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Griffith Observatory

Observatory, Scenic Lookout, and Science Museum

Los Angeles

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9.4^/10

5,362

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Ranked #9 for exhibits in Los Angeles
The experts at LA Weekly and Travel + Leisure recommend this place
"You can have a great view of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign!"(52 Tips)
"Breathtaking views of LA! Check the weather before you go up there."(46 Tips)
"Spectacular view and has one of the best planetariums!"(38 Tips)
"u can c the best amazing night view at there."(10 Tips)

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542 Tips and reviews

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Christina ChristodoulouApril 2, 2018
I love this place! It’s brilliant that there is an opportunity to look through the 12-inch Zeiss telescope most evenings depending upon the weather. A great location with good views of LA too.
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Upvoted 3 weeks ago
Rick KupermanJuly 28, 2017
This was excellent. Foucault's pendulum - a mind-blowing demonstration of Earth's place in the cosmos and the imperceptible realities of the Earth's constant rotation. Also the views are 👌
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Upvoted 2 days ago
Travel + LeisureNovember 2, 2012
Grab your hiking boots and make your way from the Los Angeles Zoo to the Griffith Observatory, made famous by “Rebel Without a Cause.” Stop at Trails Café for lunch.
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Upvoted 2 weeks ago
Jeff S.January 2, 2020
The sightseeing is amazing. There are great views of downtown LA and the Hollywood sign. Check out the trails for hiking. I love going there to watch the sun set in Cali.
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ℳ𝒶𝓎♍September 18, 2019
A quintessential LA icon that commands marvelous views. There's a lot of interactive and educational activities focusing on astronomy. Never miss the telescope, you will be able to see certain planets
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Daniel PalmieriFebruary 13, 2015
The best view of the city. I love the park that is around and also enjoyed the way until I get there. The only thing that you need to now is if you are going without a car you must to get back early.
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Aldous NoahAugust 23, 2018
Park near the Greek Theater and just hike your way up to the Observatory. Saves you time looking for a parking spot at the top; Gets you a good workout too!
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EdykatMay 16, 2018
The best place to visit the entire scenery of LA. And also the best place to catch the Hollywood sign ever!!! If you have time visit one of the show while you’re there, very informative
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Robert CarbonellJanuary 9, 2019
The place is beautiful. Great view of LA and place to observe sunset. The museum is also good. Too bad most of the telescopes and Sun observer was not working. Looks like they need funding.
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Justosh SinghSeptember 19, 2019
Yes just yes. Absolutely check this place out. Apart from the history of space and a working telescope, it offers an amazing view of downtown LA and the area of Hollywood.
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Kevin ToDecember 16, 2015
The view of Los Angeles and Hollywood from up here is amazing, but don't forget to walk inside the observatory for the main attraction. The Griffith Observatory houses some great, must see exhibits!
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Hamid Alan9aryJanuary 8, 2022
A must stop if you are in the area 😁 the view is spectacular from both sides.Sometimes certain roads are closed.. it’s better if you go there early afternoon 🌅
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The Fluff Ice™ TruckFebruary 16, 2012
Griffith Observatory has an amazing view of Los Angeles as well as a yummy cafe catered by Wolfgang Puck! Also, make sure to catch the Planetarium show -- the narrator is amazing!
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Kevin SkobacDecember 9, 2015
Beautiful building, beautiful view of LA and the sunset, free science exhibit with a lot to explore, great hikes around it. Must stop here.
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BaileyNovember 3, 2016
Really awesome exhibits on astronomy, it's history and great scientific explanations. And then there are the views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign!
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Roobee H.July 1, 2016
Been here 10+ times
One of my favorite places to hike. We start from the bottom to go all the up. Pass the observatory. It's like a good 2hr hike for us and 6miles.
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Cathérine V.DSeptember 7, 2016
If you can, go and watch a show! Was a great experience!! Try to get there at 6-7pm so you can see it by day/night. Magnificent view!!!
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SarahOctober 18, 2016
An awesome observatory with amazing views of Los Angeles. You can see the Hollywood sign from the property and there's some nice hiking trails below in the hills. Check it out, it's free!
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KatiaJanuary 4, 2020
Amazing trails up to and around the observatory. It gets very busy on weekends and bank holidays though, so it can be difficult to find a parking space. Some parkings in the park shut at sunset.
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HISTORYMarch 31, 2010
In 1896, Col. Griffith J. Griffith gave funds in his will to build an observatory, exhibit hall, and planetarium on this donated land. Construction began in 1933 and opened to the public in 1935.
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Paul CooperMarch 20, 2015
Incredible views over LA and of the Hollywood sign. A must for those visiting LA, head down just before sunset. Spectacular! If you're lucky you may see a few Hummingbirds too.
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Steve JohnstonOctober 20, 2014
This legendary location lives up to its reputation. Incredible views of the city, and a well-adorned astronomy museum. Expect a hike when it comes to parking.
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Los AngelesOctober 30, 2013
Best known for its starring role in James Dean's Rebel Without a Cause, the Observatory recently made appearances in Devil In a Blue Dress, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle & Transformers.
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ZenFoodsterOctober 3, 2015
Yrs of lovely, romantic moments here :)...my #1 spot for the most spectacular views of LA! Go watch the sunset, visit Planetarium, & see the stars w/ the lawn telescopes instead of lining up 4 Zeiss.
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QDecember 23, 2016
A must visit attraction for the first timers in LA. Come here for sunset to enjoy the breathtaking views of Greater LA
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JulienFebruary 18, 2018
One of LA’s top scenic views. A must see! Try to get there before lunch time to get a parking spot at the top
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UCLAJune 4, 2012
The Observatory originally opened to the public in 1935, and was reopened in 2006 after renovations. It's a great place to take in the view or snap a photo in front of the Hollywood sign.
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Murdo ConnochieSeptember 14, 2017
Centred in the Universe is an incredible presentation, only $7 for an adult. Try to sit as close to the middle of the dome as possible.
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Glaucia MoraisFebruary 16, 2020
Great view of LA, Hollywood sign and even Santa Monica and Venice on a clear day. Go before noon so you don’t have to pay for parking
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Sarah HamiltonJanuary 23, 2015
The view is fantastic! Great to hike up to or just drive, explore the grounds, and then go inside to expand your knowledge. Check their schedule for upcoming events/talks! Very enlightening!
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AycanFebruary 18, 2018
Amazing science center, bring your kids to make them more aware of the universe!
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Chris CooksonSeptember 15, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Parking's a pain in the ass, if you can, take a bus over and walk up otherwise come early. Definitely see the sunset and the shows in the planetarium are absolutely breathtaking, really cheap too!
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Diego Wan Der LeySeptember 27, 2013
Simple but very insightful observatory! . You can have a great view of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign!
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Veronica ChaviraJuly 16, 2018
Prime location for Instagram pics and selfies. Historic LA location! Family friendly, best spot to see the Hollywood sign besides the hikes around. Free admission and great spot to view all of LA.
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Hamsah BMarch 28, 2015
This place is Amazing!! I recommend you go there a little before sunset and stay until it gets dark. The view of the city lights is beautiful as it gets dark 🌃💙
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Cathrine JohansenNovember 7, 2016
Great view over LA. A nice park with lots of hiking opportunities around. Nice view of the Hollywood sign! Parking was challenging.
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Arpita JainJanuary 24, 2016
Amazing view, nice trails, good scientific stuff. For trails visit during day time and to get a amazing view of LA city in night. Don't forget to take your love one's along 😉
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Erik RowleyJanuary 20, 2017
A beautiful landmark perched atop Mount Hollywood. Provides fascinating exhibits and breathtaking views of the LA skyline and Hollywood sign.
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Miles ThurstonSeptember 6, 2024
On Mount Hollywood, stars align,Views of LA, simply divine.Telescopes free, exhibits grand,A celestial wonderland.Hope you enjoy your visit! 🌟
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Ashley DandoJanuary 30, 2019
Good views over the city. Park at the bottom of the hill to avoid the $8 per hour parking at the top. It’s a nice gentle walk up to the top
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Deborah AbibFebruary 23, 2016
I loved seeing Downtown LA and the Hollywood sign ! The park is beautiful, and it's a great place to go with your family.
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Richard RevillaMay 17, 2017
Great place to visit at sunset. The LA sky lights up and the colors are amazing. On a clear day (smog) you have an amazing view of downtown LA.
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Mary PayneMay 19, 2018
Not only do they have amazing views of the city but the have so much on astrology, be sure to visit inside and get your mind blown!
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Social News NetworkDecember 5, 2013
Have you ever watched a movie that shows the Hollywood sign, or wanted to capture the best view in Los Angeles? The Griffith Observatory can provide those two must-sees in California! Go check it out!
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Marvin AndujarJuly 7, 2013
The view in this place is magnificent. Although I did not get to see the planetarium it is a good place to visit. You can also see the Hollywood sign from here. I give this place 4 out of 5.
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Erik RowleyJanuary 20, 2017
Definitely check out the Tesla Coil demonstration for an electrifying performance!...I know I've been hanging around too many movie studio tour guides today...
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The ArtificialNovember 27, 2017
If you're a movie-buff, you'll probably recognize this iconic hill-top building. Visit the Griffith Observatory for the exhibits, the view, the architecture, or one of their many events.
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Mert SakaAugust 7, 2014
You should first check the show times then go around the place. Tip: Is it a summer weekend afternoon? Little/no chance to park your car in the main parking lot.
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Diana K.August 26, 2012
This wasn't at the top of my to-see list, but it was actually very impressive. Loved the beautiful observatory, the breathtaking views of the city and mountains,, and the planetarium show.
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Alexia CardenasJanuary 31, 2019
Beautiful view of Hollywood. Inside are so many different ways to experience space and what we know. Touch actual meteorites and weigh yourself on different planets. Not a lot of parking though.
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Griffith Observatory

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