Jun 6, 2025

Griffith Observatory Los Angeles

For science and sunsets...

""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.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

2800 East Observatory Road

US$

free

2134730800

Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

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

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

Discover all other hidden gems in Los Angeles

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!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 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...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Santa Monica Stairs

Step by step

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!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

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!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Movie filming location

This your homework Larry?!

Part of The Big Lebowski was filmed at this otherwise unassuming community in Los Angeles, 'Faircrest Heights'.Please remember this is a private residence.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

405 and 10 Intersection

Experience road rage!

The "405 and 10 Intersection" in Los Angeles is one of the busiest in America. This intersection is so famous, it even has its own facebook page!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Los Liones Canyon Trail

View from top of trail

"Los Liones Canyon Trail" one of my favorite hiking trails in Los Angeles. It always makes me feel as if I've escaped city life and gets my heart pumping.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Watts Towers

Art in architecture

"Watts Towers" in Los Angeles is a national landmark, built by a talented Italian immigrant over the duration of 30 years. They remind me of Antoni Gaudi.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Sunbathing Sea Lions

Bark is worse than bite

The "Sunbathing Sea Lions" in Los Angeles' Marina del Rey are huge, playful and charming, but they can also be dangerous. The fishermen know their names!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 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!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Father's Office

"I'll be at the office late!"

"Father's Office" in Los Angeles is an upscale gastropub with 'bar food' prepared by acclaimed chef San Yoon. The vegatarian in me is in for a treat here!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Museum of Flying

Vintage airplanes

"Museum of Flying" in LA's Santa Monica is in the neighborhood's very own private airport. It's quaint, interesting and made me appreciate planes more!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Liz

Militello

Jun 10, 2025

Heading to Los Angeles?

135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

135 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Los Angeles

Get to know our other Spotters from Los Angeles

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
67
Filters