Griffith Observatory lets you enjoy views of Los Angeles together with astronomy exhibits. The key to planning a visit is to separate the fact that admission to the facility is free from the assumption that parking and shows are free too. Also, the park’s hours and the building’s opening hours are different.
Based on the official visitor and transportation information, this article sums up the hours and return-trip details that first-time visitors tend to get confused about. We cannot guarantee how the sunset will look, which celestial objects you will see through the telescopes, or the road conditions on the day.
Check the building and park hours separately
| Item | Usual schedule |
|---|---|
| Observatory building, Tue.–Fri. | Noon–10 p.m. |
| Observatory building, Sat. and Sun. | 10 a.m.–10 p.m. |
| Building on Mondays | Closed |
| Griffith Park | Usually daily 5 a.m.–10:30 p.m. |
| Address | 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027 |
Even if you can get into the park on a Monday, that doesn’t mean you can see the observatory’s exhibits. Check the official calendar for special holiday schedules and events before you set out.
What’s free, and what costs money?
According to the official website, the building, the grounds and use of the public telescopes are free. On the other hand, Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows require a ticket, and the nearby parking is paid as well. Your budget and the way you plan your visit will differ depending on whether you only see the exhibits or build the day around a show.
If a show is your goal, check not just the opening time but also how to buy tickets, age requirements and that day’s show schedule, one by one. The official transportation guide explains that it cannot accommodate advance reservations for the planetarium, so don’t take outside articles that say “just buy online in advance” at face value.
If you take the DASH bus
The official website describes a route from Vermont/Sunset station to the observatory on the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz. The listed service hours are daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m. However, the bus also runs on days when the building is closed, so don’t treat the fact that the bus is running as proof that the observatory is open.
This article does not give fixed fares or bus frequencies. Check LADOT’s service information for the day you go, and look up the buses back down the hill ahead of time. Checking both the bus back to the station and the subway or bus connection from there to where you’re staying makes it easier to plan your evening.
Things to know about driving and ride-hailing
Parking near the observatory is limited, and roads may be closed when it gets crowded. According to the official information, paid parking accepts credit cards only. Check the rate posted on the day.
If you plan to go home by ride-hailing, the park entrance is easy to overlook. The official website explains that the gate that pickup cars use to enter the park closes at 10 p.m., so they should enter before then. Rather than thinking about a pickup only after staying until the building closes, decide on your pickup spot and the time you will request a ride in advance.
A sample plan for an evening visit
- Check the opening hours, sunset time and road information for your visit date on the official website.
- Set aside separate time for the views and for the indoor exhibits.
- If you want to see a show, check the purchase conditions and adjust your schedule on-site.
- Confirm your bus home or your pickup before closing time.
This is a sample plan from our editorial team, not an arrival time we have measured to avoid crowds. If you want to limit how much you walk, keep in mind the uphill walk from faraway parking spots, and choose a way of getting there that works for you. Rather than cramming in both the outdoor night views and the exhibits, picking one main goal makes it easier to adjust your plans.
You might also like
Getty Center: how to get there and reservations
Official information and sources
Information checked: October 15, 2026. Hours, prices and terms of use may change. Please check the official information as of the day you visit or buy.
Featured photo: Serouj / Wikimedia Commons (public domain, taken in 2006).
You might also like
Cultural spots around Hollywood: JAPAN HOUSE visitor guide
This article is also available in Japanese.
