Griffith Observatory Tours and Activities

Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory


Discover a star-studded hangout and marvel at the art deco splendor of one of LA’s stellar attractions.

Perched high above the city near the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory offers a mind-expanding window on the universe and plenty of intergalactic fun. On a clear day, you cansee beyond the fog and haze to glimpse stars, moon craters, Jupiter’s satellites and more.

With its three copper-cladded domes, this stimulating shrine to science has been a famous LA landmark since 1935. Movie buffs may recognize it from numerous sci-fi flicks, including The Terminator, and the 1955 James Dean film Rebel Without a Cause.

The observatory hasn’t just played a significant role in Hollywood history, it’s also made a major contribution to space exploration the Apollo astronauts learned about celestial navigation within its walls.

In addition to exhibition halls with more than 60 space-related displays, the observatory has a 300-seat planetarium beneath the central dome and a multimedia theater for education programs and activities, the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon.

Scan the stars when the skies are clear with the Zeiss refracting telescope, solar telescopes and other instruments available for public use. Time your visit to coincide with a free monthly star party so you can peer at the moon, visible planets and other objects in the solar system through a variety of telescopes.

When you’re ready to come back down to Earth, take some time out in the grounds around the observatory for more awesome views. From your vantage point on the south slope of Mount Hollywood, you’ll see the LA basin laid out before you. At night, with the city lights sparkling below, the spectacle is simply stunning.

Griffith Observatory is about eight miles (13 kilometers) north of downtown. It is open five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday, but is closed on most holidays. Admission to the observatory and the surrounding grounds is free.

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Best Lodging Options Near Griffith Observatory

Loews Hollywood Hotel

Loews Hollywood Hotel

4 out of 5
1755 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Cara

Cara

3.5 out of 5
1730 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Cara
The Dixie Hollywood

The Dixie Hollywood

3 out of 5
5410 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The Dixie Hollywood
The Hollywood Roosevelt

The Hollywood Roosevelt

4 out of 5
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The Hollywood Roosevelt
Hollywood City Inn

Hollywood City Inn

2 out of 5
1615 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood City Inn
Americas Best Value Inn Hollywood Los Angeles

Americas Best Value Inn Hollywood Los Angeles

2 out of 5
5265 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Americas Best Value Inn Hollywood Los Angeles
Hollywood Roxy Hotel

Hollywood Roxy Hotel

2 out of 5
1655 N Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood Roxy Hotel
Super 8 by Wyndham Hollywood/LA Area

Super 8 by Wyndham Hollywood/LA Area

2 out of 5
1536 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Super 8 by Wyndham Hollywood/LA Area
Hollywood Hotel

Hollywood Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1160 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Griffith Observatory

At Griffith Observatory, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including free tours and interactive exhibits that showcase the wonders of astronomy. The planetarium programs are a must-see, offering an immersive experience for all ages. Additionally, the observatory is surrounded by some of the best outdoor museums, making it an ideal spot for both education and entertainment, including live music and theatre performances in the nearby area.

Shopping

For shopping near Griffith Observatory, check out Hollywood and Vine, just 3.2km away, for unique items. The Grove and Farmers Market, both 8.0km away, offer a vibrant atmosphere with diverse options. If you're up for a drive, explore other shopping centres in downtown Los Angeles.

Recreation

At Griffith Observatory, enjoy a rejuvenating day at the Los Feliz Municipal Golf Course, just 3.2km away, offering scenic outdoor vibes. For a touch of entertainment, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, located 8.0km away, hosts captivating performances that lift the spirit and soothe the soul.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Racer's Edge Indoor Karting, located 8.0km from Griffith Observatory, where you can race against friends in a vibrant atmosphere. For outdoor adventure, explore the California Aqueduct Bikeway, also 8.0km away, or hike the scenic Mount Lowe Railway trail, situated 13.2km from the observatory.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Griffith Observatory is vibrant, with the Dolby Theatre offering captivating performances, and the TCL Chinese Theatre showcasing classic films. For a unique experience, visit Raleigh Studio Hollywood for entertainment events, all within a short drive, ensuring a memorable evening filled with culture and excitement.

Find the best attractions near Griffith Observatory

When visiting Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture enthusiasts, families, and urban explorers. Popular points of interest include Griffith Park, the observatory itself, and nearby film studios. Enjoy the stunning city views and immerse yourself in the diverse experiences that Griffith Park and its surroundings have to offer, ensuring a memorable visit for all types of travellers.

  • Universal Studios Hollywood: Experience the thrill of a theme park like no other, just 4.8km from Griffith Observatory. Enjoy world-class attractions, entertaining shows, and immersive rides that bring your favourite movies to life, perfect for families and movie buffs alike.
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame: Stroll along this iconic street, located 4.8km away, where you can admire over 2,600 brass stars honouring the biggest names in entertainment. The lively atmosphere and city vibes make it an ideal spot for photos and people-watching.
  • Hollywood Bowl: Just 3.2km from the observatory, this renowned outdoor amphitheatre hosts a variety of concerts and performances. With its stunning setting and family-friendly vibe, it’s a must-visit for music lovers and culture enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Griffith Observatory

Visitor numbers around Griffith Observatory is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Griffith Observatory can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Griffith Observatory falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Griffith Observatory falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Griffith Observatory

To save money on your trip to Griffith Observatory, visit during the off-peak months of November to January for lower accommodation rates. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Enjoy free nearby attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Sunset Strip. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by filtering for eco-certified options and sorting by price. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for better deals, and look for flexible booking options to secure the best rates.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Griffith Observatory are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Griffith Observatory is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Griffith Observatory is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, available at this moment. To find the most affordable prices and special deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near Griffith Observatory with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.