Griffith Observatory, in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, offers exhibits, public telescopes and views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. The best time to visit Griffith Observatory depends on whether you want to go inside, catch a planetarium show or visit the grounds outside building hours; the building and grounds are free to enter.
- Building hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12:00 noon–10:00 p.m.; weekends, 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; closed Monday.
- Grounds, terraces and sidewalks: generally open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- DASH Observatory/Los Feliz connects the Observatory with the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station.
- Parking near the Observatory and Samuel Oschin Planetarium tickets cost extra.
At a glance
5 places · swipe
01Choose a time around observatory hoursOpening hours
02Parking, shuttles and access checksPaid parking near the Observatory applies Monday through Friday from noon to 10:00 p.m., and on Saturday…
03Add a short Griffith Park walkA walk in Griffith Park can be part of the Observatory visit: the recommended routes begin near the Greek…- 04What to confirm before setting outBefore leaving, confirm building hours, shuttle operations, parking rules and any ticket details with the…
- 05FAQsGriffith Observatory is at 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
Choose a time around observatory hours
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 12 PM–10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Inside, you can explore exhibits, look through telescopes, attend a live Samuel Oschin Planetarium show or hear a Tesla Coil talk. The free views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign are another reason to plan time at the Observatory. Admission to the building, grounds and public telescopes is free, but planetarium tickets cost extra.
Weekends, summer and holiday periods, and sunset are the busiest times, according to the Observatory. Capacity controls during very busy periods can mean waits of 5–15 minutes, so consider how those peak times fit your plans.
How do you get from Hollywood City Inn to Griffith Observatory?
Hollywood/Western station is about a 3-minute walk from this Hollywood motel. For a public-transport plan, DASH Observatory/Los Feliz connects the Observatory with the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station, as well as stops at the Greek Theatre, Mt. Hollywood hiking trail and through Los Feliz Village.
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 building every 15–25 minutes, and the last shuttle leaves the Observatory at 10:00 p.m.; check the official site before you go for current service and trip details.
Fares are 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 on the bus.
The DASH buses have a wheelchair lift or ramp. The Observatory also has designated accessible parking spaces in the south part of its lot for vehicles displaying official plates or placards, subject to availability.
Planning Los Angeles transport from Hollywood City Inn can help you fit this trip into a wider city itinerary.
Parking, shuttles and access checks
Paid parking near the Observatory applies Monday through Friday from noon to 10:00 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The paid areas include the Observatory lot, West Observatory Road and Western Canyon. Parking is limited; pay stations take credit cards only, and drivers should display the receipt on the dashboard after paying.
If you can manage a walk of up to a mile uphill, free parking is available around the Greek Theatre. That parking is unavailable after 1:00 p.m. on concert evenings. For a walk from a trailhead, the Observatory recommends trails near the Greek Theatre or Fern Dell; public parking is available near all trailheads.
In Griffith Park, the speed limit is 25 mph. Open fires, alcohol, smoking and feeding wildlife are prohibited; dogs must be on leash. Drones are prohibited in all City parks, including Griffith Park and the Observatory.
Add a short Griffith Park walk
A walk in Griffith Park can be part of the Observatory visit: the recommended routes begin near the Greek Theatre or Fern Dell and lead toward the Observatory. Check the terrain and uphill distance against your plans, especially if you are considering the free parking around the Greek Theatre.
If you cycle, stay on paved park roads rather than trails or fire roads. East Observatory Road is one-way downhill, so cyclists heading uphill must use West Observatory Road.
A one-day Los Angeles route from Hollywood City Inn offers another way to arrange the Observatory alongside other city stops.
What to confirm before setting out
Before leaving, confirm building hours, shuttle operations, parking rules and any ticket details with the relevant official operators: Griffith Observatory for its visit information and LADOT for DASH service. Hours and services can vary, so checking the official site before you go helps you plan around the building’s Monday closure and the separate shuttle schedule.
FAQs
Where is Griffith Observatory?
Griffith Observatory is at 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
Do you have to pay to enter Griffith Observatory?
Admission to the Observatory building, grounds and public telescopes is free. Parking and Samuel Oschin Planetarium show tickets cost extra.
Can you walk to Griffith Observatory?
Yes. The Observatory recommends trails beginning near the Greek Theatre or Fern Dell, and public parking is available near all trailheads.
Can you ride a bicycle on Griffith Park trails?
No. Bicycles are not permitted on park trails; cyclists must use paved park roads.