Griffith Observatory Los Angeles

For science and sunsets...

Alejandra from Los Angeles

""Griffith Observatory" in Los Angeles isn't just great for discovering great advancements in astronomy, you can also take great pictures of the view..."

Even if you are not that much into science, but happen to love sunsets and you’re wondering where in the city you could go to catch it, the answer is the Griffith Observatory.

When it first opened in May 1935, it was one of the first institutions in the U.S dedicated to public science. No big deal If you’re not an Astronomy jargon expert, you’ll find yourself astonished by the discoveries made since men began observing Earth and what may lie beyond it.

Admission to the Observatory building, grounds, and telescopes is always FREE. You will just pay for exhibitions at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Admission fee is usually $7 for adults, $5 for students with I.D and seniors, and $3 for children between 5-12 years old. However, experiencing the exhibitions is up to you.
There’s also a coffee shop on the lower lever, which may be very helpful if you got to the Observatory hiking.

During winter hours, I’d recommend getting there around 4:30/5PM, in time for the beautiful pictures you may want to take and to enjoy the sunset in calm. After that, you could enter the observatory, or not.

The Griffith Observatory is a very popular place, its sightseeing is just overwhelming & it has a huge legacy. No wonder why you’ll find people from all over the world come here to get a glimpse at this place.

I’d say afternoons are the most busy time of the day, but I’d also say the sunset is worth walking through the crowds for.

Art & culture

Relaxing

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Los Angeles Spotter Alejandra

About me Originally from Havana, Cuba. I studied classical piano for 8 years, but for the craziest reasons, maybe my own tendency to always let my heart decide, I ended up as a journalist. I spend most of my time reading books and have already decided that my next step will be to write one. Traveling makes me happy, and tacos even more so. Why Los Angeles LA reminds me of a country in which I lived for 6 years, Mexico! When I moved here I was ready for a change, for something new, I was looking for the sun, for fun, for peace, for love. All of that, I foun...

About this spot

2800 East Observatory Road

US$

free

Website

2134730800

Social

Dec 6, 2025

Our Los Angeles City Guide

Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Los Angeles guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Los Angeles

Venice Beach Skatepark

Skateboarding birthplace

"Venice Beach Skatepark" in Los Angeles is the birthplace of skateboarding. This skatepark has two giant pools, a spot for tricks and even a live webcam!

Art & culture

Relaxing

Liz

Militello

Dec 10, 2025

Pacific Wheel

Not just for kids!

"Pacific Wheel" is a ferris wheel in Los Angeles' Santa Monica Pier. I love the surprising views from it and the fact that it's solar-powered!

Art & culture

Liz

Militello

Dec 10, 2025

HD Buttercup

Bread museum inside furniture store

"HD Buttercup" is a furniture and home decor store in a historic Los Angeles building that also hosts a bread museum - the original site of Helms Bakery...

Art & culture

The "Santa Monica Stairs" in Los Angeles is one of my favorite stairways for some outdoor activity. I find is inspiring because the the fittest go there!

Art & culture

Relaxing

Liz

Militello

Dec 10, 2025

Kippy's

Coo-coo for coconuts!

"Kippy's" in Los Angeles makes healthy, vegan coconut milk ice cream and it's my #1 favorite local spot. I go there as many as 5 times a week!

Restaurants

At the "Santa Monica Farmer's Market" in Los Angeles, especially the one on Sundays, I love sampling the different kinds of dates and grabbing a burrito...

Art & culture