Journey Through the Stars at Griffith Observatory

This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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Griffith Observatory: Guided Tour + Planetarium Show

Highlights

Discover the interiors of Griffith Observatory with knowledgeable staff.

Enjoy a 40-minute planetarium presentation suitable for visitors aged 5 and above.

Gain insights into the site’s history, science, architecture, and cinematic ties.

Small group setting ensures personalized attention.

See iconic spots such as the Hollywood Sign and astronomical instruments.

Experience the Wonders of the Cosmos at Griffith Observatory

Perched high on the slopes of Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory offers unrivaled views of the Los Angeles basin and the stars above. As Southern California’s premier gateway to the cosmos, this iconic landmark combines state-of-the-art astronomical exhibits, historic telescopes, and immersive planetarium shows. Whether you are aiming to gaze through the world-famous Zeiss telescope or catch a captivating journey through deep space in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, your unforgettable adventure into science and discovery starts here.

About Griffith Observatory: Los Angeles’ Gateway to the Stars

Opened on May 14, 1935, through a visionary bequest by Colonel Griffith J. Griffith, Griffith Observatory stands 1,134 feet above sea level on Mount Hollywood, serving as Southern California’s premier public window into the universe. The Art Deco landmark offers panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin and the Hollywood Sign, alongside world-class scientific exhibits designed to make astronomy accessible to all. While building entry and lawn access are completely free, visitors can elevate their experience through key highlights:

Samuel Oschin Planetarium: Experience immersive, live-narrated cosmic journeys beneath an 80-foot dome.
Historic Zeiss Telescope: Peer through the world's most-viewed 12-inch refracting telescope during free evening stargazing.
Foucault Pendulum & Tesla Coil: Witness real-time physics demonstrations showing Earth’s rotation and live electrical arcs.
Gunther Depths of Space: Explore subterranean galleries featuring The Big Picture, a massive 152-foot photographic display of the Virgo Galaxy Cluster.

Why Visit Griffith Observatory?

Breathtaking Planetarium Shows: Experience live-narrated, immersive cosmic journeys in the world-class Samuel Oschin Planetarium.

Unrivaled Views of Los Angeles: Capture sweeping, panoramic vistas of the LA skyline, Pacific Ocean, and the iconic Hollywood Sign.

Historic Stargazing Access: Look through the historic 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope—the most-viewed telescope in human history.

Free Building & Grounds Entry: Explore high-caliber astronomical exhibits, interactive science displays, and historic architecture without an entry fee.

Live Physics Demonstrations: See science in action with the swinging Foucault Pendulum and high-voltage Tesla Coil discharge shows.

Hollywood Pop-Culture History: Walk through an iconic filming location featured in classics like Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land.

When to Visit?

Operating Hours

Griffith Observatory is open six days a week, welcoming visitors to its galleries, telescopes, and historic grounds through the late evening.

Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Park Grounds & Roads: Open daily from 5:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Best Times to Visit

Weekday Afternoons (Tuesday – Thursday): Arrive right at opening for minimal crowds, effortless parking, and immediate access to Samuel Oschin Planetarium tickets.
Golden Hour & Sunset: Target late afternoon to capture spectacular sunset photo opportunities across the Los Angeles skyline and Hollywood Sign.
Nighttime Astronomy (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM): Experience nighttime viewing to gaze through the historic Zeiss refracting telescope and lawn instruments under clear skies.
Weekend Peak Traffic: Saturdays and Sundays see heavy foot traffic; utilize public transportation or arrive early to secure planetarium showtimes before they sell out.

Find Your Way

Physical Address: 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027

GPS & Navigation Tip: Set your navigation app to "Griffith Observatory" or use the intersection of Los Feliz Boulevard and North Vermont Avenue or Fern Dell Drive as your initial park entry point.

Plan Your Route

By Car
By Rideshare & Taxis (Uber / Lyft)
By Walking/Hiking

Vehicle access is available via West Observatory Road or Western Canyon Road. However, on-site parking spaces near the building fill up rapidly during peak hours and weekends.

Parking Fees: Paid parking applies along West Observatory Road, Western Canyon Road, and the main top lot. Pay stations accept credit cards only (Pay & Display system); there is no time limit, and parking fees are non-refundable.
Greek Theatre Parking Alternative: Park for free around the Greek Theatre, then either walk up the trail (up to a mile uphill) or board the DASH bus for the remainder of the ascent. Greek Theatre parking is not available after 1:00 PM on concert days; the concert season generally runs April through October.
DASH Observatory/Los Feliz Bus: The easiest way up is the LADOT DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus, which runs daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from the Vermont/Sunset Metro B Line station, with stops at the Greek Theatre and in front of the Observatory every 20–25 minutes. The fare is 50 cents (35 cents with a TAP card), and exact change is required.

Dining at Griffith Observatory

Café at the End of the Universe offers a scenic indoor and outdoor dining experience operated by Wolfgang Puck Catering.

Location: Lower level, accessible from the Gunther Depths of Space exhibit hall and the outdoor sunset terrace.
Menu Selection: Fresh salads, artisan sandwiches, gourmet wraps, soups, light snacks, coffee drinks, and cold beverages.
Seating: Features indoor seating as well as outdoor patio tables offering sweeping vistas of the Los Angeles Basin and the Pacific Ocean.
Operating Hours: Open during Observatory hours, Tuesday through Sunday.

Griffith Observatory is committed to providing full access to all visitors in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Accessible Parking & Drop-Off: Designated accessible parking spaces are located in the south part of the Observatory parking lot for vehicles with official plates or placards, on a first-come, first-served basis. Disabled access shuttles drop off at the horseshoe driveway in front of the building, and DASH Observatory/Los Feliz buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp.
Ramps & Elevators: Full wheelchair access is available throughout all exhibit halls, terraces, and the planetarium. Elevators connect the main levels, including the subterranean Gunther Depths of Space and lower-level café terrace.
Samuel Oschin Planetarium Accessibility: Dedicated wheelchair spaces and companion seats are available inside the theater. Hearing assist receivers are available on request, and sign-language interpretation can be arranged with at least five business days' notice.
Service Animals: Trained service animals are welcome throughout all public areas of the building, grounds, and planetarium theater.
Restrooms: Fully accessible public restrooms are located on both the upper and lower exhibit levels.

Know Before You Go: Essential Tips for Your Visit

General Admission is Always Free: Access to the observatory building, exhibit galleries, grounds, and public telescopes costs nothing, making it one of LA's most accessible landmarks.

Planetarium Show Tickets: Standalone Samuel Oschin Planetarium show tickets are sold only at the Observatory, for that day's shows, and are non-refundable. Children under five are admitted only to the first show of each day.

Arrive Early for Parking and Shows: On-site parking spots and planetarium show tickets sell out quickly—especially on weekends and around sunset—so arriving early or taking public transport is strongly advised.

Clear-Night Stargazing is Free: Historic telescopes—including the famous 12-inch Zeiss refractor—and lawn telescopes are available free to the public every clear evening until 9:30 PM.

Security Screening at Entrance: All visitors pass through security checks upon entry; large bags, weapons, alcohol, and single-use plastic bottles are prohibited inside the facility.

Dress in Layers: Mountain temperatures drop significantly after sunset, and wind picks up on the observation terraces, so bring a jacket even on warm days.

FAQs

Is admission to Griffith Observatory free?

Yes. General admission to the building, exhibit galleries, public telescopes, and surrounding park grounds is completely free for all visitors.

Do I need tickets for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium?

Yes. While building entry is free, planetarium shows require a ticket. Each show is presented live and runs about 35 minutes.

How far in advance should I buy planetarium tickets?

Standalone planetarium show tickets cannot be bought in advance; they are sold only at the Observatory for that day's shows and can sell out on weekends, holidays, and around sunset, so arrive early. If your booking on this website includes a planetarium show, the details are shown in your booking confirmation.

Can I show my tickets on my smartphone at the door?

Tickets purchased on this website are delivered digitally and can be shown on your smartphone; follow the entry instructions in your booking confirmation. Standalone planetarium show tickets are issued at the Observatory on the day of your visit.

What happens if I miss my ticketed showtime?

Due to dark room safety protocols, late entry into the planetarium is strictly prohibited once the doors close. Please plan to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes prior to your ticketed start time.

What are the operating hours for Griffith Observatory?

The venue is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Saturday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The facility is closed on Mondays.

Can I look through the historic telescopes for free?

Yes. Free public viewing through the historic 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope and lawn telescopes is offered every clear evening the venue is open until 9:30 PM.

Is Griffith Observatory fully wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, and dedicated wheelchair seating within the Samuel Oschin Planetarium theater are available for all guests.

Are pets permitted inside the building or planetarium?

Leashed pets are welcome outside on the surrounding park grounds and trails. Only trained service animals are allowed inside the observatory building and planetarium theater.

Is this the venue’s official website?

No. This website offers official tickets to the Griffith Observatory but is not the venue's official website.