Perched in the Santa Monica Mountains above Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory is one of the most visited landmarks in California and one of the best free attractions in the city. With unobstructed panoramic views of Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood Sign, it's a stop that never fails to impress — regardless of how many iconic buildings and beaches guests have already seen that day.
📍 Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027. A stop on every LA City Tour — hotel pickup from 250+ hotels across LA and Anaheim.
The Views — Why Everyone Comes
The main draw of Griffith Observatory is simple: the view. Standing on the observatory terrace, you can see:
- The entire Los Angeles basin stretching to the horizon
- The Hollywood Sign — directly to the west, at eye level from the upper terrace
- Downtown LA skyline to the southeast
- The Pacific Ocean on clear days (most days in fall and winter)
- The San Gabriel Mountains to the north and east
- The full sweep of the San Fernando Valley
The view from Griffith Observatory is widely considered the best panoramic view of Los Angeles available to the public. There's a reason almost every LA movie and TV show uses this backdrop.
The Hollywood Sign — Best Views from Griffith
Griffith Observatory is the best publicly accessible viewpoint for the Hollywood Sign in the entire city. From the upper terrace, the sign sits at roughly the same elevation and the same compass bearing — creating the iconic shot of the observatory with the sign visible behind and to the left.
The James Dean Memorial Bust on the observation deck is one of the most popular photo spots — James Dean filmed much of Rebel Without a Cause here in 1955, and the memorial has become a pilgrimage site for film fans. The best Hollywood Sign photos from Griffith are taken from the area around this memorial.
Inside the Observatory
The Griffith Observatory building is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture, built in 1935. Inside:
- Samuel Oschin Planetarium — a 290-seat domed theater showing astronomical presentations throughout the day (ticketed)
- Zeiss telescope — a historic refracting telescope used for public viewings on clear evenings
- Tesla coil — the original Tesla coil from the 1935 opening, demonstrated periodically
- The Big Picture — a 152-foot rotating globe showing the known universe
- Café at the End of the Universe — a café inside the observatory with great views
- Gift shop — science-themed merchandise, books, and gifts
Admission to the building and grounds is free. Planetarium shows require tickets.
Griffith Park
The observatory sits within Griffith Park — at 4,310 acres, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The park offers:
- Hiking trails — dozens of trails from easy walks to challenging summit hikes, including the trail to the Hollywood Sign
- Los Angeles Zoo — a full zoo within the park boundaries
- Travel Town Museum — a free outdoor museum of antique locomotives and railcars
- Greek Theatre — a beloved outdoor amphitheater hosting major concerts
- Pony rides and a carousel — kid-friendly attractions within the park
Best Photo Spots at Griffith Observatory
Upper Terrace — Hollywood Sign View
The classic: observatory dome in foreground, Hollywood Sign in the hills behind. Best in morning light.
James Dean Memorial
The bust itself, or using it as a foreground element with the city behind — a film history shot.
The Building Facade
The Art Deco white facade is beautiful from the approach pathway — especially with the hills behind.
City Panorama
Standing at the railing looking south over the full LA basin — downtown skyline on one side, ocean on the other.
💡 Pro tip: Visit in the morning for the best Hollywood Sign visibility (afternoon haze can reduce clarity) and arrive before 11 AM to avoid the largest crowds. Our tour times the Griffith visit for optimal conditions.
Visit Griffith Observatory on Our LA Tour
Griffith Observatory is a highlight of every LA City Tour — our guide takes you to the best viewpoints and shares the full history of this remarkable place.
Book LA City Tour Tour DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
Is Griffith Observatory free?
Yes — the building, grounds, and terrace are all free to access. Planetarium shows require tickets ($7–10 adults).
Can you see the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory?
Yes — this is one of the best public viewpoints for the Hollywood Sign in the city. The sign is clearly visible to the west from the observatory terrace on most days.
How long do you spend at Griffith Observatory on the tour?
Approximately 35–45 minutes — enough to access the terrace, take photos, and absorb the views. Your guide will point out the best viewpoints and share the history of the site.