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Sight Griffith Park, Downtown Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory

A sight in Griffith Park, Downtown Los Angeles, free to visit and worth about 2 hours. Best time to go: Sunset to 10 pm.

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Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park, Downtown Los Angeles
Photo: Angelin Song · CC BY 2.0 · license

Why go

Art deco observatory on Mount Hollywood with free telescopes and the classic night view over the downtown towers.

It is one of 7 curated places we feature in Downtown Los Angeles, alongside 2 activities, 2 places to eat and 1 place for a drink. 2 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Griffith Observatory and Griffith Observatory.

Type
Sight
Neighborhood
Griffith Park
Price
Free
Time needed
2 hr
Best time
Sunset to 10 pm

Nearby

Our closest curated picks, including 6 beyond Downtown Los Angeles. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.

  1. 1
    Griffith Observatory

    Free observatory with planetarium shows and views of the Hollywood Sign and city lights.

    Sight · Hollywood · 0.0 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    Griffith Observatory

    Free observatory with Hollywood Sign and downtown views from the terraces.

    Sight · Los Angeles · 0.0 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    Lake Hollywood Park

    Grassy park with one of the closest street-level views of the Hollywood Sign.

    Outdoors · Hollywood · 1.6 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    Amoeba Music

    Enormous independent record store for vinyl, CDs and films.

    Shopping · Hollywood · 1.8 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    Good Times at Davey Wayne's

    1970s-themed bar entered through a fridge door, with a backyard patio.

    Drinks · Hollywood · 1.8 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    The Hotel Cafe

    Intimate singer-songwriter venue that launched many acoustic careers.

    Drinks · Hollywood · 2.1 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

Griffith Observatory is a stop on our Los Angeles New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More to do in Downtown Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory is our only sight pick in Downtown Los Angeles; here is what else we recommend there. See the full Downtown Los Angeles guide.

When to go: weather by month, based on Los Angeles

Our climate figures for Downtown Los Angeles come from nearby Los Angeles. Average daily highs in Los Angeles run from 66°F in December to 90°F in August; February is usually the wettest month. For Griffith Observatory itself, we suggest: Sunset to 10 pm.

Modelled monthly averages for Los Angeles from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Los Angeles weather by month (covers Downtown Los Angeles).

Getting there

Map links open a live search for Griffith Observatory, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Coordinates
34.11833, -118.30033
Destination
Downtown Los Angeles, California
Website
griffithobservatory.org

Griffith Observatory: quick answers

How much time do you need at Griffith Observatory?

Plan on about 2 hours at Griffith Observatory. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit Griffith Observatory?

Our pick: Sunset to 10 pm. Insider tip: Go on the evening of Dec 30; it closes at 10 pm and is busy on New Year's Eve.

Is Griffith Observatory free?

Yes, we list Griffith Observatory as free to visit. Check the official website before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Which TripsCircle routes include Griffith Observatory?

Griffith Observatory appears on Los Angeles New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add Griffith Observatory to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Downtown Los Angeles.

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Also in Downtown Los Angeles

Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.