Is Griffith Observatory worth visiting?

Griffith Observatory is southern California’s gateway to the cosmos, offering visitors the chance to look through telescopes, explore exhibits, and see live shows. It also provides spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign, making it a unique destination.

What are the best things to see and do at Griffith Observatory?

Visitors can explore 60 exhibits about the sky and beyond, immerse themselves in the cosmos with live presentations in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy films and programs in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater. There are also opportunities for sky observation through free public telescopes and stunning views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

What are the opening hours at Griffith Observatory?

The observatory is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. Please check the official site for date-specific hours.

How do you get to Griffith Observatory, and is there parking?

Visitors can reach the observatory using public transport, walking, biking, driving, or shared-ride services. Both paid and free parking options are available.

Is Griffith Observatory suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?

Griffith Observatory is suitable for all ages, making it a great destination for families with children.

What's so special about Griffith Observatory?

Griffith Observatory is a renowned public observatory that offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with astronomy and space science. It features 60 exhibits, a planetarium with live presentations, and opportunities to look through telescopes, all while providing spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

Griffith Observatory

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Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

Image credits

Photo by Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-2.0
Photo by dconvertini via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-2.0
Photo by Codera23 via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0

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About Griffith Observatory

Peer through free public telescopes and catch a planetarium show high above Los Angeles.

Perched on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, this landmark observatory is a free gateway to the cosmos. It blends space science with sweeping views of Los Angeles.

What you'll see and do - Explore 60 exhibits about humanity's curiosity about the sky and the universe. - Catch a live show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium or a film at the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater. - Look through free public telescopes and pick up tips for backyard viewing. - Step outside for trails and views of the Hollywood Sign within Griffith Park.

Attraction Details

Facilities

Parking
Food court
Gift shop

Events at Griffith Observatory

After Hours at Griffith Observatory: Spaceballs
May 4, 2026
The Griffith Observatory Foundation hosts an after-hours evening in celebration of Star Wars Day, featuring a screening of Mel Brooks’ iconic science-fiction parody Spaceballs.
Public Star Party – May 17, 2026
May 17, 2026
Once a month, the Observatory partners with local telescope groups to share their telescopes and knowledge with the public, offering dozens of telescopes on the lawn.
All Space Considered – May 2026
May 21, 2026
Griffith Observatory broadcasts this public program live from the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater, examining and explaining the most-talked-about subjects in astronomy and space science.
ABOVE – Night Gallery: The Stars of the Summer
June 15, 2026
Experience the wonder of the cosmos through a guided journey into the night sky.
All Space Considered – June 2026
June 18, 2026
Griffith Observatory broadcasts this public program live from the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater, examining and explaining the most-talked-about subjects in astronomy and space science.
Public Star Party – June 20, 2026
June 20, 2026
Once a month, the Observatory partners with local telescope groups to share their telescopes and knowledge with the public, offering dozens of telescopes on the lawn.
All Space Considered – July 2026
July 16, 2026
Griffith Observatory broadcasts this public program live from the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater, examining and explaining the most-talked-about subjects in astronomy and space science.
Public Star Party – July 18, 2026
July 18, 2026
Once a month, the Observatory partners with local telescope groups to share their telescopes and knowledge with the public, offering dozens of telescopes on the lawn.
ABOVE
July 27, 2026
A program presented by the Griffith Observatory Foundation, encouraging participants to meet above the city lights to experience the vast night sky.

Plan Your Visit

Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Griffith Observatory.

Who it's for

All ages

Getting there

Griffith Observatory is at 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.

Pro tip

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.

Directions

Griffith Observatory

2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

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Last updated 10/17/2026