Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide

The first time I saw Griffith Observatory perched on Mount Hollywood’s slope, it looked less like a building and more like a spacecraft that had gently landed above Los Angeles. This Art Deco icon still hovers over the city, offering one of LA’s most recognisable silhouettes alongside the Hollywood Sign it overlooks.

Quick overview

The building is free to enter, which still catches me off guard given how polished and extensive the exhibits are. The only time you’ll pay is for planetarium shows, which cost between $6 and $10 depending on who you are.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Closed Mondays.

At a glance

How much does Griffith Observatory cost?

Here’s where it gets interesting: the building itself costs nothing. You can wander through the exhibits, peer through the free public telescopes, and take in the views without spending a penny.

The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is where you’ll actually need your wallet. Shows are live presentations (not recordings), which makes them feel more immediate than the usual planetarium experience.

Planetarium ticket prices

Important: Planetarium tickets can only be purchased on the day of your visit, at the Observatory itself. No advance booking, no online purchases via the observatory website, no phone reservations. They accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover – but no cheques of any kind.

Tickets go on sale in blocks throughout the day:

Weekdays: 12:00 p.m.–2:35 p.m., 3:30 p.m.–6:05 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.–8:35 p.m.

Weekends: 10:00 a.m.–12:35 p.m., 1:30 p.m.–3:05 p.m., 3:30 p.m.–5:05 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.–8:35 p.m.

Sales stop 10 minutes before each show, or earlier if it’s sold out. Once you’ve bought a ticket, there are no refunds unless the show is cancelled.

Is Griffith Observatory free to enter?

Yes, completely. This isn’t a “technically free but you’ll feel pressured to pay for extras” situation. The building, all the exhibits, the public telescopes, the grounds, and the views – all free. It’s been that way since 1935, and it remains one of LA’s most generous public offerings.

The planetarium shows are the only exception. If you skip those, you won’t pay anything.

What time does Griffith Observatory open?

Weekdays (Tuesday–Friday): 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Weekends (Saturday–Sunday): 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Closed: Every Monday, all year round

The grounds and roads are generally open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., the same hours as Griffith Park itself. So you can walk around outside even when the building is closed, though you won’t get into the exhibits or planetarium.

Do I need to book Griffith Observatory tickets in advance?

No – and you can’t, even if you wanted to. Entry to the building is free and doesn’t require tickets. Planetarium tickets are only sold on-site, on the day of your visit.

The one exception is for Foundation members at the Antares level and above, who can reserve planetarium tickets in advance. This also gets them parking reservations, which is actually the more valuable perk given how chaotic parking can be.

Parking warning: This is where planning ahead really matters. The car park nearest the Observatory is paid and has limited spaces. On weekends and at sunset, it’s often full. Free parking is available further downhill, but that’s a steep walk up. The DASH Observatory shuttle (50 cents) runs from the Vermont/Sunset metro station every 15–20 minutes, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, and it’s genuinely the easiest way to get there.

History

Griffith J. Griffith was a Welsh-born mining mogul who donated 3,015 acres of his Rancho Los Feliz estate to Los Angeles in 1896. But he didn’t stop there – he left money in his will for a “public observatory” and a Greek amphitheatre. At the time, the idea of an observatory for ordinary people was unusual; these were typically university research facilities.

The Observatory opened on 14 May 1935. Designed in the Art Deco style that was fashionable then, it was built to Griffith’s exact specifications: public telescopes, exhibits explaining the cosmos, and a planetarium. From the start, it drew massive crowds – over 13,000 people on opening night alone.

The building underwent a major renovation from 2002 to 2006, which doubled its size by adding underground galleries. The work preserved the original 1935 structure whilst expanding the exhibits and adding modern amenities. It remains owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles as a free public service.

Inside Griffith Observatory

The exhibits are more thoughtful than I expected. Rather than overwhelming you with facts, they focus on observation itself – what we see in the sky, how we see it, and why it matters.

Wilder Hall of the Eye traces the evolution of astronomical observation, from naked-eye viewing to modern telescopes. It’s genuinely interesting how they’ve made something potentially dry feel immediate.

Ahmanson Hall of the Sky focuses on the Sun, Moon, and Earth – the celestial objects that most directly affect our lives. There’s a massive solar telescope (a coelostat) that projects a live image of the Sun.

The W.M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda sits at the heart of the building. Look up – the ceiling dome features eight monumental murals depicting mythology and science. Below, a Foucault pendulum slowly demonstrates Earth’s rotation.

Gunther Depths of Space takes you underground to explore modern astronomy. There’s a detailed scale model of the Moon and interactive displays about planets, galaxies, and the observable universe.

The Samuel Oschin Planetarium seats 290 people beneath an aluminium dome. Every show is presented live by a lecturer – they’re genuinely knowledgeable and good at making complex topics accessible. Current shows include Signs of Life (about where life might exist in the universe) and Centered in the Universe (about humanity’s changing view of our cosmic position).

Public Telescopes are available free when the sky is clear. The Zeiss telescope on the east dome and the solar telescope both offer eyeball-to-eyepiece viewing – something Griffith himself insisted on.

Outside, the Astronomers Monument honours six great scientists who expanded our understanding of the universe. The Hollywood Sign is clearly visible from the lawn, and the views stretch from Downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean on clear days.

What’s included with your ticket?

If you’re only visiting the building (free):

• All permanent exhibits across multiple levels
• Free public telescopes (when weather permits)
• Live Tesla coil demonstrations
• Exterior exhibits, including the solar system scale model
• Grounds, terraces, and viewing areas
• Access to the café and gift shop

If you buy a planetarium ticket ($6–$10):

• Everything above, plus
• One live planetarium show (30–35 minutes)
• All the regular building access

Things to do near Griffith Observatory

The Hollywood Sign (1.6 miles, 30-minute walk or 8-minute drive) – Visible from the Observatory’s lawn, but you can hike closer on several trails. The Mount Hollywood Trail offers the best views without requiring a permit. You can’t walk right up to the sign itself – it’s fenced off – but you’ll get close enough for photos. Popular alternative walks include Runyon Canyon.

The Greek Theatre (1.3 miles, 10-minute drive) – This 5,900-capacity outdoor amphitheatre was built in 1930 with funds from Griffith’s bequest. It hosts concerts from April to October. When there’s no show on, you can sometimes park in the free lot here and take the DASH shuttle up to the Observatory.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens (2.8 miles, 10-minute drive) – A 133-acre zoo housing over 2,100 animals from 270-plus species. Highlights include the Rainforest of the Americas and Elephants of Asia exhibits.

Travel Town Museum (3.1 miles, 12-minute drive) – A free outdoor museum in Griffith Park displaying historic railroad equipment from the late 1800s to 1930s. There’s a miniature train ride that’s been operating since 1948 – popular with children but charming for adults too.

Autry Museum of the American West (3.4 miles, 12-minute drive) – Focuses on the history and cultures of the American West, from Native American heritage to Hollywood westerns. More nuanced than you might expect.

For a more cultural take on Los Angeles, top attractions include the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, the Peterson Automotive Museum and the Grammy Museum. Head slightly further afield, and you’ve got both the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and the USS Battleship Iowa.

Practical tips

• Location: In Griffith Park, on the south slope of Mount Hollywood, about 7 miles northwest of Downtown LA
• Getting there: The DASH Observatory shuttle (50 cents) from Vermont/Sunset station is easiest. Driving means dealing with limited paid parking near the Observatory or free parking further downhill
• Time needed: 1.5–2 hours for exhibits and views; add another hour if you’re seeing a planetarium show
• Photography: Allowed throughout the building and grounds for personal use. Professional photographers can shoot personal work here too
• Small children: Under-fives are only allowed in the first planetarium show of each day (12:45 p.m. weekdays, 10:45 a.m. weekends). The shows can be overwhelming for young children
• Accessibility: The building is fully accessible, with lifts to all levels. Hearing assist receivers are available. Sign-language interpretation can be arranged with five days’ notice
• Crowds: Weekends and sunset are predictably packed. Weekday afternoons (especially Tuesday–Thursday) are quieter
• Food: You can’t bring food or drink inside the building. The Café at the End of the Universe serves light meals and snacks. Café seating is for café customers only
• Weather: Views can be hazy, especially during “May Grey” and “June Gloom.” Clearest days are often after rain or when Santa Ana winds blow through
• Mobile signal: Patchy at best. There’s a public payphone if you need to make calls

FAQs

Can I see stars through the telescopes during the day?

No, the public telescopes are only available for night-time viewing when the sky is clear. During the day, you can view the Sun through the dedicated solar telescope in Ahmanson Hall of the Sky.

Is parking really that bad?

Yes. Especially on weekends and around sunset. The Observatory car park has limited spaces and charges a fee. If it’s full, you’ll be directed back downhill to find street parking, which can be a steep walk back up. The DASH shuttle is genuinely the best option.

Do I need to queue for planetarium tickets?

Potentially, yes. Tickets are sold in blocks throughout the day (see times above). Popular show times, especially evenings and weekends, can sell out. Arrive at the start of a ticket sale window if you want a specific show.

Can I visit just for the views?

Absolutely. Many people do exactly that. The terraces are free to access and offer some of the best panoramas in Los Angeles. Sunset is the classic time, but the views are spectacular at any hour.

What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday afternoons, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Avoid weekends and sunset unless you’re prepared for crowds.

Is the Observatory suitable for children?

Yes, though it depends on the child. The exhibits are engaging and interactive enough to hold most children’s attention. For planetarium shows, children under five are restricted to the first show of the day, as the content and darkness can be unsettling for very young visitors.

How long does a planetarium show last?

Between 30 and 35 minutes. You need to be in the queue 15–20 minutes before showtime, as they don’t allow late entry. Once the doors close, the show begins.

More California travel

Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:

• How West Hollywood became the gay capital of Los Angeles.
• Why it’s worth visiting Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, Artists Palette and Rhyolite on a trip to Death Valley.
• The best times to spot Roosevelt Elk at Elk Meadow in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
• Visiting the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine.
• Inside Hearst Castle – the most expensive home ever built.