Griffith Observatory
Los Angeles, CA
Free (planetarium ~$10)
By Simir Shah
Updated September 13, 2026
★★★★★4.7(20,268 Google reviews)
From our editor — we've been
Griffith Observatory is an absolutely amazing place to learn and take in the most gorgeous views LA has to offer. Just looking out over the city — the views, the beautiful homes you can only dream of affording — makes it worth the trip on its own. It's a must-visit.
💡 Local tip: Park at the bottom and take the DASH Observatory shuttle up — parking at the top is a nightmare.
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Entry is free and reviewers say there is plenty inside to keep children busy. Parking is the whole problem: lots fill, the payment machines refuse cards, and people circle for a long time. Reviewers recommend parking at the Greek Theatre and taking the shuttle. Expect an uphill walk and dated restrooms.
Iconic 1935 Art Deco observatory that's been free to the public since it opened, per the wishes of benefactor Griffith J. Griffith. Look through the same 12-inch Zeiss telescope that's logged more public viewings than any telescope in the world, watch the Foucault pendulum swing to prove the Earth's rotation, and take in sweeping skyline views.
Plan your visit to Griffith Observatory
Researched from the venue and public sources, not a first-hand visit. How we write these
- How long to spend
- A typical visit runs about two hours. Adding a planetarium show, the evening telescope line, or a hike up from the Greek Theatre or Fern Dell stretches it longer.
- Best time to go
- Evenings, weekends, summer, spring break, holidays and sunset are the busiest times. Weekdays are calmer, and arriving soon after opening beats the crowds; stay until dark on a clear night for free public telescope viewing.
- Parking & getting there
- The Observatory lot and West Observatory Road are pay-and-display (credit card only), and spaces fill fast at busy times. Free parking near the Greek Theatre means an uphill walk of up to a mile, and it is unavailable on concert evenings. The DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus runs from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station, and rideshare cars may only drop off in the red zone.
- Best ages
- The hands-on exhibit halls and Tesla coil demonstration work for most ages. Children under 5 are admitted only to the first planetarium show of the day and must sit on an adult's lap.
- Food
- Food and drinks are not allowed inside the building, and there are no picnic facilities. The Cafe at the End of the Universe on the lower level serves sandwiches, salads and kid-friendly items like mac and cheese and hot dogs.
- What to bring
- Bring a credit card for parking, since the pay stations take cards only. Planetarium tickets are sold only at the Observatory for same-day shows, so buy them soon after arriving.
- Rain or heat plan
- The exhibit galleries, Samuel Oschin Planetarium and Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater are all indoors, so the building works on a hot or rainy day. Telescope viewing only happens when skies are clear.
Pair it with
Common questions
Can you bring food into Griffith Observatory?
No. Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the building and there are no picnic facilities, but the on-site cafe sells meals and snacks.
Can toddlers go to the Griffith Observatory planetarium show?
Children under 5 can attend only the first planetarium show of each day, seated on a parent's lap. All other shows are for ages 5 and up.
Is Griffith Observatory stroller friendly?
Yes. The building and grounds are stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Can you look through the telescopes at Griffith Observatory?
Yes. Public telescope viewing is free on evenings when the Observatory is open and skies are clear, with staff demonstrators guiding visitors. Expect a line on busy nights.
Good for
- Ages 10+
- Stroller-friendly
- Nap-schedule friendly
- Restrooms
- Food on-site
Happening near here
- Día de los Muertos at Hollywood ForeverLos Angeles · 2 mi
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- Autry Family Fun Day: Mini Pumpkin Patch & Spooky CartoonsLos Angeles · 2 mi
- Halloween Horror NightsUniversal City · 3 mi
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
What visitors say
- Rami Rahman★★★★★
This place is an amazing find. The hype is definitely worth it especially because it is free. I would like to think if they cost for the entry then they would still have a lot of customers. The outside views are absolutely breathtaking and the inside shows history of our solar system and of anything space. If you come to LA this is an absolute must see. There is a lot of interactive activities for the kids to keep them occupied as-well.
3 months ago
- Guillaume Munier★★★★★
Griffith Observatory — A Place Full of Meaning Griffith Observatory is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. Perched above Los Angeles, with breathtaking views of the city and the Hollywood sign, it is a truly magical place, especially at sunset. But for me, this place is much more than just a beautiful viewpoint. It is my wife’s favorite place, which makes every moment here even more special. Seeing Los Angeles from up there, surrounded by the lights of the city and the endless sky, feels incredibly peaceful and intimate. There is something timeless about Griffith Observatory — the architecture, the views, the stars, and the feeling of being above the city. I can completely understand why she loves it so much. For us, it is not simply a place to visit. It is a place connected to memories, emotions, and the person I love. One of the most beautiful places in Los Angeles — and forever one of my favorites because it is hers. ❤️
a month ago
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