Getting to the Griffith Park Observatory

Located in Griffiths Park (go figure), the Griffith Park Observatory is an iconic attraction that looks over downtown Los Angeles and other surrounding areas. Known as Southern California's 'gateway to the stars', this landmark offers the public the chance to explore the universe and visit 60 space-related exhibitions all under the one roof. Guaranteed to have you feeling like a true celestial explorer in no time, this sight is well worth navigating the tricky parking situation.

Griffith Observatory Parking

The Griffith Park Observatory does have designated paid parking areas where you're able to park with no time limit but spots are limited and you're not guaranteed to find parking. If you do, simply find a pay station within the lot, follow the instructions and make sure you display your parking receipt on the dashboard of your car. Any failure to do so will result in a parking citation.

If you don't find a spot in the designated areas, there is free parking available near the Greek Theatre but you will have to walk at least 1 mile to get to the observatory, and you can't park there after 1pm on days where there is a concert happening.

If you don't fancy trying to find a park, you can always take a taxi or a shared ride service that will drop you off in front of the lawn, just past the Observatory horseshoe driveway.

Getting public transport to Griffith Park Observatory

The easiest and most efficient way to get to the observatory is to catch public transportation in the form of a bus service. The Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line will take you straight to the observatory and operates daily from 10am to 10pm every 25 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore.

The cost of a single-ride bus fare to the observatory is 50 cents but will only cost 35 cents if you have a Metro TAP card, however you need to have the right amount of money as bus drivers are unable to provide change.