Griffith Observatory: Self-Guided Audio Tours
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAudio tours on your smartphone
After purchase, you will receive the link to download the app to take this tour.
Control your experience
With the in-app audio guide, you decide when to start, pause, and finish your tour.
No internet is required
All audio tours and tickets can be downloaded to your device anytime.
Top sights near Griffith Observatory
About Griffith Observatory
Address
East Observatory Road, 2800Open in Google MapsOpening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Best time to visit
Crowd level
Directions
Griffith Observatory, a landmark above Los Angeles near Glendale, opened in 1935 as an Art Deco public observatory devoted to making astronomy accessible to everyone. Its prominent hilltop setting in Griffith Park helped it become one of Southern California’s best-known civic landmarks and a favorite viewpoint over the city and the Hollywood Sign. The building is culturally significant for combining science education, architecture, and public recreation in one place. Today, visitors come for the historic design as much as for its modern attractions, including a high-tech planetarium, public telescopes, and hands-on exhibits. Its long-standing mission of free public access has made Griffith Observatory both an educational institution and a classic Los Angeles icon.
Before you enter
- Check the current opening hours; Griffith Observatory is closed on Mondays.
- Arrive before sunset for daylight views and nighttime city lights.
- Wear comfortable shoes for uphill walking around the terraces.
- Bring a light layer; evenings on the hill can feel cooler.
What to expect
- Expect panoramic Los Angeles views and clear Hollywood Sign photo opportunities.
- Inside, you’ll find astronomy exhibits that are easy to explore at your own pace.
- The planetarium is a major highlight and often draws the biggest lines.
- Public telescopes and viewing areas are popular after dark.
During your visit
- Start outside for photos first; visibility can change quickly near sunset.
- Give yourself extra time for parking, walking, and security lines.
- Explore the terraces on multiple sides for different city and hillside views.
- Visit indoor exhibits before dark, then head out for evening skyline views.
FAQ about Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is located in Glendale, surrounded by many other great sights.
These tours cover Griffith Observatory and other nearby highlights:
Explore Griffith Observatory at your own pace with these audio guides and self-guided tours:
The most popular tours for Griffith Observatory are: