Griffith Observatory: Our Favorite LA Spot with the Best Views (And Why We Keep Coming Back)

I first wrote about Griffith Observatory on this blog way back in 2015. It was our first visit, and we were wowed. Fast forward to now — after moving to LA and visiting countless times — and it’s still one of those places we go back to. Especially when we have guests. It’s basically a family ritual at this point.

And yes — Manny Pacquiao is in town again. He’s training, and whenever he’s in LA, he’s known to jog around Griffith. We always joke that maybe this time we’ll finally bump into him mid-run.

Why Griffith Observatory Is Always On Our LA Bucket List

• It’s movie-famous: You can’t talk about Griffith without talking about La La Land. The dreamy planetarium scene was shot here. And if you’re a classic movie fan, you’ll recognize it from Rebel Without a Cause with James Dean. There’s even a bust of him outside.
• TV + Concert Spot: It’s popped up in Transformers, Yes Man, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, and even music videos like Beyoncé’s On the Run Tour: Paris interlude.
• The Views Are Unreal: Day or night, it delivers. You’ll get sweeping city views, the Hollywood sign, and even Catalina Island on a clear day.
• Educational + Fun: It’s not just pretty — inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits, real-time space data, and the giant Foucault pendulum doing its slow mesmerizing thing.
• Planetarium Vibes: The Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows are worth every dollar. If your kids are into space, they’ll love it. If you are, even better.

Our Routine + Tips for Visiting

• Parking is tricky: If you can’t score a spot up top, try the Greek Theatre lot and take the shuttle. Or be ready for a hike.
• Arrive early or late: Golden hour is magic up there — the lighting is just chef’s kiss for photos.
• Don’t skip the inside: Everyone takes pics outside, but the real gem is the observatory itself. It’s like walking into a sci-fi movie.
• Wear comfy shoes: Even if you’re not hiking, you’ll be walking — a lot.
• Bring water/snacks for kids: Or grab something at the café inside. It’s actually not bad!

Some Fun Trivia

• Griffith Observatory opened in 1935 and has been free to the public ever since.
• Colonel Griffith J. Griffith (yep, real name) donated the land and funds to create “a people’s observatory.”
• It’s been used in more than 300 films, shows, and videos, making it one of the most filmed locations in LA.
• The dome and surrounding grounds are favorites for photo shoots, brand videos, and even elopements.
• It also hosts public telescope nights — check their site for dates.

Final Thoughts

Griffith Observatory isn’t just a cool place to check off a list — it’s part of our story. It’s our reset button. Our free date spot. Our LA must-see every time we need to feel something bigger than us.

No matter how many times we go, we always find something new to admire — whether it’s a fresh view, a new exhibit, or just a quiet moment above the city noise.