Griffith Park
One of the largest urban parks in North America, holding the Observatory, the LA Zoo, the Greek Theatre, trails, and the merry-go-round.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Griffith Park worth it?
Griffith Park deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
An enormous, sprawling wilderness-in-the-city that anchors half of LA's outdoor life — miles of trails, the Observatory, the zoo, and pony rides all inside it.
- 02
It's so big and car-dependent that 'visiting the park' means picking one thing; without a plan it can feel like a lot of driving between scattered sights.
Is it a fit?
Go if
Think twice if
You want something active
Griffith Park offers some adventure, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free (attractions inside ticketed)
- Timing
- Morning to claim parking before the Observatory and trailheads fill.
- Allow
- Half to full day
- Accessibility
- Paved areas and attractions are accessible; trails vary widely.
- Getting there
- Drive — the park is large and spread out; some areas have DASH shuttle service.