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Griffith Observatory

Observatory, Scenic Lookout, and Science Museum

Los Angeles

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9.4^/10

5,339

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Given the COVID-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing
Ranked #1 for scenic views in Los Angeles
The folks at Travel + Leisure and LA Weekly like this place. Would you agree?
"You can have a great view of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign!"(51 Tips)
"Amazing hiking and scenic views of LA, can see the entire city."(45 Tips)
"Aside from the heavenly view, the planetarium gift shop is awesome!"(40 Tips)
"u can c the best amazing night view at there."(10 Tips)

539 Tips and reviews

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LA WeeklyJanuary 26, 2013
Voted Best Of LA numerous times, the Observatory is the site of the famous James Dean knife fight scene in "Rebel Without A Cause". Aside from the heavenly view, the planetarium gift shop is awesome! Read more
Upvoted Jul 29
Christina ChristodoulouApril 2, 2018
I love this place! It’s brilliant that there is an opportunity to look through the 12-inch Zeiss telescope most evenings depending upon the weather. A great location with good views of LA too.
Upvoted Jul 24
Rick KupermanJuly 28, 2017
This was excellent. Foucault's pendulum - a mind-blowing demonstration of Earth's place in the cosmos and the imperceptible realities of the Earth's constant rotation. Also the views are 👌
Travel + LeisureNovember 2, 2012
Grab your hiking boots and make your way from the Los Angeles Zoo to the Griffith Observatory, made famous by “Rebel Without a Cause.” Stop at Trails Café for lunch.
Jeff S.January 2
The sightseeing is amazing. There are great views of downtown LA and the Hollywood sign. Check out the trails for hiking. I love going there to watch the sun set in Cali.
May ♍September 18, 2019
A quintessential LA icon that commands marvelous views. There's a lot of interactive and educational activities focusing on astronomy. Never miss the telescope, you will be able to see certain planets
EdykatMay 16, 2018
The best place to visit the entire scenery of LA. And also the best place to catch the Hollywood sign ever!!! If you have time visit one of the show while you’re there, very informative
Aldous NoahAugust 23, 2018
Park near the Greek Theater and just hike your way up to the Observatory. Saves you time looking for a parking spot at the top; Gets you a good workout too!
Daniel PalmieriFebruary 13, 2015
The best view of the city. I love the park that is around and also enjoyed the way until I get there. The only thing that you need to now is if you are going without a car you must to get back early.
Justosh SinghSeptember 19, 2019
Yes just yes. Absolutely check this place out. Apart from the history of space and a working telescope, it offers an amazing view of downtown LA and the area of Hollywood.
HISTORYMarch 31, 2010
In 1896, Col. Griffith J. Griffith gave funds in his will to build an observatory, exhibit hall, and planetarium on this donated land. Construction began in 1933 and opened to the public in 1935.
Robert CarbonellJanuary 9, 2019
The place is beautiful. Great view of LA and place to observe sunset. The museum is also good. Too bad most of the telescopes and Sun observer was not working. Looks like they need funding.
Kevin ToDecember 16, 2015
The view of Los Angeles and Hollywood from up here is amazing, but don't forget to walk inside the observatory for the main attraction. The Griffith Observatory houses some great, must see exhibits!
UCLAJune 4, 2012
The Observatory originally opened to the public in 1935, and was reopened in 2006 after renovations. It's a great place to take in the view or snap a photo in front of the Hollywood sign.
Heather DelamortonJune 6, 2011
If you're ever in the L.A area the Griffith Observatory is a MUST. The Light of the Valkyries & Centered in the Universe are both UHHmazing shows. Great place to go to for date night & fun for kids.
Cathérine V.DSeptember 7, 2016
If you can, go and watch a show! Was a great experience!! Try to get there at 6-7pm so you can see it by day/night. Magnificent view!!!
KatiaJanuary 4
Amazing trails up to and around the observatory. It gets very busy on weekends and bank holidays though, so it can be difficult to find a parking space. Some parkings in the park shut at sunset.
Kevin SkobacDecember 9, 2015
Beautiful building, beautiful view of LA and the sunset, free science exhibit with a lot to explore, great hikes around it. Must stop here.
The Fluff Ice™ TruckFebruary 16, 2012
Griffith Observatory has an amazing view of Los Angeles as well as a yummy cafe catered by Wolfgang Puck! Also, make sure to catch the Planetarium show -- the narrator is amazing!
Sarah HamiltonJanuary 23, 2015
The view is fantastic! Great to hike up to or just drive, explore the grounds, and then go inside to expand your knowledge. Check their schedule for upcoming events/talks! Very enlightening!
BaileyNovember 3, 2016
Really awesome exhibits on astronomy, it's history and great scientific explanations. And then there are the views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign!
Chris CooksonSeptember 15, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Parking's a pain in the ass, if you can, take a bus over and walk up otherwise come early. Definitely see the sunset and the shows in the planetarium are absolutely breathtaking, really cheap too!
Steve JohnstonOctober 20, 2014
This legendary location lives up to its reputation. Incredible views of the city, and a well-adorned astronomy museum. Expect a hike when it comes to parking.
SarahOctober 18, 2016
An awesome observatory with amazing views of Los Angeles. You can see the Hollywood sign from the property and there's some nice hiking trails below in the hills. Check it out, it's free!
Solutions in LAOctober 10, 2012
Perfect place to watch the sky. It has been newly renovated, and is the perfect place to learn about the universe. Griffith Park is also the perfect place to get a view of a LA and have a nice picnic.
Roobee H.July 1, 2016
Been here 10+ times
One of my favorite places to hike. We start from the bottom to go all the up. Pass the observatory. It's like a good 2hr hike for us and 6miles.
Diego Wan Der LeySeptember 27, 2013
Simple but very insightful observatory! . You can have a great view of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign!
Ashley DandoJanuary 30, 2019
Good views over the city. Park at the bottom of the hill to avoid the $8 per hour parking at the top. It’s a nice gentle walk up to the top
Arpita JainJanuary 24, 2016
Amazing view, nice trails, good scientific stuff. For trails visit during day time and to get a amazing view of LA city in night. Don't forget to take your love one's along 😉
Paul CooperMarch 20, 2015
Incredible views over LA and of the Hollywood sign. A must for those visiting LA, head down just before sunset. Spectacular! If you're lucky you may see a few Hummingbirds too.
Erik RowleyJanuary 20, 2017
A beautiful landmark perched atop Mount Hollywood. Provides fascinating exhibits and breathtaking views of the LA skyline and Hollywood sign.
Glaucia MoraisFebruary 16
Great view of LA, Hollywood sign and even Santa Monica and Venice on a clear day. Go before noon so you don’t have to pay for parking
Murdo ConnochieSeptember 14, 2017
Centred in the Universe is an incredible presentation, only $7 for an adult. Try to sit as close to the middle of the dome as possible.
JulienFebruary 18, 2018
One of LA’s top scenic views. A must see! Try to get there before lunch time to get a parking spot at the top
Mary PayneMay 19, 2018
Not only do they have amazing views of the city but the have so much on astrology, be sure to visit inside and get your mind blown!
JLJune 28, 2017
View is awesome. You can see the Hollywood sign from there. Transportation has free wifi and also outside the Observatory. Very interesting stuff inside. I missed the sunset. 😐
AycanFebruary 18, 2018
Amazing science center, bring your kids to make them more aware of the universe!
QDecember 23, 2016
A must visit attraction for the first timers in LA. Come here for sunset to enjoy the breathtaking views of Greater LA
Cathrine JohansenNovember 7, 2016
Great view over LA. A nice park with lots of hiking opportunities around. Nice view of the Hollywood sign! Parking was challenging.
The ArtificialNovember 27, 2017
If you're a movie-buff, you'll probably recognize this iconic hill-top building. Visit the Griffith Observatory for the exhibits, the view, the architecture, or one of their many events.
NéstorJune 11, 2015
Beware on sunny days or bank holidays, it can get crowded and the walk from the "extra parking" can be 20 or more minutes. However the views are great. I thought the hollywood sign was bigger.
Los AngelesAugust 1, 2013
To learn about stars that are truly out of this world, the exhibitions and displays in this Griffith Park landmark are all free.
Magali MAugust 18, 2013
Dont miss the "center of the universe" show at the planetarium, it is a must see, one of the best i've ever seen (maybe even better than the rose planetarium in nyc).
Marvin AndujarJuly 7, 2013
The view in this place is magnificent. Although I did not get to see the planetarium it is a good place to visit. You can also see the Hollywood sign from here. I give this place 4 out of 5.
Alexia CardenasJanuary 31, 2019
Beautiful view of Hollywood. Inside are so many different ways to experience space and what we know. Touch actual meteorites and weigh yourself on different planets. Not a lot of parking though.
Diana K.August 26, 2012
This wasn't at the top of my to-see list, but it was actually very impressive. Loved the beautiful observatory, the breathtaking views of the city and mountains,, and the planetarium show.
ZenFoodsterOctober 3, 2015
Yrs of lovely, romantic moments here :)...my #1 spot for the most spectacular views of LA! Go watch the sunset, visit Planetarium, & see the stars w/ the lawn telescopes instead of lining up 4 Zeiss.
ZemantaOctober 17, 2011
Bloggers, need inspiration? Great for day or night view of LA. Hike around the hills, catch a star show at night then grab dinner at the bottom of hill at Little Doms in Los Feliz (via @jamiehonkawa)!
Michelle PagaranAugust 25, 2013
My absolute favorite spot to be at night in LA. The view is wondrous. I recommend the Comet show for kids and seeing a planetarium show. The food at the cafe is expensive though.
Giang PhamJuly 30, 2016
You should go here at night for the amazing city view. The weather is also much better than during the day time.

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