Griffith Observatory is a free public planetarium and museum in Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory sits on a hilltop in Griffith Park in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. The building itself is free to enter, and so are the exhibits inside. You do not pay to walk through the galleries, use the telescopes on the outdoor terraces, or attend the shows in the planetarium — though planetarium tickets do cost money if you want to see one.

The observatory has been open to the public since 1935. It is run by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The building is closed on Mondays and some holidays, but open most other days in the afternoon and evening.

Key Takeaways

  • Entry to the building and all exhibits is free, but planetarium shows require a separate ticket that costs money.
  • The observatory is closed Mondays and does not open until 12 p.m. on days it is open, so plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday afternoon or evening.
  • Parking is free in the lot at the base of the hill, but it fills up on clear nights and weekends, so arrive early or use public transit.
  • You can look through the telescopes on the outdoor terraces for free on clear nights when staff are present, though wait times can be long.
  • The building has no food service, so bring snacks or eat before you arrive, or visit nearby restaurants in Los Feliz.

Hours, parking, and how to get there

Griffith Observatory opens at 12 p.m. (noon) Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It closes at 10 p.m. most nights. The building is closed all day Monday. Hours change seasonally and for holidays, so check the official website before you go.

Parking is free in the lot at the base of Griffith Observatory Road. On clear nights and weekends, the lot fills up by early evening. If you cannot find a spot, you can park elsewhere in Griffith Park and walk up, though the walk is steep. The Los Angeles Metro Red Line stops at Los Feliz Boulevard, about a 20-minute walk downhill from the observatory.

There is no parking fee and no entrance fee to the building itself. You pay only if you buy a planetarium show ticket or food from nearby vendors.

What you can see and do for free

The main floor has permanent exhibits about astronomy, the solar system, and how telescopes work. These galleries are open whenever the building is open and cost nothing. You can spend 30 minutes or several hours depending on how much detail interests you.

On clear nights, the observatory opens the outdoor terraces where you can look through large telescopes pointed at the moon, planets, or stars. A staff member is usually present to help you find objects and explain what you are seeing. There is no charge, but lines can be 30 minutes to an hour on popular nights. The telescopes are weather-dependent — if it is cloudy, they do not open.

The Copper Dome, the building's most recognizable feature, houses the Zeiss telescope, which is used for public viewing on certain nights. You do not pay to look through it, but again, it is only available on clear nights and waits can be long.

Planetarium shows and ticket costs

The planetarium is a theater with a domed ceiling where shows about space, planets, and astronomy are projected. Shows run about 30 to 50 minutes. Tickets are required and cost money — the price varies depending on the show and your age. Children, seniors, and Los Angeles residents may pay less than the standard adult price. Check the website for current ticket prices and show times.

Shows sell out on weekends and clear nights, so buy tickets in advance online if possible. Some shows are designed for young children, while others are for general audiences or adults. Read the description before you buy to make sure the show matches what you want to see.

What to bring and what to expect

The building has no food service or vending machines inside. Bring water and snacks, or eat at one of the restaurants in Los Feliz before or after your visit. The gift shop sells some snacks and drinks, but selection is limited and prices are high.

The building can be crowded on weekends and clear nights. If you want a shorter wait at the telescopes or a quieter experience in the galleries, visit on a weekday afternoon or a cloudy night. Wear comfortable shoes — there are stairs inside the building and the outdoor terraces involve some walking.

The observatory is accessible to people with mobility issues. There is an elevator, and the main galleries are on one floor. Accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance.

Nearby attractions and things to do in the area

Griffith Park is a large public park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and other attractions. The Los Angeles Zoo is on the east side of the park. The Autry Museum of the American West is also in Griffith Park, a short drive from the observatory. The neighborhood of Los Feliz, at the base of the hill, has restaurants, cafes, and shops.

If you are visiting the observatory, you can easily spend a few hours in the area. Many people combine a visit to the observatory with a hike in Griffith Park or a meal in Los Feliz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to get into Griffith Observatory?

No. Entry to the building and all exhibits is free. You pay only if you buy a planetarium show ticket or purchase something from the gift shop or food vendors.

Can I look through the telescopes without paying?

Yes. The telescopes on the outdoor terraces are free to use on clear nights when staff are present. There is no charge, though you may wait in line, especially on weekends.

What if it is cloudy when I visit?

The outdoor telescopes do not open on cloudy nights. The galleries and exhibits are open regardless of weather. You can still see planetarium shows, which are indoors and do not depend on clear skies.

Is there food at the observatory?

There is no full food service inside the building. The gift shop sells some snacks and drinks. Restaurants are available in Los Feliz, a short drive down the hill, or you can bring your own food.

How long does a typical visit take?

A visit to the galleries alone takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your interest. If you add a planetarium show, add another 45 minutes to an hour. Waiting in line for the telescopes can add 30 minutes to an hour on busy nights.