TL;DR Travels

Your TL;DR Travel Guide to this historic Los Angeles destination

TL;DR: Located in the iconic Griffith Park, Los Angeles’s Griffith Observatory is a free public destination that science-enthusiasts and tourists alike will love. Be prepared to pay for parking or walk from the Greek Theater. Because the Observatory is located up in the hills of L.A., nestled alongside Mt. Hollywood, weather (or special events) can affect the Observatory’s hours – check the website ahead of time to ensure a smooth trip. Be advised that cell service is spotty at the Observatory. This destination is WORTH IT, whether you are traveling with kids, adventuring solo, or exploring with friends.

1. Why the Griffith Observatory is Special
2. The Logistics
   1. Transportation to the Griffith Observatory
   2. Parking at the Griffith Observatory
3. What to Do at the Observatory
   1. The Sights
   2. The Exhibits
   3. Catch a Show
4. Conclusion
5. Other Things to do in Los Angeles
6. From the blog

Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, Griffith Observatory has earned its place as one of LA’s icons. With a view of the Hollywood sign and appearing in Hollywood feature films, like La La Land and Rebel Without a Cause, the Observatory is a must-visit for Hollywood and science enthusiasts alike. I recently had the chance to visit during the most recent California rainstorms, and was able to catch a few special pictures of L.A. in the rain. Moreover, I also learned that there is a solar eclipse happening on April 8th (in Texas), which the Observatory will be streaming live online.

With all the buzz of the upcoming eclipse, now is the perfect time to schedule your next trip to the Griffith Observatory and learn even more about the fascinating world above.

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Why the Griffith Observatory is Special

Located inside Griffith Park through a winding road leading up the hill, sits Griffith Observatory. Opened in 1935, Griffith Observatory is the most visited public observatory in the world today and continues to open up the skies to the community.

Dreamed up by Griffith J. Griffith, the Observatory pioneered the way for public-focused observatories, spaces that previously were reserved for scientists and professionals only. Consequently, the Observatory greets over a million guests annually, offering free admission and the chance to catch a glimpse at the stars.

The Observatory’s romance has likewise charmed the creative minds of Hollywood, having been featured in shows and movies, such as:

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The Logistics

Transportation to the Griffith Observatory

With some patience, L.A. and its surrounding neighborhoods are most accessible via car. Located in Griffith Park, the Observatory is fairly easy to spot, with a few street side and lot parking options.

For Public Transportation, the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus is your best option. The Observatory does a fantastic job at breaking down the public transit steps, so I recommend taking a look here before you head out.

Parking at the Griffith Observatory

While the Observatory itself is free, parking does have a bit of a cost. For just a few dollars per hour (which you pay at small machines via card), there is a small lot directly in front of the Observatory. Just follow the signs on Observatory Road, and you’ll be able to find where to park. While some people online report having difficulty finding parking spots due to the crowds, there were several open spots during my last visit – but keep in mind that the parking spots are tight.

Edit: The parking machines are outdated and slow – and it’s not unusual for one or two of the machines to be down. It may take longer than you’d expect for the next page to load. When in doubt, I recommend looking for the Parking Attendants (usually in yellow vests and under a tent near the observatory) for assistance if the machine isn’t loading properly to avoid overpaying. IF that does happen, you can try calling the parking office at 310 548 7568 or work with your credit card company if you are charged twice or overcharged.

However, if you would like to save a few dollars and skip on parking fees, simply park for free in the Greek Theater lot and catch the Griffith Shuttle to the Observatory (for $0.50) or walk. However, be aware that this free parking option is only available if the Greek Theater is not currently in season.

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What to Do at the Observatory

The Sights

Outside of the Observatory are some truly beautiful views of the city. From the parking lot, you can catch a clear view of the Hollywood sign. As you walk toward and around the building, you’ll be able to see the great expanse of the city, park, and Mt. Wilson. Be sure to stop by the James Dean bust on your way in!

The Exhibits

While you can certainly see all exhibits in one afternoon (depending on how long you like to linger at each place), an absolute must-see is the Zeiss Telescope, which has been looked-through by over 7 million people since 1935.

Catch a Show

The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is truly a special part of the Observatory. Offering an immersive viewer experience, the Planetarium is a delightful addition to any trip. While the shows do rotate, you can currently check out Signs of Life, Centered in the Universe, and Water is Life. Check-out the schedule and more helpful information here.

Important Notes:
The Planetarium is only for those aged 5 and above.
While admission to the Observatory is free, tickets for the Planetarium do have an additional fee and can only be purchased same-day on site at the Observatory.

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