Griffith Observatory

Situated high above LA, the Griffith Observatory is not too far from the iconic Hollywood sign and offers visitors amazing views of the universe and the stars. Look beyond the smoke and haze of the city that burns at its feet for views of Jupiter’s satellites, moon craters and more.

The observatory is a shrine of scientific achievement and astrological exploration. Its three copper-clad domes are reminiscent of a holy temple or a sci-fi movie. The building itself has featured in movies such as The Terminator, and the 1955 James Dean film Rebel Without a Cause.

Despite its famous Hollywood appearances, the Griffith Observatory plays a key role in the exploration of our solar system and outer space. The Apollo astronauts learned about celestial navigation here and it has since been the centre for education on everything relating to the universe.

With more than 60 displays dedicated to space, the observatory also has a 300-seat planetarium that sits beneath the central dome and a huge multimedia theatre for education programmes. With plenty to see and do, this phenomenal attraction is quite literally out of this world.

Time your visit carefully to maximize your intergalactic experience. Join the free monthly star party where visitors get to gaze at the moon and surrounding planets with outstanding clarity. With many different tools available for public use, such as the Zeiss refracting telescope and the solar telescopes, not a star will go unnoticed in this laboratory of scientific wonder.

After some serious star gazing, take some time to stroll through the grounds. Because of its ideal location perched on the hills overlooking LA, the Observatory offers a great vantage point for some of LA’s most famous landmarks. At night, visitors can look down over the glittering lights of the city below.

Situated 13 kilometres north of downtown, the observatory is open 5 days a week from Wednesday to Sunday, but is closed on most holidays. Admission to the Griffith Observatory and outer grounds is free.