On the city’s Griffith Park side, Griffith Observatory is a landmark for astronomy exhibits, public telescopes and views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. From Jet Inn in Inglewood, plan your visit around the Observatory’s hours and the route across the city, whether you’re coming for the exhibits or the evening views.
- Location: 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
- Building hours: Tuesday through Friday, noon–10:00 p.m.; weekends, 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; closed Monday.
- Admission: Free for the building, grounds and public telescopes; planetarium shows and nearby parking cost extra.
At a glance
5 places · swipe
01What to see at Griffith ObservatoryGriffith Observatory combines astronomy exhibits and telescope viewing with broad views over Los Angeles…
02Choosing a time for views and exhibitsThe best time to visit Griffith Observatory depends on whether you’re prioritizing quieter exhibit time or…
03Parking, transit and accessParking near Griffith Observatory is limited and paid during the building’s open hours: Monday through…- 04How much time to allowSet aside time for the exhibits, telescope viewing and any planetarium show you plan to attend, then leave…
- 05FAQsDogs must be on leash in Griffith Park.
What to see at Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory combines astronomy exhibits and telescope viewing with broad views over Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Inside, you can explore exhibits, look through telescopes, attend a live Samuel Oschin Planetarium show or catch a Tesla Coil talk.
The building, grounds and public telescopes have free admission, while planetarium tickets cost extra. The surrounding grounds, terraces and sidewalks are generally open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., following Griffith Park hours, so you can take in the setting outside the building’s opening hours.
Choosing a time for views and exhibits
The best time to visit Griffith Observatory depends on whether you’re prioritizing quieter exhibit time or sunset views. The Observatory says the building is busiest on weekends, during summer and holiday periods, and at sunset; capacity controls during very busy periods can mean waits of 5–15 minutes.
For a visit focused on the building and exhibits, choose a weekday when it’s open and avoid the sunset rush if you can. If you want to watch the city change in the evening light, arrive with time to spare for possible waits. Check the official site before you go for current hours, admission and show tickets.
How do you get to Griffith Observatory from Inglewood?
From Jet Inn, Los Angeles city centre is about 18 minutes by car. To reach the Observatory by transit, take the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus, which connects the Observatory with the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station and serves stops along Hillhurst Avenue in Los Feliz Village, the Greek Theatre and Mt.
Hollywood Drive. For citywide connections, this guide to getting around Los Angeles from Inglewood covers transport options.
The DASH bus runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., including Mondays when the Observatory building is closed. Buses stop in front of the Observatory every 20–25 minutes.
The Observatory lists fares of 50 cents, or 35 cents with a Metro TAP card; seniors and people with disabilities pay 25 cents. Children age 4 and younger and LADOT or Metrolink pass holders ride free. Bring exact change if paying cash.
If you’re weighing a coastal day out instead, compare Venice Beach and Santa Monica.
Parking, transit and access
- Hours
- Monday through Friday from noon to 10:00 p
Parking near Griffith Observatory is limited and paid during the building’s open hours: Monday through Friday from noon to 10:00 p.m., and weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Paid areas include the Observatory lot, West Observatory Road and Western Canyon. Pay stations accept credit cards only; after paying, display the receipt on your dashboard.
For a free-parking option, you can park around the Greek Theatre and walk uphill to the Observatory if you’re able to cover up to a mile. Greek Theatre-area parking is unavailable after 1:00 p.m. on concert evenings. The Observatory also recommends walks on trails beginning near the Greek Theatre or Fern Dell, with public parking near all trailheads.
DASH buses have a wheelchair lift or ramp. Designated accessible spaces sit in the south part of the Observatory parking lot for vehicles displaying official plates or placards, subject to availability.
How much time to allow
Set aside time for the exhibits, telescope viewing and any planetarium show you plan to attend, then leave room for the outdoor views. If you’re walking up from the Greek Theatre area, account for the uphill distance of up to a mile before adding time for the Observatory.
Cyclists must stick to paved park roads rather than trails or fire roads; East Observatory Road is one-way downhill, so cyclists riding up must use West Observatory Road.
FAQs
Can you bring a dog to Griffith Park?
Dogs must be on leash in Griffith Park.
Can you fly a drone at Griffith Observatory?
No. Drone flights are prohibited in all City parks, including Griffith Park and the Observatory.
Can cyclists ride on park trails?
No. Bicycles are not permitted on trails; cyclists must use paved park roads.