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Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles: Hours, Address, Griffith Observatory Reviews: 4.5/5

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Griffith Observatory

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See all things to do
Griffith Observatory
4.5
20,364
#2 of 767 things to do in Los Angeles
Observatories & Planetariums
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Friday
12:00 - 22:00
Saturday
10:00 - 22:00
Sunday
10:00 - 22:00
About
A public observatory owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles for the benefit of all. Located in on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Observatory offers a planetarium, exhibits, public telescopes, cafe, bookstore, and the best views of the Los Angeles basin. Admission is free, and visitors may drive directly to the Observatory and park in its lots and roads.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Admission tickets
from €9.50
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Griffith Observatory
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The area
Address
Best nearby
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Restaurants
1,385 within 5 kms
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Popular mentions
4.5
20,364 reviews
Excellent
13,165
Very good
5,826
Average
1,105
Poor
166
Terrible
107
Pete S
Florida, NY456 contributions
great views
May 2022
great views., drive in a giant park up the side of a mountain, you are able to get great pictures of the hollywood sign, only spend about 15 mins inside

make sure you bring your mask and covid vaccine crd or they won't let you in,

if you can't get in outside has great views of city and hollywood sign

admission is free
Written 19 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Keren R
12 contributions
Mi favorite place!!!
Jan 2022
I come here every Sunday, this is one my favorite places, you have a great view from the mountain, Usually I go up walking and I enjoy the views
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Abeer H
Dubai, United Arab Emirates1,159 contributions
Only Hollywood sign to see
Apr 2022 • Family
Nothing much there. Only Hollywood sign to see. You have to pay $10 for parking even if you stay for 10 minutes. No shops or stalls to eat. Even surprisingly mobile service is very poor on top.
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
PhotoGraeme
1,831 contributions
Fun place to visit, with great views of LA
Apr 2022
I have been to Los Angeles on many occasions, but last week was the first time I took time to go up to the Griffith Observatory.

It is a visitor attraction for all ages and backgrounds. There is no ‘talking down’ to their guests and this free to enter ‘National Treasure’ will keep you enthralled for the afternoon.

Many have said that the evening sunset is stunning, but with an early start the next morning, I had to forego the pleasure.

When I went at the end of April, it was still compulsory to wear a face mask inside the building and show a valid Covid pass to gain entry. For travellers like myself from the UK, the NHS external travel pass (available to show on your phone as a QR code) was sufficient.

The views from the Observatory and grounds looking out towards LA are stunning and it has one of the best vantage points to photograph the famous Hollywood sign from, (even as a selfie).

I spent just under two hours here and that was enough time to see everything. There are shows that you can book and attend. I would recommend the Tesla Coil demonstration that occurs regularly.

I made the mistake of traveling right across LA by train and bus to Griffiths Park. My journey was long and ‘interesting’. I would certainly recommend tourists drive or take an Uber.

Well worth a visit if in town.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mokemo
Portland, OR205 contributions
Remarkable view of the City
Apr 2022 • Couples
We hiked here as we visited the Hollywood sign. The view over LA is remarkable. The facility is well maintained and covid19 safe - vaccine cards and masks are required to enter the building.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chris D
Atlanta, GA148 contributions
Great, but they unnecessarily disappoint many customers in a rude way
Apr 2022
The museum is great, the view is even better, and the planetarium MIGHT be excellent, but see my important note below. If you're a reader, plan to spend 3-4 hours here. The museum has a lot of technical drawings, details, and hands on representation of the solar system and scientific principles. Tweens will learn a lot if they want to. For the basics, plan on 1.5 hours if you like to breeze through these things.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The location is only open Fri/Sat/Sun, and they advertise a closing time of 10pm. BUT...they really do a good job of hiding one really important fact: the telescope closes at 9:30 SHARP. I emphasize "sharp" because they close the door in your face at that time. Think about Willy Wonka at the end of the movie: "Good day sir!" I was about 20th in line, and there was a family ahead of me, next at the door. The man told the guides that this is their last night, but he was refused entry. It was our last night too. You don't see the "Close at 9:30pm sharp" until you've been in line for a while. It's too late if you're not going to make it. Frankly, it was a very rude thing to do to customers. There's no reason to close before 10. In the worst case, they should stop allowing people to join the line, but make sure everyone in line by 9:30 gets to see it. The more I think about it, the more it ticks me off.

The "movie" in the Planetarium is quite good, but "planet" (haha) around the telescope. Don't run out of time if you want to see it.

Worth a visit for the view alone, but plan your time.
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
joleen126
Massachusetts241 contributions
Beautiful!!!
Apr 2022 • Family
The view is amazing!! The observatory wasn’t open but we still had a great time walking around and looking at the different sites. So many walking trails and not enough time! If you like hiking this is worth the trip!
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Suryavarman
Livingston, NJ450 contributions
Beautiful
Feb 2022
Great spot to loo at the city at a large. Make sure you wear layers before you go there even on a sunny day.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wilko1969
Ashford, UK60 contributions
views
Apr 2022
went in the evening for night views of the city buses are regular and free was windy the day we went great views observatry was closed so didnt get to see inside
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NyCD
6 contributions
A must see experience
Aug 2021 • Family
An absolute must see! The view is amazing. Interesting and beautiful architecture. Free!
Go early to ensure you get parking or you will have to park and walk. With young kids you will definitely need a stroller.
The view of Hollywood sign is perfect! Many photo ops.
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is open:
  • Fri - Fri 12:00 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun 10:00 - 22:00
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Griffith Observatory admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost €9.57, while a popular guided tour starts around €9.50 per person. See all 54 Griffith Observatory tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
Griffith Observatory can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 54 Griffith Observatory tickets and tours on Tripadvisor