
If you want a better (closer) picture with the Hollywood Sign, then check out my review of the sign (
) for a good nearby address to plug into your GPS.
All in all, Griffith Observatory is terrific.

We frequent the observatory… Or at least we used to. I honestly have to take one star off just because lately the crowds at the observatory are insane, especially in the summer. Way worse than it was a few years ago.
If you want to go visit, a few tips: Tip 1) Winter weekday. Pick one with clear weather forecast and go. Honestly, that’s your best bet. In summer, it’s almost completely hopeless. Tip 2) Eat first/​bring snacks. The food is overpriced and inconsistent in availability. Like a few packaged snacks could easily cost you $ 20. Tip 3) Get there relatively early (6:00) and buy tickets for one of the last two planetarium shows, then go upstairs and get in line for the zeissler telescope. Long wait but worth it. Plan about an hour for that. Tip 4) Don’t forget about the downstairs. There’s more there.
It’s also worth checking out the telescopes they have out on the lawn. We were there once when it was really clear and we were looking at Saturn’s rings. Way cool.

Griffith Obsevatory es un excelente lugar para visitar, especialmente una hora antes del atardecer para aprovechar la luz del día para sacarle fotos al Hollywood sign, y apenas cae el sol a la ciudad de Los Angeles toda iluminada.
Tuve la mala suerte de caer ahí un día nublado y lloviznando, con neblina, así que no lo pude disfrutar tanto. De todos modos hay mucho para hacer dentro del observatorio, casi todo es gratis (y los boletos para los shows no son tan caros) y hay internet gratis, que es re importante.
La vista es impresionante, totalmente recomendable para ir. El observatorio está bueno, pero se llena mucho de gente por la tarde y noche.
Si van en auto o autobús (Dash tiene un servicio especial de fin de semana, que cuesta 35c con la TAP o 50c en efectivo) prepárense para esperar mil años en fila para llegar al observatorio. Una opción es estacionar antes de llegar al túnel y subir a pie con tiempo y agua encima. También hay un refugio de pájaros interesante cerca de la base.

Always crowded, be ready to park afar and walk a fair bit. Views are fantastic. Lots of great info if you are into that kinda thing. Photog’s delight!

A must see in Los Angeles. Griffith Observatory can be crowded, has some bad parking, but gives one of the best views of Los Angeles out there.
We made our way up the hill as it was getting dark. After some confusion in the one way parking lot where multiple cars were driving the wrong way, we luckily managed to take one of the best parking spots there. After waiting for everyone that was jealous of our spot to move along we made our way over to the observatory.
Admission is free. There are a lot of exhibits and plenty to keep you interested. Lots of information about planets, the solar system, stars, and more. Really cool interactive exhibits as well. Out the back you can get beautiful views of the city. It’s crowded, but for good reason. That being said I never felt too crowded and was able to easily see the exhibits and views.
Griffith Observatory has good hours, is free, and is a must visit.

Griffith Observatory and the surrounding Griffith Park is a must see if you’re planning to visit Los Angeles. The view from the Griffith Observatory are some of the greatest, if not the best views that you’ll get of Los Angeles and Hollywood. One of the best reasons to visit the observatory is for the spectacular views of Los Angeles. I would argue that the views from Griffith Observatory are even more impressive than the views from the Getty Center, and there are lots of trails along the hills where you can seek the best vantage points. All the parking spots in the top lot are usually taken, but we just parked along the side of the road uphill about a quarter mile down from the observatory. Even the walk up was scenic and enjoyable.
There are opportunities for children to interact and learn through various displays and science instruments inside the planetarium. If I remember correctly, the shows cost around $ 8 to $ 10 and run about 30 — 90 min or so in length. They are quite informative and are a real blast to watch!
Make all your friends jealous and tell them that you’re going to spend an evening with the stars. Griffith Park hosts monthly star parties so astronomy aficionados will bring their telescopes of all sizes to observe the twinkly stars in the sky. If you go during the month of August, you might be lucky enough to see Jupiter at its brightest and the eye of the storm!

Great vantage point to get a bird’s eye view of LA, including the famous Hollywood sign! Fantastic panoramas from almost any angle of the valley below and one could easily spend an hour or two just dreamily gazing into the horizon.
Entrance to the observatory is FREE and the Foucault Pendulum in the rotunda is worth seeing… it’s one of the largest in the world. Entries to the shows cost $ 7, but we didn’t have the time to catch one this time.
You can hike up to the observatory or take the easier option of driving up to it. Parking is a pain and depends entirely on your luck.

This place has been on my bucket list for years. Yes, it’s because I am a Terminator fan. I had to visit the landing spot of the first terminator. The wife grew up in Southern California, went to school in LA but had never visit this iconic spot. Last month, she obliged and the stars aligned and we landed a primo parking spot at the top of the hill.
Parking is at a premium when visits occur during the holiday months. We drove to the top, drove around the 2 rows of parking and almost left but a spot opened up just on the side of the hill. There is shuttle service at the bottom of the hill but really it was too far and we had limited time.
Once at the top of the hill, there is the actual observatory and all the tourist hallways. Once you walk in it is actually free to roam the hallways. If you want to attend any seminars or shows, then you can pay and wait. There is also nice viewing areas outside on 2 levels. Many folks take advantage of the perfect Hollywood sign photo location. Selfies were running rampant even with me. It’s not too often I can take an actual selfie with the observatory in the background.

It should be on everyone’s must-​do list for Los Angeles. It’s a historic landmark and the views of the city and the Hollywood sign are truly beautiful.
However, what every turist should know, is that they allow vehicles only to a certain point of the hill. Than, you must hike for a few minutes, so if you plan to go in the middle of the day, you should dress accordingly! The entrance to the object is free and you can stroll around the park and admire the views as long as you want. It’s a bit crowded in the season, but the experience was still great. In the observatory itself you can read a lot of interesting scientific information about the solar system and admire small photographic exhibition. They also have some movie shows throughout the day, but for that you have to buy tickets.
All in all, a great spot! Definitely check it out!

I highly highly recommend this place if you only have a short period of time to spend in LA. I actually was referred here by one of my Über drivers when I asked him what the one thing I should do is.
It offers an amazing view of all of LA. The first place that everyone stops at is an overlook facing the famous Hollywood sign; this is the perfect place to snap a touristy picture! Next is the observatory itself, which boasts free shows during the day and free viewings of the nighttime sky through their high powered telescope in the evening. You can walk along the side of the observatory building, where there are stairs that lead to the roof. If you walk along the roof, you can get a 360 degree view of the entire city! It is absolutely breathtaking. I could easily spend a couple of hours up there. Next, are dirt roads that go up and down the mountain leading to the observatory — which offers the opportunity for hikers to explore.
In short:
1. wear comfortable shoes
2. go onto the roof of the observatory
3. check out the beautiful view!
And best of all, it is ALL FREE!

While I have been to Griffith park a handful of times. I have only visited the observatory twice. the first time I came was during the day and the most recent time was at night. Both were very different experiences, but it was a lot of fun. During the day, you can see the Hollywood sign and take a nice touristy photo and at night you can sometimes see the stars and constellations through the different telescopes.
Both times provide a great view of Los Angeles that is unprecedented.
The exhibits at the observatory are really cool and very educational. I learned more about astronomy in a cool fun way. The exhibits are free and there are different shows in the Planetarium that are $ 5. There is a schedule of the shows at the main entrance and you can buy tickets there or from a automated machine with a credit card.
Living in Los Angeles, I remember when they closed the observatory for renovations. I’m glad it’s open again and it’s a cool outing to do for a one’s bucket list!

Bang Bang! The Griffith Observatory is an awesome experience day or night. During the day, there’s a museum that is absolutely FREE. Museum displays all sorts of exhibits ranging from solar system to even knowledgeable presentations. There is also a café and gift shop to make your experience that much memorable. On top of the Griffith is what amazes me. The stunning views day… and especially at night is just breathtaking. From there you can also take a glimpse at the Hollywood Sign from a distance. You can also line up to observe the Large telescope on the top but if you’re a regular… it’s not THAT fascinating over and over again.
Parking is Free but the top parking lot is almost always full so many people just end up parking on the curbside on the way up the hill. The Journey up the hill to the Griffith can be lightweight strenuous depending how far you park so be sure to keep hydrated and wear something comfortable for the walk.
Something that I would recommend is bringing that camera game on. You are able to capture gorgeous photos and snapshots of the amazing Griffith itself but more importantly. Los Angeles as a whole.
⁵⁄₅ Location. ⁵⁄₅ experience. ⁵⁄₅ Instagram Points

Best time to go is at night, just so you can see all the pretty city lights. Definitely LA’s Twin Peaks. The only difference is that you actually have more things to do here rather than just enjoy a view of the city from high up.
I was reading in the reviews that they have public star parties where they set up telescopes for people to look through MONTHLY. I think I was lucky to have come on that day of the month on my last visit. I remember seeing several telescopes placed around the observatory. I was able to look into one and see an up close look of the moon — it was sooooo cool! There was a huge line to look into the main telescope which was HUGE. You had to go in this special room for it, but I unfortunately didn’t wanna wait for it.
I explored the observatory/​museum for an hour or so. Learned about the Big Bang and all things to do with space. Was even able to catch a quick presentation about the solar system — it was more entertaining than I had imagined.
Oh. I forgot to mention that all of this is FREE! I think the actual observatory closes around a certain time but you are still able to go outside and enjoy the view.
A cool spot you have to check out if you’re in LA! You won’t be disappointed! Hopefully you find parking, as it does get pretty crowded in the evening!

Griffith Observatory is the iconic structure in Griffith Park made famous by numerous movies and shows. The observatory is perched above downtown Los Angeles next to the equally iconic Hollywood sign. It is located at the end of a long and winding road — passing through the famous tunnel used in Back to the Future — with limited and crowded parking.
If you are lucky enough to find a parking spot, you are quickly rewarded with one of the best views in Southern California. The most popular time is around sunset and sticking around to see the city lights after dark. There is no admission fee, but you can pay to experience the planetarium shows.
There are several exhibits on premises about the sun and space in general. Make sure to head downstairs for a large exhibit on the solar system and some other cool exhibits.
Some parts of the observatory are a little old and dated, but it somehow fits the overall experience — especially since it is free. It is also an excellent place for photography with lots of great angles and spectacular scenery. Griffith Observatory should be on your list of destinations in Los Angeles.

I’ve gone here for years. It’s funny to barely be writing about it now.
Griffith has a cornucopia of trails. It is possible to get lost but with enough visits, it soon becomes impossible to get lost. Usually.
TRAILS: My favorite trail is from the parking lot right in front of the observatory. It’s short. Yes. It’s not as lengthy as coming from the Greek theatre BUT the trail to the top overlook still provides levels. You can go steep all the way which will be a good 20 – 25 min on average. Or you can alternate with the flat route and make it within 30 – 35 min instead. Give or take.
Once you hit the peak where all trails lead to, you reach a flat surface w/​tables to catch a breath & admire (or snapchat, instagram) LA.
Overall, the Griffith trail is my intro trail to getting back into hiking every time I’m off my game for too long. It’s easier than Runyon but that always depends on the hiker and their willingness for challenge. It can be hard if you like it to be, but generally. Griffith is one of the easiest hikes to break into the hobby of hiking if you’re not used to it yet. Griffith provides enough of a variety to cater to both beginners & intermediate hikers.
Top hits:
— If you need to impress some new visitors, hiking Griffith is a perfect activity.
— As popular as this place is, it has good reason to be & that is because it provides a wonderful view of LA.

Such amazing views of the LA skyline! If there is one place you should visit on a trip to LA, it’s absolutely hands down the Griffith Observatory.
I came here with my girlfriend about 40 minutes before sunset and it was perfect timing. We drove up the road to the observatory and there was a parking lot awaiting us. The free parking lot was full when we arrived and many drivers circled multiple times to look for a spot, but we decided to «camp» out and just wait for someone to leave. Within a few minutes, lady luck called our name and someone was leaving right in front of where we waited. If you’re not patient enough to wait for a spot, many drivers also parked their cars along the road up to the observatory as well. It’s just that your walk will be a bit longer.
As for the Observatory, there were so many scenic shots that we took with my camera. AND YES, if you have a DSLR, this is the perfect spot to snap away! Leave your phone in your pocket. Not only do you see get a chance to see the entire city beneath you, but the Hollywood sign is just to the right of the Observatory as well.
I highly recommend walking around the entire premises to get different shots from different angles. In addition, make sure to take a tour of the inside of the observatory if you have time. My favorite moment of our time there was when the lights of LA began to turn on and darkness set upon the city. The whole city just lit up like a Christmas tree and it was truly something to behold. The best part about visiting the Observatory was that it was free too!

Alleine der Weg durch die Hügel Hollywoods ist für Touristen eine tolle Sache. Man findet vor dem Griffith Observatory stets einen Parkplatz, auch wenn man mal ein paar Minuten warten muss. Eintritt in das Observatorium ist gratis. Kleines Café gibts dort auch, Preise dort minimal höher als an anderen Orten.

Super endroit, pas forcément facile d’accès mais on a une vue imprenable sur los Angeles et sur la colline aux lettres «hollywood»
Il né fait pas louper l’intérieur de l’observatoire ou tout est très bien expliqué de manière très pédagogique sur la thématique de la terre et les étoiles.
A né pas manquer à Los Angeles.

Vistas de todo Los Angeles. Desde allí también se puede ver bastante bien el rótulo de Hollywood y para los fans de James Dean, hay un pequeño monumento dedicado a él.

El lugar y la vista son increíbles! Puedes ver todo los angeles desde arriba. Ya dentro del observatorio es como un museo que tiene en exposición toda la historia del espacio y su explicación, así como la primera vez que el hombre visitó la luna etc. La vez que yo estuve ahí tenían un telescopio gigante para ver venus desde ahí. Tambien hay unos largoa binoculares que cuando les pones un 25c puedes ver mas de cerca la ciudad de los angeles.
Mi foto es de una bola magnetica por la misma gravedad de la tierra te dice la hora.
Si visitas los angeles no puedes dejar de visitar este hermoso y emblemático lugar.

O Observatório Griffith dentro do Parque Griffith (procure review e instruções como chegar lá) é um dos mais bacanas em Los Angeles, não apenas por ficar ao lado do letreiro de Hollywood, mas pela vista desde o parque em Hollywood Hills de norte para sul da cidade. Durante a manhã propicia uma vista lista linda da cidade quando o tempo estiver bom e como em Los Angeles o clima mais seco quase nunca fecha o céu da cidade, consegue enxergar bastante da cidade, desde Hollywood, Beverly Hills, centro, Santa Monica (outra cidade e ponto bacana).
Agora, o fim de tarde é lindo. Estive em Maio, no começo do verão americano e dei sorte de pegar um por do sol maravilhoso. É realmente muito bonito, e aqui algumas dicas importantes. O estacionamento é grátis mas limitado, então vá cedo para procurar lugar porque ninguém vai sair antes do fim do dia e liberar a vaga. A estrada para acessar ao local também enche de gente parando no acostamento e se você chegar tarde, terá que parar longe. Eu arrisquei subir até perto e perdi duas vagas contra gente maluca que enfiou o carro correndo arriscando bater no meu carro alugado (sim, tem gente sem educação em todo lugar). Mas fui recompensado pela paciência, um guarda do estacionamento viu eu pastando para parar em vagas que eu estava aguardando gente sair e me chamou para estacionar dentro duma área reservada! Bom Karma, fazer o quê? ;)
Eu só tinha meu iPhone quando fui e me arrependi de não ter uma câmera média para tirar fotos melhores, mas enfim, experiência compensou! Fico pensando como deve ser de noite com Lua cheia.
Agora, o observatório não é apenas para ver o por do sol. Você pode entrar nele durante horário de visitação e conhecer demonstrações de pêndulos, uma Bobina de Telsa (Tesla Coil é o termo certo em inglês), astronomia e mapas de calor. Se você estiver mais interessado e um programa bacana para crianças que saibam inglês, é o planetário, passeio pago mas não caro. Tem que esperar uma fila rápida para comprar com horário marcado de sessão.
O local tem uma lanchonete e lojinha, como em todo lugar ;) para alimentos e lembranças. Como no verão é muito quente, leve água ou compre na lanchonete, e na saída, aproveite a estrada no morro e saia pelo lado do teatro ao leste de Hollywood em direção a Los Feliz.

De visita obligatoria, tiene unas vistas increíbles de Los Angeles y un museo muy chulo.
Los alrededores también merecen la pena.

Super point de vue sur LA
Prendre la navette plutôt que la voiture c’est nettement plus pratique rentable (0,5 $)

Hab 18 Jahre in LA gelebt, Griffith ist einer meiner absoluten Lieblingsplätze, v.a. bei sunset! Auch lustig sind die Stargazer events, die ab und an laufen, die meisten bringen ein eigenes Telescope und man darf überall durchschauen, allerdings wars doch sehr voll im Sommer 2012 bei Venus Transit, aber sehr cool! Freier Eintritt ins Griffith, allerdings kosten die Shows, die man schon mal sehen sollte, sind nicht zu teuer, Durchschnitt $ 7 und super! café draussen ist auch gut und günstig, einzigstes Problem bei Griffith ist das Parking am weekend, aber dann muss man halt unter der Woche kommen, sonst muss man evt etwas laufen! Das Hollywood sign ist von hier auch schön zu fotografieren!

Von hier aus hat man einen phantastischen Ausblick auf L.A.
Ein Rundgang durch das Observatorium mit abschließendem Besuch des Planetariums kann ich jedem nur empfehlen!

Si vous voulez un bon point de vue pour voir le signe Hollywood, vous pouvez venir le voir d’ici. Il est assez loin mais la vue est bien dégagée et vous serez à peu près à la même hauteur. Vous pourrez trouver d’autres points de vue où vous serez plus près, mais à ce moment vous aurez une vue du dessous.
Pour le parking, armez vous de patience, il faudra peut être vous garez sur le bord de la route et ensuite marcher quelques minutes. Vous pouvez y allez de jour ou de nuit (vérifiez les heures de coucher du soleil)
Si vous êtes avec une personne à mobilité réduite vous pouvez continuer jusqu’en haut, des places vous sont réservés avec un accès réglementé (ça veut dire qu’il faudra montrer patte blanche ;)

Einer der schönsten Orte von Los Angeles. Es ist vielen Leuten aus Filmen und Videos zumindest ein wenig bekannt, aber noch nicht so häufig besucht wie andere Attraktionen von LA.
Man lernt im Griffith Observatory sehr viel über unsere Planeten und Galaxie, die Erdentstehung an sich und auch über physikalische Verhältnisse im All. An manchen Tagen werden auf der Rasenfläche vorm Observatory Experimente und Beobachtungen durchgeführt.
Das beeindruckende Zeiss Teleskop sollte man auf jeden Fall anschauen und erklären lassen.
Vom GO aus hat man bei wenig Smog einen tollen Ausblick auf LA bis hin zur Küste. Auch die Hollywood Hills und das Hollywood Sign sieht man von hier aus prima.
Am besten parkt man am Fuß des Hügels und läuft bzw. fährt mit dem Bus zum Observatory.

Ein muss für Cineasten Rebel Without a Cause

Sehr schöné Aussicht. Leider hatte das Observatorium geschlossen als wir dort waren.

Ich finde es sehr lohnenswert das Observatorium zu besuchen, man kann ja auch mit dem Auto direkt vor die Tür fahren ;-) Wir waren Abends direkt während des Sonnenuntergangs oben, leider war auch genug Smog über der Stadt aber dennoch war der Ausblick toll. Wenn es dann dunkel wird ist es gut wenn man eine Jacke dabei hat, denn es wird dort oben recht schnell kühl. Ohne Smog vielleicht einmal ein Sonnenaufgang nach Regen wäre sicher ein Traum.
Aber der Abstecher hierhoch lohnt sich auf jedenfall

I love this place! A beautiful View of Downtown L. A. by night is awesome

Der weiße Kuppelbau wurde am 14. Mai 1935 nach Plänen von John C. Austin und Russell W. Porter in einer Mischung aus Art Déco und ägyptischem Stil fertiggestellt. Nach vierjähriger Renovierung erfolgte am 2. November 2006 seine Wiedereröffnung. 70 Millionen Personen besuchten das Observatorium seit seiner Eröffnung.
Es beherbergt drei Hauptabteilungen: die Hall of Science, das Planetarium und das Laserium. Zu sehen sind zahlreiche Ausstellungsstücke. Dazu gehören unter anderem Gesteinsbrocken vom Mars, vom Mond und von Meteoriten, ein Modell des Hubble-​Weltraumteleskops, ein Seismograph und ein 100 Kilogramm schweres Foucaultsches Pendel.
Vor dem Observatorium steht ein Denkmal, das sechs große Physiker und Astronomen der Menschheit ehrt: Nikolaus Kopernikus, Hipparchos, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, Isaac Newton und William Herschel.
Außerdem hat man eine traumhafte Sicht solange der Smog der Stadt noch nicht zu sehr ausgeprägt ist.