As a top attraction in Los Angeles, a visit to the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park is a highlight and must-do in LA. Before there are more details about the observatory, here are the answers to the most popular questions: Does the Griffith Observatory charge admission? No, the visit including parking is free, only tickets for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium can cost around 7 USD. Where is the best place to park? Either in the free public parking lot or on the side of the road.

When in Los Angeles, California, many people are drawn to Hollywood Boulevard to see the famous stars, the Walk of Fame in front of the Kodak Theatre. Some prefer the beach in Malibu or the Santa Monica Pier. However, the Hollywood Hills with the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory usually come third. For me, the Griffith Observatory is always one of the highlights when I’m in LA.

Opening hours of the Griffith Observatory

• Tuesday – Friday: 12.00 pm – 10.00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
• Monday: Closed
• However, the viewing area at Griffith Observatory and the parking lots are always open when Griffith Park is open: daily from sunrise to 10 p.m.
• The best time to visit is just before sunset
• Admission: free
• Navigation address: Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California, United States
• Coordinates: 34.11856°N 118.30037°W

On my last visit, I was able to see the Griffith Observatory directly from my hotel suite in the W Hotel and of course I was drawn to the most beautiful viewpoint over Los Angeles again this time. Even though many people like to put on their hiking boots and walk up the beautiful paths up the mountain, I chose the time-saving alternative of taking the car, as a typical American would do. Joggers are more likely to be found on the famous Runyon Canyon jogging trail anyway, where you can also meet many celebrities.

Los Angeles attraction in Griffith Park

Even the drive up by car is fun and you’ll be happy when you get to the top. When the observatory is less busy, you can find a parking space in the normal public parking lot – in the evening hours you sometimes have to look for a parking space at the side of the road and walk the last few meters up the hill (at least the driver does then 🙂 ). Incidentally, you can also see the Hollywood sign from the Griffith Observatory.

The Griffith Observatory is 346 meters above sea level and offers a wonderful view of Los Angeles and downtown all the way to Santa Monica. The beautiful white domed building was opened on May 14, 1935 (construction began on June 20, 1933). The cross between Art Deco and a light Egyptian style was the idea of John C. Austin and Russell W. Porter. From 2002-2006, the observatory was renovated at a cost of 93 million USD and was therefore not accessible to the 70 million visitors to date during this time.

Why is it called Griffith Observatory?

Colonel Griffith J. Griffith was once the owner of the 12.20 km2 piece of land that is now called Griffith Park. After his death on December 16, 1896, he bequeathed this land and his financial legacy to the city of Los Angeles with the condition that an observatory and an exhibition be built there to bring astronomy closer to the public.

What is in the Oberservatory?

The view of downtown Los Angeles is very popular with tourists and residents alike. In addition to the view, there are also many scientific exhibitions. Inside the Griffith Observatory you will find the Hall of Science, the Planetarium and the Laserium. Here you can marvel at rocks from Mars and the moon, as well as meteorites. There is also a model of the Hubble Space Telescope, a seismograph and a Foucault pendulum. Some of the rooms are located below the beautiful green areas.

Movie set for Hollywood

I am always delighted when I recognize the beautiful white building of the Griffith Observatory in films. It has been seen as a location in many films, such as …

• For they know not what they do (1955),
• Terminator (1984),
• Rocketeer (1991),
• At the End of Violence (1997),
• Bowfinger’s big number (1999),
• Queen of the Damned (2001),
• 3 Angels for Charlie – Full Power (2003),
• Transformers (2007)
• The Yes Man (2008) or
• Trio with Four Fists (Strained Hospitality, 1984),
• Star Trek: Starship Voyager (Before the End of the Future, 1996),
• 24 Day 1 3:00-4:00 pm (2002),
• Beverly Hills 90210 (“Rebel with a Cause”),
• Melrose Place (“Till Death Do Us Part”)

The Griffith Observatory has also been depicted in animated series, such as “The Simpsons” – but then as the “Springfield Observatory”.

If you are looking for a beautiful view over Los Angeles or are staying in the famous film metropolis for the first time, you should definitely visit the Griffith Observatory. It goes perfectly with a subsequent visit to the famous “Hollywood Signs”, which I will introduce to you soon, followed by a trip to the Grumman Theatre and the famous Walk of Fame.

Further information and current performances, as well as last-minute closures, can be found at www.griffithobservatory.org