Tours and Tickets to Experience Griffith Observatory

There are plenty of ways to experience the Griffith Observatory. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More

• Hollywood Sign Tour with Comedians & Their Dogs

• Full-Day LA Tour: Santa Monica, Hollywood & Beverly Hills

• Half-Day Best of Los Angeles Tour

• Los Angeles: The Original 2.5-Hour Hollywood Sign Hike

While it’s completely free to visit the Griffith Observatory—including the permanent exhibitions, telescopes, and all events in the daily public programs—tickets are required for shows at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Standard tickets cost US$10 for adults and US$8 for seniors (over 55) and children (under 13).

Whether looking out over Los Angeles or gazing up at the night sky through a telescope, the Griffith Observatory provides plenty of impressive views. You can also watch a show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, explore interactive exhibitions on space and astronomy, and see a Tesla coil and Foucault pendulum.

Naturally, the best time for stargazing and telescope viewing is at night—for the most impressive views, time your arrival to catch the sunset, then stick around after dark. However, to explore the exhibitions and make the most of the observatory without the crowds, opt for a weekday visit around midday.

Yes, the Griffith Observatory is one of the most popular viewpoints in LA, and is both free and wheelchair accessible. Head to the observatory’s westside terrace for a sweeping view over the iconic Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Hills, or use the coin-operated telescopes for a closer peek.

Yes, free telescopes are available for public viewing each evening at the Griffith Observatory, weather permitting. The highlight is the historic 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope, housed in the rooftop dome, but other telescopes are also available. Guided viewings run from 7pm to 9:30pm.