Parking Near Griffith Observatory: Getting There and Visiting

Griffith Observatory brings together astronomy, public exhibits, and a historic setting in Griffith Park. The grounds and exterior overlook Los Angeles, while the building serves as an observatory, planetarium, and museum. The observatory’s address is 2800 East Observatory Road.

To make the outing more active, combine a visit with a walk on a designated park trail. Griffith Park recommends hiking routes beginning near the Greek Theatre or Fern Dell for people walking to the observatory. Stay on marked trails, and keep in mind that bicycles are not allowed on trails.

The observatory building closes every Monday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas; Griffith Park itself has separate operating hours. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., so check the distinction when planning a visit.

Parking and shuttle details can change, and fees may rise during peak season and holidays. Check the official site before you go, using Griffith Park’s information for park operations and LADOT’s information for DASH fares and service.

The DASH regular adult fare is 50¢ in cash or 35¢ with TAP stored value; a 7-day pass costs $5.00 and a 31-day pass costs $18.00. Children aged 4 or younger ride free, up to two children per fare-paying adult.

Paid parking applies in the area around the observatory, and parking enforcement operates Monday–Friday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Griffith Park identifies limited parking at higher elevations and heavy traffic as particular concerns on weekends, holidays, and during summer.

If there is no event at the Greek Theatre, you may be able to park free in its lot and take DASH uphill for 50¢. Parking fees increase during peak season and holidays, so weigh the shuttle option against driving all the way up. The park enforces a 25 mph speed limit strictly.

For drivers approaching from I-5, approaches include Los Feliz Boulevard, Griffith Park, and Zoo Drive; from SR 134, approaches include Forest Lawn Drive, Victory Boulevard, and Zoo Drive. The appropriate approach depends on your direction. Follow posted signs as you enter the park.

The DASH Observatory/Los Feliz route connects the Metro station at Vermont/Sunset with Los Feliz Village, the Greek Theatre, the Mount Hollywood hiking trail, and Griffith Observatory. The route operates every day of the year, including holidays, and buses run every 15–20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The last shuttle departs the observatory at 10 p.m.

DASH runs on Mondays even though the observatory building is closed, making the shuttle useful for reaching other stops in the park. Service may increase during high-demand periods or major holidays. For next-arrival information, use LADOT’s service, call 213-785-3858, or text “ladot” followed by your stop number to 213-785-3858.

For the wider city journey, the guide to getting around Los Angeles from the Rose Bowl Motel area covers local transportation options.

If you are driving to the park and want to use the shuttle for the uphill leg, the Greek Theatre lot may be an option when there is no event. Confirm parking and service details before setting out.

Designated hiking trails near the Greek Theatre and Fern Dell provide walking routes toward the observatory. Griffith Park asks visitors to stay on designated trails; bicycles must use paved park roads instead of trails or fire roads. The observatory has bike racks.

Cyclists should note the park’s one-way road arrangement: East Observatory Road is downhill only for bicycles, while cyclists going uphill must use West Observatory Road. Other park rules prohibit open fires, alcohol, smoking, and feeding wildlife. Dogs must remain on leash.

The Rose Bowl Motel, a two-star motel in Los Angeles, is in the city for visitors planning this outing.