Griffith Observatory (Los Angeles)

Photo: APickleForTheKnowingOnes, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons. Close view of the observatory facade with its GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY lettering.

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles: best for ages 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13-17; Free admission to the building, grounds, exhibits and public telescopes; planetarium shows are the only paid element (same-day box office).

Address2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

HoursTue–Fri 12pm–10pm; Sat–Sun 10am–10pm; closed Mondays

PricesFree admission to the building, grounds, exhibits and public telescopes; planetarium shows are the only paid element (same-day box office)

Price notesFree admission per the official site; planetarium ticket prices were not confirmed on the official page fetched, so no show price is stated.

Age notesExhibits and telescopes suit school-age children and teens best; planetarium child pricing by age was reported in secondary guides only — Not confirmed on the official page fetched.

BookingNo reservations for admission; planetarium tickets are sold same-day only at the box office.

Suggested timeAbout 2 hours

AccessibilityNot confirmed — official accessibility/sensory pages not fetched in this pass; no access tags claimed.

ParkingPaid parking near the Observatory during operating hours; free parking near the Greek Theatre with an uphill walk or DASH bus — rates Not confirmed on the official page fetched

Hours in detailWeekdays (Tuesday-Friday) open 12:00 noon-10:00 p.m.; weekends (Saturday-Sunday) open 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; closed Monday (official homepage, which also posts the current day's hours).

Tickets & bookingAdmission to the building is free and no reservation is offered for general entry. Tickets for Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, only at the building and only on the day of the visit - the Observatory states it cannot reserve or guarantee planetarium tickets (official school programs pages).

ParkingThere is a paid public parking lot near the Observatory and free parking downhill (near the Greek Theatre); the official homepage advises that public transportation is the easiest way to visit, that roads and parking get busy, and to plan the visit in advance. A DASH bus stop serves the Observatory (official visitor map). Accessible parking is provided at the Observatory (official visitor map). No per-hour parking price was published on the official pages fetched this pass.

AccessibilityAll four levels of the building and grounds are accessible to all visitors; each level has elevator access and some levels are accessible by ramp (official 2026 visitor map). Restrooms and drinking fountains are located on each level, including restrooms with accommodation for visitors with disabilities. Hearing assist devices are available upon request in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium (checkout requires a photo ID).

Sensory notesThe Observatory publishes an official social narrative, 'Seeing a Planetarium Show,' that walks visitors through buying a ticket and attending a show step by step; it notes that if the ticket booth line is long or feels too loud, tickets can also be bought at the ticket kiosk in the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky (official PDF).

Family facilitiesEvery restroom in the building has a baby-changing station (official visitor map). Food, drink and pets are not permitted in the building (official visitor map).

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Venue details last verified November 5, 2026 against official sources. Hours and prices change — check the official site before you go. FamilyDay AI is a free planning tool for parents; we list only facts we have verified, and we never invent ratings or reviews.

Griffith Observatory — Los Angeles, California

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