Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory combines stunning Art Deco architecture, hands-on science exhibits, and panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin, the Hollywood Sign, the downtown skyline, and the distant Pacific Ocean on clear days.
Built in 1935 on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood within Griffith Park, the observatory offers panoramic views extending to the Pacific Ocean. Its Art Deco exterior, telescopes, and planetarium provide strong architectural subjects, while the hillside position frames expansive city and ocean vistas.
Griffith Observatory's Architecture and Film History
Opened in 1935, Griffith Observatory combines Art Deco architecture with space and science exhibits, including a planetarium and public telescopes. Photographers working the grounds can frame the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign in their compositions, while a bronze bust of James Dean outside marks the filming location of Rebel Without a Cause (1955). The building has also been used as a location for numerous other films.
Best Photo Spots
Here are 4 photo spots at Griffith Observatory, including decks, seating areas, an overlook, and a refracting telescope.
Roof Deck and Terraces
Photographs of This Location
Griffith Observatory's Architecture and Exhibits
Griffith Observatory has stood in Art Deco style since 1935, built with funds from philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, and its architecture alone warrants attention from photographers. The site includes public telescopes and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, with space and science exhibits that draw visitors for stargazing. Inside the building, a giant pendulum demonstrates Earth's rotation, and a lower-level wall of galaxies displays samples visitors can handle, including a moon rock and a piece of Mars.
Common Questions
No, admission to Griffith Observatory is free.
Yes—admission to the building, exhibits, grounds, and public telescopes is always free; only planetarium shows and certain parking require payment.
Yes—it is one of the best public viewpoints for the Hollywood Sign, with the best light in late afternoon/evening.
Practical Information
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027; Visitors can approach the Observatory via the Vermont or Fern Dell entrances to Griffith Park.; From US 101, drivers can exit on Gower Street, turn right onto Franklin Avenue, left on Western Avenue, and right on Los Feliz Boulevard to reach the observatory.
Limited; Dedicated parking area, fills quickly on weekends/evenings; $10/hour
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM weekdays; 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM weekends; closed Mondays; Tuesday–Friday noon–10 PM; Saturday–Sunday 10 AM–10 PM; closed Mondays; Tue-Fri noon-10 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM-10 PM, closed Mon
Free; Admission to the Griffith Observatory building is free, though some planetarium shows and lectures have an additional admission cost.; $10-$12 adults
No reservation is required to visit Griffith Observatory.; Tripods restricted; prohibited inside building; No photography permit is mentioned; admission and use of public telescopes are free.
Session Tips
- Experiment with low angles or shoot from Griffith Park trails to create dynamic, unique perspectives.
- Use a wide-angle lens and frame the building with nearby trees or the Hollywood Sign for depth.
- Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid crowds at the Griffith Observatory.
- Capture the illuminated observatory at night for stunning contrasts with city lights.
- Bring layers since temperatures drop at the elevation of the observatory.
What to Wear
- Visitors should dress in layers at Griffith Observatory, especially if staying for sunset or stargazing.
- Visitors should bring layers because temperatures drop at the observatory's elevation.
When to Shoot
Best Time to Photograph
1:24 PM - 1:49 PM
1:49 PM - 2:49 PM
12:34 AM - 1:34 AM
1:34 AM - 1:59 AM
Best Season
Winter
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:58 | 17:07 | 10h 8m |
| Feb | 06:37 | 17:37 | 10h 59m |
| Mar | 07:03 | 19:01 | 11h 57m |
| Apr | 06:21 | 19:24 | 13h 2m |
| May | 05:51 | 19:48 | 13h 56m |
| Jun | 05:41 | 20:06 | 14h 25m |
| Jul | 05:52 | 20:05 | 14h 12m |
| Aug | 06:14 | 19:39 | 13h 25m |
| Sep | 06:36 | 18:59 | 12h 22m |
| Oct | 06:58 | 18:18 | 11h 20m |
| Nov | 06:26 | 16:49 | 10h 23m |
| Dec | 06:51 | 16:45 | 9h 53m |
What to Expect During Your Session
Late afternoon arrivals around 4-5 PM let photographers work through golden hour into blue hour, when the illuminated building creates strong contrasts against the city lights below. Wide-angle lenses framed with the Hollywood Sign or nearby trees add depth, while Griffith Park trails offer low-angle vantage points away from the crowds that build later in the day. Layered clothing is advisable since temperatures drop at the observatory's elevation, and the session can continue past sunset (around 18:50) into public telescope stargazing after dark.
A typical visit timeline is to arrive in the late afternoon (around 4-5 PM) to explore exhibits by day, enjoy golden-hour views, and stay for stargazing after dark.
A full session runs from late afternoon (~4-5 PM) through sunset and into stargazing after dark.
The couple started at the main overlook parts of the Griffith Observatory before venturing down the nature path to the lower overlook level.
Head down to the basement to find an impressive exhibit on the solar system.
“A visit ends with stargazing through public telescopes after dark.”
Getting There
Access & Transit
- Wheelchair access
- Disabled access shuttles are allowed through to Griffith Observatory at all times and drop off at the horseshoe driveway in front of the building.
- Parking
- Griffith Observatory has designated disabled parking spaces; visitors should approach the checkpoint in the parking lot to use them.
- Public transit
- Metro Red Line to Vermont/Sunset, then DASH Observatory bus; DASH Observatory bus
- Walking distance
- very short