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Chart Your Griffith Observatory Experience

Everything You Need to Know for an Unforgettable Visit

Planning your trip to Griffith Observatory is the key to a seamless, world-class experience atop Mount Hollywood. While general admission to the iconic building, exhibit halls, and grounds is always free, securing seats for live cosmic journeys in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium requires advance planning.

When to Visit?

Operating Hours

Griffith Observatory is open five 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: Hourly paid parking applies along West Observatory Road, Western Canyon Road, and the main top lot. Pay stations accept credit cards only (Pay & Display system).
Greek Theatre Parking Alternative: Park for free around the Greek Theatre on non-concert evenings, then either walk up the trail or board the DASH bus for the remainder of the ascent.

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: Opens daily alongside the observatory and closes roughly two hours before the main building closes.

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 ADA parking spaces are available in the main parking lot near the front entrance. Visitors with disability placards or plates can also utilize designated drop-off areas right at the front horseshoe driveway.
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. Assistive listening devices and closed-captioning devices are provided upon request prior to showtime.
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.

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.

Visitor Guidelines: Rules & Etiquette for a Great Visit

Food & Beverage Policy: Outside food and drinks are strictly prohibited inside the exhibit galleries and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, though light snacks may be enjoyed on exterior lawns and terraces; alcohol is prohibited everywhere on the grounds and in Griffith Park.

No Smoking or Vaping: Smoking, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices are strictly forbidden anywhere inside the building, on observation decks, or on exterior grounds.

No Drones Permitted: Flying drones or unmanned aerial vehicles anywhere over the observatory or surrounding Griffith Park is illegal and strictly enforced by city park rangers.

Photography Rules: Personal non-commercial photography is encouraged; however, tripods, monopods, flash photography inside the planetarium, and commercial recording rigs are prohibited without prior official permits.

Quiet & Courtesy: Cell phones must be silenced inside exhibit halls and theater spaces, and guests are expected to refrain from disruptive behavior during live planetarium shows and science demonstrations.

Pet Policy: Only certified service animals are allowed inside the observatory and planetarium theater; leashed household pets are permitted on outdoor park trails and exterior walkways.

Wheeled Transportation: Bicycles, skateboards, motorized scooters, and rollerblades are not permitted on the observatory plazas, ramps, or walkways.

Youth Chaperone Requirements: Children and student groups under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times throughout the facility.

FAQs

How do I reserve tickets for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium?

You can browse showtimes and purchase your planetarium tickets online in advance through our site. Booking early is highly recommended, as popular sunset and weekend showtimes sell out quickly.

Is there an entry fee to access Griffith Observatory?

No. Admission to the observatory building, exhibit halls, and surrounding grounds is free for everyone. Paid tickets are only required for planetarium shows.

What is the easiest way to travel to the observatory and avoid parking issues?

The most stress-free option is the LADOT DASH Observatory bus, which departs every 15 to 20 minutes from the Vermont/Sunset Metro B Line station and drops passengers off right at the front entrance for just $0.50.

What are the operating hours for the building and grounds?

The observatory building 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 (closed Mondays). The surrounding park grounds and roads are accessible daily from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM.

Can I bring outside food and drinks into the facility?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the exhibit halls or the planetarium. However, you can bring picnic items to enjoy on the outside lawn areas, or dine at the on-site Café at the End of the Universe.

Are planetarium show tickets refundable or changeable if I arrive late?

Due to strict safety protocols in the darkened theater, late seating is not permitted once a show begins. Please review your booking details carefully upon purchase and plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your ticketed start time.