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Griffith Observatory
Observatory, Scenic Lookout, and Science Museum
Los Angeles
Has a stamp of approval from Travel + Leisure and LA Weekly
"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)
"Spectacular view and has one of the best planetariums!"(38 Tips)
"u can c the best amazing night view at there."(10 Tips)
538 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- scenic views
- hollywood sign
- hiking
- planetarium
- trails
- (15 more)
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Christina ChristodoulouApril 2, 2018I 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 3 weeks ago
Rick KupermanJuly 28, 2017This 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, 2012Grab 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, 2020The 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, 2019A 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, 2018The 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, 2018Park 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, 2015The 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, 2019Yes 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.
Robert CarbonellJanuary 9, 2019The 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.
Hamid Alan9aryJanuary 8, 2022A must stop if you are in the area 😁 the view is spectacular from both sides.Sometimes certain roads are closed.. it’s better if you go there early afternoon 🌅
KatiaJanuary 4, 2020Amazing 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 ToDecember 16, 2015The 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!
Cathérine V.DSeptember 7, 2016If 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!!!
HISTORYMarch 31, 2010In 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.
Kevin SkobacDecember 9, 2015Beautiful building, beautiful view of LA and the sunset, free science exhibit with a lot to explore, great hikes around it. Must stop here.
Ashley DandoJanuary 30, 2019Good 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
- BaileyNovember 3, 2016Really awesome exhibits on astronomy, it's history and great scientific explanations. And then there are the views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign!
SarahOctober 18, 2016An 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!- Sarah HamiltonJanuary 23, 2015The 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!
UCLAJune 4, 2012The 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.
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, 2014This 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.
- Diego Wan Der LeySeptember 27, 2013Simple but very insightful observatory! . You can have a great view of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign!
Glaucia MoraisFebruary 16, 2020Great 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
JulienFebruary 18, 2018One of LA’s top scenic views. A must see! Try to get there before lunch time to get a parking spot at the top
Paul CooperMarch 20, 2015Incredible 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.
Arpita JainJanuary 24, 2016Amazing 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 😉
Murdo ConnochieSeptember 14, 2017Centred 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.
JLJune 28, 2017View 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, 2018Amazing science center, bring your kids to make them more aware of the universe!
Solutions in LAOctober 10, 2012Perfect 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.
Mary PayneMay 19, 2018Not 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!
The Fluff Ice™ TruckFebruary 16, 2012Griffith 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!
Cathrine JohansenNovember 7, 2016Great view over LA. A nice park with lots of hiking opportunities around. Nice view of the Hollywood sign! Parking was challenging.
QDecember 23, 2016A must visit attraction for the first timers in LA. Come here for sunset to enjoy the breathtaking views of Greater LA
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.
Erik RowleyJanuary 20, 2017A beautiful landmark perched atop Mount Hollywood. Provides fascinating exhibits and breathtaking views of the LA skyline and Hollywood sign.
The ArtificialNovember 27, 2017If 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.
Alexia CardenasJanuary 31, 2019Beautiful 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.
Richard RevillaMay 17, 2017Great place to visit at sunset. The LA sky lights up and the colors are amazing. On a clear day (smog) you have an amazing view of downtown LA.
NéstorJune 11, 2015Beware 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.
Giang PhamJuly 30, 2016You should go here at night for the amazing city view. The weather is also much better than during the day time.
telescope views of the moon are worth the wait in line. it's a quick viewing that some might find underwhelming, but remember it's the actual moon and the only one we've got!
Veronica ChaviraJuly 16, 2018Prime location for Instagram pics and selfies. Historic LA location! Family friendly, best spot to see the Hollywood sign besides the hikes around. Free admission and great spot to view all of LA.
Los AngelesAugust 1, 2013To learn about stars that are truly out of this world, the exhibitions and displays in this Griffith Park landmark are all free.
Deborah AbibFebruary 23, 2016I loved seeing Downtown LA and the Hollywood sign ! The park is beautiful, and it's a great place to go with your family.
- Marvin AndujarJuly 7, 2013The 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.
ZenFoodsterOctober 3, 2015Yrs 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.
Magali MAugust 18, 2013Dont 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).
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Griffith Observatory is sitting on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in L.A.'s Griffith Park. The observatory is a popular tourist attraction with an extensive array of space and science-related displays.
Open until 10:00 PM (Show more)
- Tue–Fri
- Noon–10:00 PM
- Sat–Sun
- 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
(213) 473-0800
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover)
Wi-Fi
Free
Parking
Yes
See More
Places inside Griffith Observatory
- 8.7
"Well worth the money! Excellent storytelling and visuals. Loved that it was live narrated and not a corny video. Very passionately delivered, and interesting."
Andrew Couldwell - 7.1
"Disneyland"
Serena Burger - 5.4
"Greetings hitchhikers! Hang on to your towels as you gaze up longingly at Alpha Centauri and remember those days when the small furry creatures were really small furry creatures and 42 was really 42."
Idea Monkey, Inc.
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