Griffith Observatory at a glance
The observatory stands on the slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. The building, the grounds and the public telescopes cost nothing. Only the planetarium show needs a ticket. From the grounds you look across to Mount Lee and the Hollywood Sign, with Downtown Los Angeles on the other side.
Opening days matter. The building is closed on Mondays, and on Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you want the sign as the main goal, the other Hollywood Sign viewpoints are an alternative, and the Observatory is also the start of the longest hike to the sign.
Griffith Observatory hours and prices
2026 hours and planetarium prices.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuesday to Friday | 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Saturday and Sunday | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Monday | Closed |
| Planetarium, ages 13 to 54 | $12 |
| Planetarium, ages 55 and over | $10 |
| Planetarium, students and teachers with ID | $10 |
| Planetarium, children 5 to 12 | $8 |
| Planetarium, foundation members | $8 |
| Planetarium, under 5 | Free, first show only, on a lap |
Planetarium tickets are sold on site for the same day, and there is no general online or phone presale. The first show is at 12:45 p.m. on weekdays and 10:45 a.m. on weekends. Members from the Antares level can reserve ahead, including a parking space where available. For most visitors, arrive early on a weekend, see the view first and add the planetarium if the day has room.
Our pick: inside the observatory
Our take: a guided visit with a planetarium show ticket included.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Griffith Observatory and Hollywood tours
Sightseeing trips and tours with stops at the Observatory and the Hollywood Sign, with live prices and availability.
Griffith Observatory parking
Paid, with a free option on foot.
The public lot and the marked street spaces are paid on weekdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pay at the credit-card machines and leave the receipt visible in the car. Plan for paying and read the current rate on the machine.
A free alternative is parking near the Greek Theatre and walking uphill. On concert evenings, visitor parking there for this purpose ends at 1 p.m. The access gates close at 10 p.m., and heavy traffic can bring earlier road closures.
Getting to the Observatory by DASH
The bus from Vermont/Sunset.
The route
The Observatory/Los Feliz DASH links Vermont/Sunset with the Observatory. Since January 2026 the first regular uphill run leaves at 10:00 a.m. and arrives at 10:18 a.m. Early runs in the residential area do not reach the Observatory.
Frequency
Buses run every 15 to 25 minutes, so plan for the longer gap on busy days. The last return trip leaves at 10:06 p.m.
Fares
A ride costs $0.50 in cash or $0.35 with TAP. Seniors and riders with disabilities pay $0.25 or $0.15. Children up to age 4 ride free, up to two per paying adult.
Holidays
The Observatory is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this DASH runs every day including holidays. See getting to the Hollywood Sign for Metro links to Vermont/Sunset.
Seeing the Hollywood Sign from the Observatory
What to look for.
The sign stands on Mount Lee across the hills. The balcony gives a clear line to the letters, and the telescopes on the grounds are free to use. The terrace looks the other way, toward Downtown Los Angeles.
Photos from here show the sign small, because it is far away. For a closer look, see the Hollywood Sign hike routes. Seasonal weather helps you pick a clear day, see the best time to visit.
Planning a day at the Observatory
Timing that works with the hours above.
Arrive for the first show
If you want the planetarium, aim for the first show: 12:45 p.m. on weekdays, 10:45 a.m. on weekends. Buy the ticket on site on the same day.
Leave time for the gates
The access gates close at 10 p.m., and traffic can bring earlier closures. Do not plan to arrive in the last hour.
Walking up from the park
The hike from the Observatory to the sign is 8.8 miles (14.2 km) round trip and takes more than 4 hours. Marked trails are open from sunrise to sunset, so start early. Details are in the hike guide.
Griffith Observatory: frequently asked questions
Is Griffith Observatory free?
Yes. The building, the grounds and the public telescopes are free. The planetarium is a separate ticket.
Can I buy planetarium tickets online?
Regular tickets are sold on site for the same day. There is no general online or phone presale, apart from the reservation option for members from the Antares level.
Is parking free at the Observatory?
No. The lot and marked street spaces are paid during opening hours. Free parking near the Greek Theatre is possible if you walk uphill.
Can you see the Hollywood Sign from the Observatory?
Yes. The grounds are a good viewpoint, and the sign appears on Mount Lee across the hills.
Is this the official Griffith Observatory website?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not connected to the Observatory, the city or any tour operator. Check current hours before you go.