We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Griffith Observatory

2800 E. Observatory Rd., In Griffith Park, at the end of Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
213 473 0800
Website
Update attraction details
As featured in Los Angeles for free and 1 other guide
Ranked #5 of 334 attractions in Los Angeles
Type: Observatories/ Planetariums, Observation Decks/ Towers
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Owner description: A public observatory owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles for the benefit of all. Located in on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the... more » Owner description: A public observatory owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles for the benefit of all. Located in on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Observatory offers a planetarium, exhibits, public telescopes, cafe, bookstore, and the best views of the Los Angeles basin. Admission and parking are free, and visitors may drive directly to the Observatory and park in its lots and roads. « less
Write a Review

1,658 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    1,075
    503
    69
    9
    2
Date Rating
NorthCarolina
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

One of the best attractions in L.A. We loved visiting The Griffith Observatory. You must go in the evening just before dusk. The walk up to the observatory is amazing - the Hollywood sign is in clear view. See the show where you recline in seats and experience/learn about our planet and the constellation - absolutely amazing. Upon exiting the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by MFFNorthCarolina for Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

I loved it here...walk up and down the trails if you can. It is a great place for a daytime date. Enjoy!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 25 more reviews by sportspup for Los Angeles
Christchurch, New Zealand
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

Wished we had more time to explore inside! Great location for LA views. On the day there was alot of smoke everywhere, so wasnt ideal for picture taking

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
New York City, New York
2 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

We never had this on our original vacation plans but what a super find. We spent the entire day after only planning a few hours, the Zoo is alwasy a great choice to finish off the day. Very clean and well kept. Huge park that goes on for miles. We rented bikes and rode for miles and never dented the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Winnetka, California, United States
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

entertaining, informative, great view of the city from the top. Nice place to show your friends around when they come and visit in LA.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by cooky23 for Los Angeles
Antigua, Guatemala
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

At worse you get an amazing birds eye view of a lot of LA and the Hollywood sign. As I understand it the Observatory is open for star gazing and private events. When I went up at lunch to eat 'in and out' whilst checking out the view it was sadly closed. But worth the trip up non the less.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by 2people1lifecom for Los Angeles
Boston, Massachusetts
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

After reading many of the reviews, we felt we had to squeeze in a visit. We went at night - breathtaking 360-degree views of the sprawl of LA. You can spend some time going through the actual building, where there are interesting exhibits. Or you can take a walk around the grounds, enjoying the lights of LA from every possible... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by BizzyCee for Los Angeles
Manchester, UK
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

Visited during the day and then again at night - different experience but good at both times. Not sure if this happens regularly but at the night visit there were people there with telescopes allowing you to view through them and see the stars and planets. Cafe available to grab a snack and a coffee and reasonably priced for an... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by Paterson124 for Los Angeles
Coshocton, Ohio
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

Well worth the trip up the hill.....you get a very nice view of the surrounding area, but the smog does somewhat blur the photo ops. Plenty of free parking and access to the hiking trails.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by RetiredOhioTravelers for Los Angeles
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

Even if your only slightly interested in Space, planets & exploration, this is quite a cool place to visit (especially when parking & visiting is free!) with the surprising amount of exhibits & facts you pick up just from walking around the site. You get some great scenic views of LA on the outside & there is a hill walk... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Jables89 for Los Angeles

Travellers who viewed Griffith Observatory also viewed

 

Been to Griffith Observatory? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Griffith Observatory, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing