AmbleBee Missions

Every mission › Amble California

Mission7

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory in LA. Watch the sunset over the city, then look through a real telescope.

Get to the observatory in the late afternoon and explore the free exhibits. Find a spot on the terrace for sunset over the city with the Hollywood sign in view, then stay as the lights come on. The photo to get: you at the railing with the glowing city behind you. On clear evenings, each take a turn at the public telescope and describe what you saw.

  • Date or adventure
  • 1-3 hours
  • Easy
  • Free
  • Indoors or out
  • Best in the evening

Good with just you, friends, family, and kids

Check before you go: opening hours, and weather and trail conditions

Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park, Los Angeles2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Google MapsApple MapsWebsite
Kids' version

Space explorer! Find each thing.

  1. The big domes
  2. The Hollywood sign
  3. Something from space
  4. The city lights
  5. A selfie at the top!

Checked November 2026

Closed, moved or something off? Report a problem

Share this mission Save as image Open a different mission

About this place

The observatory opened in 1934 on land given to the city by Griffith J. Griffith, who wanted everyone to be able to look through a telescope for free. Its Zeiss telescope has been looked through by more people than any other in the world.

Movie fans know it from Rebel Without a Cause (look for the James Dean bust on the lawn) and La La Land. Parking at the top fills fast, so take the DASH bus or park lower and walk up. Check the website for hours, since it's closed one day a week.

Also in: Free Date Ideas · Kid-Friendly Adventures

New to AmbleBee?

AmbleBee hands you date and adventure ideas, one mission at a time: a real place or a fun plan, a little challenge, and a few photos to take along the way. There are 239 live missions so far, and each one is checked before it goes live.

Open a missionMore in Amble California

More missions nearby

Amble California · Mission 18

Photograph the Hollywood Sign

Hollywood Sign photo from Lake Hollywood Park in LA. Compete for the best shot with the letters.

Date or adventure1-3 hoursFreeAmble California · Mission 58

Concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Hollywood Bowl in LA. Picnic under the stars before a summer concert in the hills.

Date or adventure1-3 hoursOver $60Amble California · Mission 1

Echo Park Swan Boats

Swan boats on Echo Park Lake in LA. Pedal past the fountain and the lotus beds, skyline behind.

Date or adventure1-3 hours$20-60