Griffith Observatory

LA's free hilltop temple to the cosmos — real telescopes, a gorgeous Art Deco building, and the single best skyline-plus-Hollywood-Sign view in the city. Absolutely send a friend here. The only catch is parking: it's a maddening $10/hour and fills fast, so take the DASH bus or walk up.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is it doable without a car?

It is — the LADOT DASH Observatory shuttle runs daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from the Vermont/Sunset Metro B Line station straight up to the door for a fare of a dollar or less. That beats the parking headache every time.

How much is parking and is it a nightmare?

Parking is enforced at $10 per hour, cashless, and the lots fill up fast on clear evenings and weekends. Honestly, take the DASH Observatory bus from the Metro B Line or park lower near the Greek Theatre and walk up. Circling for a spot will ruin your mood.

Can I look through the telescopes?

Yes, and it's free. Staff set up the big Zeiss telescope and portable scopes on the front lawn every clear night the Observatory is open. Lines form, but seeing Saturn's rings with your own eye is worth the wait.

What are the hours?

It's open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 10 p.m., and weekends 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Mondays. Those late hours are the whole point — come for sunset and stay for the city lights and telescope viewing.

When should I go for the best experience?

Arrive an hour or so before sunset on a clear weekday. You get golden-hour views, the sunset itself, then the city lights blinking on and telescope viewing after dark. That one visit hits every version of the place.

How much are the planetarium shows?

Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows run about $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $6 for kids 5-12. They're worth it — the dome shows are genuinely well done. Buy on-site; kids under 5 are only admitted to the first show of the day.

Can you see the Hollywood Sign from here?

Yes, clearly — the west-facing terraces give you a clean postcard view of the Sign across the canyon. It's one of the easiest, best places in the city to photograph it. No hike required.

Is Griffith Observatory free?

Yes — the building, grounds, exhibits, and looking through the public telescopes are all completely free, which is remarkable for what you get. You only pay for parking and for planetarium shows. It's one of the best free things in all of LA.

Nearby in Ask Los Angeles

• Los FelizNeighborhood1.71 km · 21 min walk
• AlcoveCafé1.78 km · 22 min walk
• Old Los Angeles ZooAttraction2.02 km · 25 min walk
• Griffith ParkAttraction2.1 km · 26 min walk
• Griffith ParkPark2.11 km · 26 min walk