Griffith Observatory
Free public observatory on Mount Hollywood with planetarium, telescopes, and the city's best skyline-and-Hollywood-Sign view.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Griffith Observatory worth it?
Griffith Observatory deserves a place on most first itineraries. Go early or reserve ahead. Crowds are part of the cost.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
One of the few genuinely free, genuinely iconic things in LA — sweeping views, real telescopes you can look through after dark, and the building from a hundred movies.
- 02
The catch is parking: the lot fills by mid-morning on weekends and you may end up hiking up from far below, and sunset crowds are heavy.
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to Los Angeles
The single most efficient way to see the Sign, the skyline, and an LA icon at once.
You're watching the budget
Griffith Observatory earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Griffith Observatory.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Griffith Observatory is an easy yes.
Think twice if
You want time outdoors
Griffith Observatory offers some nature & scenery, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free (planetarium show ~$10; parking $10/hr or free street with a walk)
- Timing
- Arrive about 90 minutes before sunset for daylight, golden hour, and city lights.
- Booking
- Grounds need no ticket; buy planetarium-show tickets on arrival or online.
- Allow
- 2-3 hours
- Accessibility
- Building and terrace are wheelchair accessible; getting from distant parking can be steep.
- Getting there
- Drive and arrive early, take the DASH Observatory shuttle from the Greek Theatre lot on weekends, or park low and hike up.
Consider instead
Sources and method (1)
- Admission to the observatory building, grounds, exhibits and public telescopes is free; only the Samuel Oschin Planetarium show is ticketed. griffithobservatory.lacity.gov ↗
- Planetarium tickets are $10 for adults 13-54 (less for seniors/students/children) and are sold only on-site, same-day. griffithobservatory.lacity.gov ↗