Griffith Observatory is free to enter. The building is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it is closed on Mondays, while the grounds and park roads stay open daily from early morning until late evening. Parking right by the building is paid and fills fast, so the smoothest way up on a busy day is the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station or a short hike from the trailheads below. Arrive a couple of hours before sunset if you want the famous view without a long wait.
Why it is worth the trip
The Observatory opened in 1935 on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. It is a public science center rather than a research facility, which is why the exhibits, the telescopes and the views are built for visitors. From its terraces you can see the Hollywood Sign across the canyon, the towers of downtown, and on clear days the ocean. Inside are exhibit halls about the sky and the solar system, a large Foucault pendulum, a Tesla coil demonstration and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
Hours and costs at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Building admission | Free |
| Building hours | Tue to Fri noon to 10 p.m.; Sat and Sun 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Mondays |
| Grounds and roads | Open daily, roughly 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. |
| Planetarium shows | Separate tickets sold on site; check current prices |
| Parking near the building | Paid, credit card only at pay stations, no time limit, receipt on the dashboard |
| DASH Observatory bus | Runs daily about every 20 to 25 minutes from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station; low fare |
Hours change for holidays and special events, so check the Observatory's official website on the day you plan to go.
Getting there
By public transit
Take the Metro B Line to Vermont/Sunset, then board the LADOT DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus. It stops at the Observatory's front driveway, at Griffith Park trailheads on Mount Hollywood Drive, at the Greek Theatre and in Los Feliz Village. The bus runs every day from about 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., even on Mondays when the building is closed, and the fare is well under a dollar, with a lower fare when you pay with a TAP card. There is no parking at the Vermont/Sunset station itself. For more on transit and passes, see getting around Hollywood without a car.
By car
The lot beside the building and the curbs along West Observatory Road and Western Canyon Road are paid parking during building hours. Pay stations accept only cards, and fees are not refundable. Unpaid cars are cited. On weekends and summer evenings the spaces near the top are often full, and cars queue on the hill. A good alternative is to park free near the Greek Theatre and walk up, which is close to a mile and steadily uphill. On concert evenings that area fills in the afternoon.
By rideshare
Drivers drop off and pick up in a marked red zone just past the front driveway. They cannot wait or park. The park's inbound gates close at 10 p.m., so if you are coming late, enter before then.
On foot
Hiking up is part of the experience for many locals. Trails start near the Greek Theatre and in Fern Dell, a shaded canyon at the park's southwest corner. The Fern Dell route climbs out of the shady canyon and up switchbacks to the Observatory lawn in well under an hour for most walkers. The Hollywood hiking trails guide describes the main routes.
When to go
- Busiest: weekends, summer, holiday periods and the hour around sunset.
- Calmest: weekday afternoons, especially from noon opening until about 3 p.m. outside school holidays.
- Clearest air: the days after rain or a strong wind, typically in winter and early spring.
- For stars and planets: evenings, when public telescopes may be available on the roof and lawn if the weather allows. Check the official calendar for public star parties and viewing nights.
What to see inside
- The Foucault pendulum in the central rotunda, which slowly shows the Earth turning beneath it.
- The Tesla coil, fired in short demonstrations at intervals.
- The exhibit halls on the sun, the moon, the planets and the edge of space, including scale models of the solar system.
- The 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope on the roof, used for free public viewing on clear evenings when the building is open.
- The planetarium, where live presenters narrate shows under the dome. Tickets are sold at the building and often sell out on weekends.
The view outside
Walk the terraces and the roof deck, which wrap around three sides of the building. The west side faces the Hollywood Sign; the south side looks over Los Feliz and the city toward downtown. For a wider angle, the short trail from the north end of the parking area toward Mount Hollywood gains height quickly and looks back down on the domes. Read our notes on the best Hollywood Sign viewpoints to compare the Observatory with other spots.
Practical tips
- Bring a layer. The hilltop is often breezy and cools fast after dark.
- Carry water if you plan to walk the trails; there is little shade on the ridges.
- Keep to paved roads if you ride a bike. East Observatory Road is one-way downhill, so cyclists climb on West Observatory Road.
- Be patient at sunset. Lines for the restroom, the cafe and the planetarium all peak at once.
- Check fire and weather notices. Parts of Griffith Park close during red flag conditions or after storms.
The Observatory is one of several no-cost highlights nearby; our list of free things to do in Hollywood has more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost money to go to Griffith Observatory?
No. Admission to the building and grounds is free. You pay only for planetarium shows, parking near the building, food or transit.
Is Griffith Observatory open on Mondays?
The building is closed on Mondays, but the grounds, terraces and park roads are open, and the DASH bus still runs. You can enjoy the view and the trails without going inside.
What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Weekday afternoons soon after the noon opening are usually the calmest. Weekends, summer and the hour around sunset are the busiest times.
Can you see the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory?
Yes. The west terrace looks across the canyon to the Sign on Mount Lee, and it is one of the two viewing areas the Hollywood Sign Trust recommends.
How do I get to Griffith Observatory without a car?
Ride the Metro B Line to Vermont/Sunset and transfer to the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus, which runs every 20 to 25 minutes. You can also hike up from Fern Dell or the Greek Theatre area.