Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory


Discover a star-studded hangout and marvel at the art deco splendour 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 recognise 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 theatre for education programmes 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 kilometres) 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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Things to do near Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles offers a variety of activities, including engaging entertainment options, captivating theatre performances, and live music experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural scene while enjoying stunning views of the city and the cosmos. It's a perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and excitement during their holiday.

Shopping

For souvenirs, check out Hollywood and Vine, just 1.2km away. The Grove and Farmers Market, both 3.1km away, offer a vibrant mix of shopping and dining experiences. If you're up for a drive, explore further malls for more extensive shopping options.

Recreation

At Griffith Observatory, you can enjoy a rejuvenating experience at Dodger Stadium, just 3.1km away, embracing the energetic sports atmosphere. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant entertainment vibes at Hollywood Palladium, 1.2km distant, or indulge in the luxury of Los Angeles Country Club, located 5.0km away.

Adventure

Explore the Griffith-Vermont Tennis Center for a thrilling tennis match, located 311m from Griffith Observatory. For an adrenaline rush, head to Racer's Edge Indoor Karting, situated 3.1km away, or enjoy a scenic ride along the California Aqueduct Bikeway, also 3.1km distant.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Griffith Observatory is vibrant and diverse. Just 1.9km away, TCL Chinese Theatre offers a cinematic experience, while Dolby Theatre presents captivating cultural performances. For an unforgettable evening, Pantages Theatre, only 1.2km away, showcases remarkable shows in a charming atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles offers a rich blend of attractions, including vibrant streets, renowned film studios, and lush urban parks. This destination caters to culture enthusiasts, families, and city explorers alike. Don't forget to search for the best hotels near Griffith Observatory to enhance your stay, while also exploring top attractions in the area for a fulfilling experience.

  • Universal Studios Hollywood: A thrilling theme park just 1.9km from Griffith Observatory, Universal Studios Hollywood offers an immersive experience with rides, attractions, and shows that bring your favourite films to life. Perfect for families, it's a place where entertainment meets excitement.
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame: Located 1.9km away, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a vibrant street adorned with over 2,600 brass stars, celebrating the stars of the entertainment industry. It's an iconic part of Hollywood, offering a bustling atmosphere and a chance to snap photos with your favourite celebrity tributes.
  • Hollywood Bowl: Only 1.2km from Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Bowl is an iconic outdoor amphitheatre that hosts concerts and events. Surrounded by stunning scenery, it provides a unique blend of entertainment and family-friendly experiences in a historic setting.

Best time to go to Griffith Observatory

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 (dry). The coolest average temperature around Griffith Observatory falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 HighAverage
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 LowSlightly High
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, consider visiting between November and January when accommodation prices are lower compared to the summer months. Booking a stay on a Monday can also yield savings, as Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to filter hotels by budget and type, including eco-friendly options. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. For public transport, utilise buses or the Metro to keep costs down while exploring the area.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Griffith Observatory with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.