Visiting Griffith Park & Observatory is one of those classic Los Angeles experiences that actually lives up to the hype. Sitting high above the city on the southern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, this iconic landmark combines nature, science, architecture, and some of the best views in California. From winding mountain roads to space exhibits and skyline panoramas, Griffith Park & Observatory offers a full experience, and the best part is that the observatory itself is completely free to enter. We went here directly after we checked out of our apartment in Hollywood Hills.
Getting There: Car, Uber, or Public Transport
The drive up to Griffith Park & Observatory is genuinely beautiful. The road curves through dry hills and offers early glimpses of Los Angeles stretching endlessly below. Arriving by car feels like a slow build-up toward something special. Uber and Lyft also drive all the way up, making ridesharing one of the most stress-free options if you don’t want to deal with parking.
If you prefer public transport, it’s absolutely doable. From the Metro B (Red) Line at Vermont/Sunset Station, you can hop on the DASH Observatory shuttle, which brings you directly to the entrance. This is one of the smartest ways to reach Griffith Park & Observatory during busy days, especially weekends and holidays.
Parking Reality: Be Prepared
Let’s be honest: parking at Griffith Park & Observatory is not great. Even when arriving before the observatory officially opens, parking fills up fast. During our visit, several parking meters were broken, leaving everyone dependent on a single working machine — which was unfortunately sticky and covered in sweet residue, attracting a surprising number of wasps.
Parking itself isn’t extremely expensive, especially considering that visiting Griffith Park & Observatory is free of charge. But enforcement is strict. You pay in advance, not after, and you must select how long you plan to stay. Choose wisely, because overstaying can result in a fine.
Exploring Griffith Park
Before even stepping inside the observatory, Griffith Park & Observatory already delivers. The park itself is massive and offers walking paths, hiking trails, open viewpoints, and green spaces both below and above the observatory. Walking around the hill gives you incredible angles of the Hollywood Sign — honestly some of the best photo spots in Los Angeles.
You can freely walk around the exterior of Griffith Park & Observatory before entering the building. The terraces alone are worth the visit, with uninterrupted views over the city basin, Downtown LA, and the surrounding hills.
Inside the Observatory: What You’ll See
Once the doors open and the initial crowd spreads out, it’s time to head inside Griffith Park & Observatory. The building itself is beautiful — classic Art Deco architecture with a calm, almost museum-like atmosphere.
Inside, you’ll find a wide range of exhibits focused on astronomy, space exploration, and our place in the universe. Expect interactive displays about the solar system, planetary motion, light, gravity, and time. Historic instruments and large-scale models help explain complex topics in a way that’s accessible even if you’re not a science expert.
One of the highlights of Griffith Park & Observatory is how educational yet relaxed everything feels. You’re free to explore at your own pace, read as much or as little as you want, and simply enjoy the setting without feeling rushed.
Planetarium, Telescopes, and Science
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is one of the most famous parts of Griffith Park & Observatory. Planetarium shows require a paid ticket, but they’re widely considered among the best in the world. If you have the time, it’s absolutely worth it.
In the evenings, when conditions allow, public telescope viewing opens. Looking through a real telescope while standing on the hill above Los Angeles adds an
