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See & do · Museums

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Park
Closedvia Google
Opening hours
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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This art deco landmark from 1935 features a high-tech planetarium, public telescopes & city views.via Google

A historic Art Deco planetarium offering fascinating astronomical exhibits and the city's most iconic views of the Hollywood Sign.

Good to know
Admission to the building is free; parking is limited and expensive, so taking the local DASH bus is advised.

Reviews from Google

Blunt Bitesa week ago
Had a great time at Griffith Observatory! The views of Los Angeles are incredible, especially around sunset. It's a perfect spot to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and see the Hollywood Sign up close. The exhibits inside were interesting and easy to explore, even if you're not a huge astronomy fan. Everything was well organized, and the staff were friendly and helpful. I also loved that admission is free, which makes it an awesome place to visit without spending much. Definitely worth checking out if you're in LA. Whether you're into space, sightseeing, or just looking for a cool place to hang out, Griffith Observatory is a must-see!
T G4 months ago
First of all, you can’t beat free! But more importantly, the narrators all seem to love their job. Very insightful and entertaining speakers. They seem very well educated and informed about what they’re speaking about. Everything was clean and well kept and easy to navigate. Parking was super simple as well, but we did go at 12 o’clock in the afternoon. Make sure to check when the sunsets and arrive one hour early if you want to look through the telescopes. The experience was beautiful nonetheless with nice views of LA.
Hector Murillo3 months ago
Griffith Observatory is a Los Angeles Icon with Unreal Views Griffith Observatory is one of those rare places that somehow feels both legendary and completely welcoming at the same time. Sitting high above Los Angeles in Griffith Park, it delivers some of the best panoramic views in Southern California, including clear sights of the Hollywood Sign, the sprawling LA skyline, and the surrounding mountains that glow gold near sunset. What makes this spot truly special is how it blends science, history, and cinematic beauty into one unforgettable experience. The building itself is stunning inside and out, especially the famous rotunda ceiling mural beneath the central dome. Step outside and every direction feels like a postcard waiting to happen. Sunset into twilight is the magic window, when the city lights begin to sparkle and the observatory takes on that classic Hollywood movie atmosphere. A huge bonus is that admission to the observatory is free, making this easily one of the best value attractions in Los Angeles. Parking near the top fills quickly, so arriving earlier in the day or using the park shuttle is a great tip to save time. If you enjoy astronomy, don’t miss the public telescope viewing at night when available. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Griffith Observatory never loses its sense of wonder. Scenic, educational, peaceful, and cinematic all at once, this is an absolute must-visit Los Angeles landmark.
Vamsi KK3 months ago
One of the best observatories that you can visit. Commendable for its focus on serving the public. The planetarium is one of the most advanced, and the shows are excellent. "Centered in the Universe" and "Signs of Life" are worth watching. They might not tell you anything new, but they have good content. The best part is the live presentation of these shows when we attended, by a presenter who conveyed a strong sense of wonder & passion to the audience. Tickets are easy to get as long as you show up at least an hour before the show. Parking can be a nightmare on holidays & weekends, so do some research on options before visiting at those times. The telescope viewing is subject to weather. Though old, it's a marvel of science & manufacturing. The views of LA are breathtaking and worth a visit just on their own. Stay till after sunset, it gets magical. Food in the cafeteria is quite terrible. Few hot food options, made quite badly and as good as junk food. Plenty of juices, energy bars, chips etc on sale.
Jack Qiu4 months ago
The scenery here is beautiful, offering a panoramic view of Los Angeles. It's truly spectacular, nestled right next to the Hollywood Hills. The location is fantastic; I fell in love with it on my first visit. The exhibits of aerospace equipment and telescopes are incredibly valuable historically. It's simply a wonderful place. It's a pity I'm back in China now, but I'll definitely go back. I'm looking forward to seeing you again!
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