Things to do at Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park

Griffith Observatory sits on the south side of Griffith Park, and it is the closest most visitors get to the Hollywood Sign: several trails in the park frame it in view without ever reaching its base, since there is no public access to the sign itself.

The observatory's exhibit halls and grounds are free to enter, though the planetarium show is a separate, paid ticket. Sunset is the busiest and most photographed time of day, when both the sign and the Los Angeles basin catch the light, but the exact time shifts with the season.

Parking is limited and fills quickly on weekends and around sunset, and there is no realistic way up without a car or rideshare.