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Griffith Park Los Angeles

4.7

An urban oasis offering iconic views of the Hollywood Sign and LA skyline, plus hiking, nature, and the famous Griffith Observatory.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow

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Griffith Park Los Angeles

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An urban oasis offering iconic views of the Hollywood Sign and LA skyline, plus hiking, nature, and the famous Griffith Observatory.

4.7

(69k reviews)

"The views from Griffith Observatory are absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset!"

TIP

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early or use ride-share. Paid parking at Observatory; free street parking can be scarce.

💧 Hydration is Crucial

Bring plenty of water, especially for hikes. Sunscreen and hats are essential year-round.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 69,523 reviews

Type

Park

Address

Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Website

laparks.org/griffithpark

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Griffith Observatory

Southern slope of Mount Hollywood

Iconic landmark with stunning city views, space exhibits, and a planetarium. A must-see for any LA visitor.

Hollywood Sign Views

Various viewpoints throughout the park

Get that classic shot of the Hollywood Sign from numerous vantage points within Griffith Park. The Observatory offers a great perspective.

Hiking Trails

Throughout the park

Explore miles of trails, from easy strolls to challenging climbs, offering diverse landscapes and city vistas.

Travel Town Museum

Northwest corner of Griffith Park

A charming outdoor museum featuring vintage trains and trolleys, perfect for families and train enthusiasts.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Parking

Griffith Park is vast, and parking can be a challenge, especially near the Observatory. Arrive early or consider public transit and ride-sharing to avoid circling for spots. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Sun Protection is Key

Even on mild days, the California sun can be intense. Bring plenty of water, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen, especially if you plan on hiking. Many trails offer limited shade.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, easier parking

Crowd

Low

When

Sunset at the Observatory

Why

Breathtaking city lights

Crowd

High

When

Spring and Fall

Why

Mild weather for hiking

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎥: @I&M T. Purple and Gold nights ❤️ #discoverLA #thingstodoinlosangeles #visitlosangeles #LA #tourism #explorepage #losangeles #griffithobservatory #hollywood

@discoverla

164.9K likes • 1.2M views

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early or use ride-share. Paid parking at Observatory; free street parking can be scarce. +1

💧 Hydration is Crucial

Bring plenty of water, especially for hikes. Sunscreen and hats are essential year-round.

Tucked within the heart of Los Angeles, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America — but beyond its trails and panoramic views lies a legacy soaked in tragedy, betrayal, and supernatural. Long before Hollywood rose to fame, this land was part of a Spanish land grant owned by Don Antonio Feliz. Upon his death in 1863, the land was allegedly stolen through deceitful legal maneu...

@doobriderfan420

111.5K likes • 749.3K views

Get ready for another taco adventure, yup you read that right. Come and celebrate Hispanic/Latino Heritage month for our 2nd Annual Tacos X Beer hike, up to Taco Peak in Griffith Park for a scenic tre...

_outadvplus_

97 likes • 0 views

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking and potentially hiking. Sturdy shoes are a must!

🔭 Observatory Hours

Check the Observatory's official website for current hours, as they can vary.

normalize taking yourself to Griffith at 5am #losangeles #freethingstodo #griffithobservatory #griffithobservatoryla

@tanganator

102.5K likes • 740.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early or use ride-share. Paid parking at Observatory; free street parking can be scarce. +1

💧 Hydration is Crucial

Bring plenty of water, especially for hikes. Sunscreen and hats are essential year-round.

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking and potentially hiking. Sturdy shoes are a must!

🔭 Observatory Hours

Check the Observatory's official website for current hours, as they can vary.

📸 Golden Hour Photos

The light during golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) is magical for photos.

🗺️ Trail Maps

Download or grab a park map before you head out; cell service can be spotty on trails.

🚌 Public Transit Options

Consider the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus for easy access to the Observatory.

What Travellers Say

4.7

(69k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Griffith Park for its breathtaking views, iconic landmarks like the Observatory, and extensive hiking trails. Many highlight the magical experience of seeing the city lights at sunset. However, some find parking to be a significant challenge and can be put off by crowds, especially on weekends.

"This Observatory is absolutely fascinating, educational and it's a wonderful experience. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the atmosphere is so relaxing as you take on the views of Los Angeles outside and learn so much inside. It's a great trip for couples, families, hikers, and bikers. More than one visit will be necessary to be amazed."

Diana Chambers

"Great park, I’ve been here only a couple of times so far, once biking, once for a short hike from the observatory towards a Hollywood sign. Great views, but the trail is quite exposed to sun, so we didn’t go far. We’ve seen mini-tornado - cool."

I A

"I love walking this trail, but bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunglasses, and remember to take breaks if starting from the bottom to walk up. It's a great view, but holy guacamole it creeps up on you as there are steep inclines. Wear good walking shoes that have good grip. When you reach the top, enjoy lunch at the cafe' its a well deserved treat."

Aubray McPherson

What People Like

Spectacular city views

Iconic Observatory

Abundant hiking trails

What People Dislike

Difficult parking

Large crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can drive and park (paid parking at the Observatory, free street parking can be challenging) or use public transit. The LADOT DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus is a convenient option from nearby subway stations like Vermont/Sunset. +1

While there is paid parking at the Griffith Observatory, free street parking is available on surrounding roads, but it can be very competitive and requires a walk. +1

Yes, the LADOT DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus connects the Observatory to the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station.

Driving is recommended for efficiency. Alternatively, take a Metrolink or Amtrak train to LA, then connect to public transit, though this will take longer.

Yes, the Griffith Observatory is considered safe in the evening, with many tourists visiting. Be aware of potential traffic and parking costs.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Griffith Park itself is free to enter. However, there are admission fees for specific attractions like the Planetarium shows at the Griffith Observatory.

Griffith Observatory hours vary by season and day of the week. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.

No, parking at the Griffith Observatory is not free. There is a fee for parking in the main lot.

Absolutely! You can take the DASH bus or an Uber/Lyft to the Observatory, which is often recommended to avoid parking hassles.

No, the hiking trails within Griffith Park are free to access.

📸 📸 Photography

The Griffith Observatory offers iconic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. Many hiking trails also provide stunning photographic opportunities.

The Hollywood Sign is best photographed during daylight hours. Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting.

Drone usage is generally restricted in Griffith Park, especially around the Observatory and wildlife areas, to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. Always check current park regulations.

General photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive practices.

Sunset and the hours immediately following offer spectacular views as the city lights begin to twinkle. Daytime provides clear, expansive vistas.

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

You can see the main exhibits and enjoy the views in about 1-2 hours. Add extra time for planetarium shows or exploring the grounds.

Popular trails include the hike to the Hollywood Sign, the Bronson Caves trail, and the paths around the Observatory. The Boy Scout Trail is a good, easy option.

Griffith Park is generally safe, especially around the Observatory during operating hours. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly after dark or on less-trafficked trails. +1

Restrooms are available at the Griffith Observatory and at various trailheads and picnic areas throughout the park.

Griffith Park offers hiking, horseback riding, the LA Zoo, the Greek Theatre, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Travel Town Museum.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, The Trails Cafe is located within Griffith Park on Fern Dell Drive, offering a convenient spot for a bite.

The Trails Cafe is the closest option within the park. Nearby Los Feliz neighborhood offers a variety of cafes and restaurants.

Yes, Griffith Park is a great place for picnics. There are many scenic spots to enjoy your own food.

While there isn't a full-service cafe inside the Observatory, The Trails Cafe is a short walk away and offers refreshments.

The Trails Cafe offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, coffee, and baked goods, perfect for a casual meal before or after exploring the park.