Take the Road to the Stars
Located just above Hollywood, the distinctive Observatory building can be seen for miles. Whether you walk, bike, take the bus, grab a shared ride, or drive, a visit to the Observatory should be part of any trip to Los Angeles.
Griffith Observatory is open today from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 19, 2024
Local Noon – 12:53 p.m.
Sunset – 7:28 p.m.
Weekday (Tuesday - Friday) Hours
Open 12:00 noon - 10:00 p.m.
Weekend (Saturday - Sunday) Hours
Open 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Closed Monday
Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 473-0800
Griffith Observatory is Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors may look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
Everyone is Welcome
Griffith Observatory is a free-admission facility located on the south side of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. The building and grounds are accessible for all visitors. The building is busiest on weekends, during summer and holiday periods, and at sunset.
Griffith Observatory’s grounds and roads are generally open the same hours as Griffith Park, 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., every day. Access to Griffith Park is free, though there is paid parking closest to the Observatory. There are public restrooms located next to the Observatory parking lot. Trailheads on Observatory grounds lead to Mount Hollywood, the Greek Theatre area, and Fern Dell.
Programs and Events
Daily Programs
Whether you experience the universe in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, observe the sky through a telescope, explore the exhibits, listen to a talk about the Tesla Coil, or pose with the Hollywood Sign, each day there’s something to engage and inspire you at Griffith Observatory.
Samuel Oschin Planetarium
Travel to the farthest reaches of the universe and into the microscopic building blocks of life. Live presentations immerse you in the wonder and meaning of the cosmos.
Calendar
Are you looking for latest discoveries about the universe, what leading astronomers are saying, or when Sun is at its highest point each day? We’ve got you covered. Whether our events are on the lawn, in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon, or online, we’ll make sure you know what’s up in the cosmos.
Guidelines
No Smoking
Smoking of any kind, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is prohibited in all areas of Griffith Park, including inside and outside the Observatory.
Cell Phones
Most mobile phones have difficulty getting a clear signal near the Observatory. A public payphone is available by the café for visitor use.
Photography
The Observatory allows photography for personal use inside and outside the building. This includes by a professional photographer for personal use.
Chaperone Responsibilities
Groups with children must have sufficient chaperones (1 adult for every 10 children) who must stay with the children at all times.
No Food
Food and drinks are not permitted inside the building. Café seating is for café patrons.
No Drone Flights
Flying a drone is prohibited in all City parks, including in Griffith Park and at the Observatory.
No Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited in all parts of Griffith Park, except by permit.
Building Map
You can find a map of the Observatory building here.
School Programs
Griffith Observatory has hosted school visits since shortly after the building opened in 1935. The current program serves 27,000 fifth-grade students a year and weaves together the Observatory's telescope, exhibit, and building content, as well as programs in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater, to bring classroom learning to life.
Guidelines
Griffith Observatory is a historic building we must preserve for future generations. It is also a heavily visited institution, so we have guidelines to protect both visitors and the facility.
FAQs
You've got questions, the Observatory has answers! We've assembled the most common inquiries regarding the building, visiting, rentals, and other topics.