Griffith Park

Griffith Park is an ideal escape from LA’s bustling city center. Visitors can rent bicycles and tour the park on two wheels, join a guided hike or horseback ride up to the Hollywood sign, or explore a multitude of museums, golf courses, tennis courts, and hiking trails. Budding astronomers can visit the landmark Griffith Observatory, which boasts rooftop telescopes plus the world’s most advanced star projector, while kids love the Los Angeles Zoo and its 250 animal species. Don’t miss the Travel Town Museum, which features dozens of vintage railcars and locomotives; the Museum of the American West, where kids can pan for gold and explore a stagecoach; and the Griffith Park merry-go-round with its carved and colorfully painted horses. If you’re short on time, visit the park on a Los Angeles day tour to also see city highlights such as Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

• Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water.

• Pack a lunch to enjoy the park’s many scenic picnic areas.

• Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times.

• A trip to the observatory is ideal for visitors with limited mobility thanks to its plentiful parking, expansive views, and relatively flat ground.

Griffith Park is located at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, in LA’s Los Feliz neighborhood. Access to the park is easiest by car, and parking is free. For information and maps, stop by the Griffith Park Ranger Station at Crystal Springs Drive. On weekends, holidays, and during summer, the park’s higher elevations can be congested with heavy traffic, so it’s best to use the DASH Observatory Shuttle to access Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign.

Griffith Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Opening hours for attractions within the park vary. Summer is LA’s busiest season, but spring and autumn visitors can benefit from decreased smog levels and fewer crowds. January and February can be rainy, so pack an umbrella if visiting in winter.

Being in La La Land, it’s no surprise that Griffith Park stars in more than a few films and TV shows. James Dean and his classmates take a trip to the Griffith Observatory inRebel Without a Cause, and the park’s Bronson Caves were featured in the 1960s TV showsBatman andStar Trek. Ron Burgundy ofAnchorman fame fights bears in the Los Angeles Zoo, Conrad Birdie serenades Ann-Margret at the Greek Theater in the classic musicalBye Bye Birdie, and the tunnel to Toontown inWho Framed Roger Rabbit? leads to the Griffith Observatory.

Yes, Griffith Park is a must-visit destination in LA, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and stunning views of Los Angeles. Explore scenic trails, visit the iconic Griffith Observatory, and enjoy the Hollywood Sign vista. It's a fantastic experience for travelers of every age and interest looking for nature and adventure.

Begin your day at Griffith Park with a visit to the Griffith Observatory, gazing at the stars and enjoying panoramic views of the Hollywood sign. Later, take a leisurely hike along the scenic trails and visit other attractions that interest you, like the LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Autry Museum, and Greek Theater.

Yes, it is free to enter Griffith Park. The park offers many free attractions, including the Griffith Observatory, LA Live Steamers Railroad Museum, and Travel Town Museum. Visitors can explore the park’s vast grounds, enjoy picnics, hike the trails, and admire the Hollywood Sign without an admission fee. Note that some attractions within the park do charge fees.

The amount of time you need at Griffith Park depends on your interests. To cover the highlights, plan for at least half a day. A visit to the Griffith Observatory and a stroll through the park can take about 3–4 hours, while more extensive exploration may require an entire day.

Navigating Griffith Park is a breeze. Both free and paid parking is available around the park. Alternatively, hike or bike on numerous scenic trails. For an eco-friendly, stress-free option, take the DASH Observatory Bus, which stops at Los Feliz Village, the Greek Theater, the Mount Hollywood hiking trail, and the Observatory.

You can enjoy Griffith Park year-round. Each season offers a distinct experience. Spring brings blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures. Summer offers long, sunny days, ideal for hiking. Fall boasts cooler weather and beautiful foliage. Winter means fewer crowds and clear views. On rainy days, head straight to Griffith Observatory for indoor exploration.