Griffith Observatory

The public observatory, whose construction was the dying wish of Welsh-born industrialist Griffith J. Griffith, shows a side of Los Angeles focused on scientific breakthroughs and art deco glamor rather than celebrity worship—and it is one of the city’s true must-sees. While you can join a tour to Griffith Park to catch the views and check the observatory off the sightseeing list, you can easily visit yourself, least of all because admission is free. Shows at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium require tickets purchased on-site and day-of.

• Admission to the observatory building, grounds, and public telescopes is always free.

• Don’t miss Hugo Ballin’s murals depicting the “Advancement of Science” on the main rotunda’s vaulted ceiling.

• The Zeiss telescope is free for public use every night the observatory is open and the sky is clear.

• Parking can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays; consider arriving early or using alternative transportation options.

• Sit down for casual meals at the End of the Universe café on the lower level.

• Planetarium shows play every 60 to 90 minutes.

• Find public restrooms next to the observatory parking lot.

Griffith Observatory is in Griffith Park on the south side of Mt. Hollywood, accessible by car, public transportation, or the hiking trails starting from the Greek Theatre or Fern Dell. Paid parking is available on-site, and a DASH bus route provides service from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station to the observatory’s entrance every 20-30 minutes.

To avoid the busiest times, visit outside of weekends, summer and holiday periods, and sunset—though you’ll risk missing the views. The observatory is open Tuesday to Friday from 12pm to 10pm, and from 10am to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday. Griffith Park is open daily from 5am to 10:30pm.

Every show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium is presented by a live storyteller accompanied by a state-of-the-art Zeiss star projector and theatrical lighting. These presentations vary throughout the year but tend to focus on humanity’s place in the universe, the nature of our ecosystems, and the search for life in our galaxy and beyond.