Honestly, the best time to visit Griffith Observatory is on a weekday morning, right when it opens—especially in spring or fall. That’s when you’ll dodge most of the crowds, making parking a breeze and giving you room to actually enjoy the views. If you’re hoping to see the stars, aim for just before sunset on a clear night, but fair warning: that’s when everyone else has the same idea.
I’ve wandered up to the Observatory more times than I can count, and I’ve noticed tour buses and big groups usually roll in later in the day. Early birds really do get the best parking, plus you’ll have more time to roam and snap photos before things get hectic.
A little planning goes a long way—you can actually have a chill visit, snag some great photos, and still have time to check out the exhibits inside.
Griffith Observatory Overview
Griffith Observatory stands as one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks. It’s famous for public telescopes, hands-on science exhibits, and those sweeping city views.
You’ll find it perched in Griffith Park, drawing locals and out-of-towners alike. Science, history, and epic scenery—all in one place? Not bad.
Why Visit Griffith Observatory
Whenever I visit, I love how the Observatory blends science with the outdoors. Sitting on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, it offers some of the best views of the LA skyline and the Hollywood Sign.
Entry’s free, which is always a plus. The combo of learning, photo ops, and hiking options makes it a standout in SoCal.
Folks come for the public telescopes, especially at night. But honestly, even daytime visits are worth it for the setting alone.
If you’re a movie buff, you might recognize the Observatory from a bunch of films and TV shows.
Key Features and Attractions
Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits about astronomy and space science. There are displays on the solar system, stars, and the history of astronomy—plenty to keep both kids and adults interested.
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium puts on shows daily for a small fee.
Most evenings, staff open up the Zeiss telescope to the public. You can peer at the Moon, planets, or even deep space objects.
Step outside and you’ll get panoramic views over Los Angeles and Griffith Park. Trails wind around the Observatory, offering different perspectives of the city and its landmarks.
There’s a café for a snack break and a gift shop if you want a quirky souvenir.
Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds
If you want to steer clear of the biggest crowds, timing is everything. Some days and times are just way less busy, and the time of year really matters.
Weekday vs Weekend Visits
In my experience, weekdays are hands-down the best for visiting if you want fewer people around. Weekends, especially Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings, get packed.
Tuesdays through Thursdays tend to be the quietest. Holidays and school breaks—like spring break or winter vacation—bring in bigger crowds, even on weekdays.
Parking’s a lot easier during the week. The top lot by the Observatory usually has open spots, but weekends are another story. I always aim for a weekday if I can swing it.
Seasonal Considerations
Weather and season really affect crowd levels. Summer brings the most visitors—tourists flock in, and local families have school off.
Winter, especially after the holidays, is much quieter.
After a rain, the air clears up and the views are amazing. Plus, there’s usually fewer people. Late fall and early spring are also solid picks: smaller crowds, mild weather.
Southern California’s mild climate means the Observatory stays open most of the year, but I always double-check for special events or closures.
Big events like meteor showers or eclipses? Yeah, those always draw crowds, no matter the season.
Optimal Hours for Exploring
You’ll find the quietest hours in the morning and early afternoon. I recommend showing up right at opening (usually around 10:00 a.m.) or before 2:00 p.m.
Late afternoons and sunset? That’s when the crowds roll in. People love watching the sun dip over LA, which means more cars, less parking, and longer lines.
If I want a peaceful visit or a guaranteed parking spot, I skip sunset on Fridays through Sundays.
Morning visits on weekdays are the sweet spot. The grounds and exhibits feel way more relaxed.
Tips for Parking and Accessibility
Getting to Griffith Observatory can be a bit of a headache on busy days. Parking fills up fast, and public transit is only helpful if you plan ahead.
Parking Options Near the Observatory
Parking’s pretty limited. There’s a small paid lot right next to the Observatory, but it fills up early and costs a few bucks an hour.
If that lot’s full, you can try street parking along the main road up, but those spots go fast—especially on weekends and before sunset.
The walk from the farthest spots can be long and uphill, so trust me, wear comfy shoes. Some folks park near the Greek Theatre and hike up. It’s about a 20-30 minute walk, but sometimes that’s your only option.
Glendale’s close by, but there’s no direct long-term parking from that side.
If you come early or on a weekday, you’ll have a much better shot at snagging a close space.
| Parking Location | Distance to Observatory | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Observatory Lot | Very close | Paid (metered) | Fills early |
| Roadside Parking | Varies | Paid | Uphill hike from far spots |
| Greek Theatre | 0.8 mile (approx) | Paid | Longer hike |
Public Transportation and Ride Shares
Public transit can actually make things a lot easier. The DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus runs from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station and drops you off right at the entrance for about 50 cents each way.
This bus is air-conditioned and comes every 20-30 minutes, but service slows down in the evenings and on some holidays.
I often see ride share drivers (Uber, Lyft) dropping people closer to the entrance. On really busy days, though, they might get turned away or have to drop off farther down the hill.
LAX is about 45 minutes away, depending on LA’s infamous traffic. If you’re coming straight from the airport, ride shares or transit are usually easier than renting a car.
Late-night public transit is pretty limited, so check schedules before you go.
Why take transit?
- Skip the parking hassle
- Super affordable (DASH bus is less than $1)
- Drops you right at the entrance
Best Entry Points and Trailheads
You’ve got a few ways to get into Griffith Park and up to the Observatory. The main entrance is on Vermont Avenue—that’s where the DASH bus stops and most cars come in. It’s the most direct if you want to park close or get dropped off.
If I’m in the mood for a hike, I start at the Ferndell Trailhead near Western Avenue. The path is shaded and scenic, and it takes about 30-45 minutes to reach the Observatory on foot.
You can also start from the Greek Theatre and use the trails nearby—handy if you parked there.
Some folks use the Boy Scout Trail from the north side of Griffith Park. It’s longer and quieter, but definitely more of a workout.
Entry points from Glendale are farther and not really practical unless you’re after a much longer hike.
No matter your route, bring water and be ready for hills.
Seeing the Stars: Night Sky Viewing at Griffith Observatory
Night visits at Griffith Observatory are something special. The sky over LA totally changes after sunset, and you can catch some amazing moments if you time it right.
There are certain nights when stargazing is at its best, and the Observatory’s public telescopes and events give you a real chance to see stars and planets up close.
Best Nights for Stargazing
Clear nights make for the best star viewing. LA skies can get hazy, so I look for nights with low humidity and no fog.
After it rains, the air gets crisp and the stars pop. If you’re hoping for fewer people, try a weekday evening.
Big celestial events—meteor showers, eclipses—always bring out the crowds. If you want a good spot, show up early.
The view of the Hollywood Sign and the city lights below? It never gets old.
Public Telescopes and Events
On clear evenings, staff set up free public telescopes on the lawn. You can check out the Moon, planets like Jupiter or Saturn, and sometimes even deep sky objects.
Friendly staff and volunteers hang around to answer questions or point out what you’re seeing.
About once a month, the Observatory hosts “Public Star Parties.” Amateur astronomers bring their own telescopes, and you can wander from scope to scope, seeing all kinds of cool stuff and learning a ton.
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium also does special nighttime programs, which are totally worth checking out.
Entry’s free, but parking fills up fast—so get there early if you can.
Exploring Nearby Trails and Attractions
Griffith Observatory isn’t just about telescopes and exhibits. The area is surrounded by some of my favorite hiking trails, city views, and quirky attractions that really show off LA’s wild side.
Hiking Routes and Trail Conditions
Several trails start right near the Observatory. The Mt. Hollywood Trail is a go-to for me—it winds through chaparral and wildflowers, especially in spring.
It’s about 3 miles round trip from the Observatory parking lot, and the summit has awesome views.
Hollyridge Trail lets you approach the Hollywood Sign from behind. Trailheads can get busy, so I head out early to beat the crowds.
Most trails are well-marked, but they can get dusty and hot in summer.
I always bring water and sturdy shoes, especially if it’s rained recently (the paths get slick). After a wet winter, wildflowers sometimes bloom as late as May, making the hike extra pretty. Dogs are allowed if they’re on a leash.
Points of Interest in Griffith Park
Griffith Park has more than just trails. Bronson Caves—famous as the “Batcave” from the old Batman TV show—are about a 15-minute walk from one of the main parking areas.
I like to swing by for a quick photo and some shade.
The Greek Theatre is another gem, especially if there’s a concert.
On show nights, parking can be a nightmare, so I plan ahead.
The historic Merry-Go-Round sits on the park’s southern side and has been spinning since the 1930s.
Other spots worth a peek include the Autry Museum of the American West and the Los Angeles Zoo, both tucked inside the park.
If you love wildflowers or birdwatching, Griffith Park’s open spaces make it easy to explore and discover something new.
Panoramic Views of Hollywood and LA
When I stand near the Observatory’s terraces, I get why this place draws so many people. On a clear day, the Hollywood Sign pops out, you can see the whole LA Basin, and sometimes the Pacific Ocean just glimmers way off in the distance.
The view changes as the day goes on. Once the sun sets, city lights start twinkling everywhere—it’s a little bit magical.
If you’re hoping for great photos, I always recommend bringing a camera with a decent zoom lens. Early mornings or that golden hour before sunset? The sky and city light up in these unreal shades of orange and pink.
Sometimes, I catch sight of downtown Los Angeles, and if the air’s especially clear, Malibu peeks through too.
Evenings get really crowded, honestly. I prefer early mornings when it’s calm and almost quiet.
You don’t have to hike to enjoy it, either. The benches and open spots invite you to just sit back, snack, and soak in those views.
