Griffith Park

The park bears the name of Griffith J. Griffith, a Welsh-born mining speculator who bought this land as part of an old Spanish and Mexican-era rancho and, in 1896, donated a large tract to the city as a public park, saying it should be a place of recreation for the people.

He later funded the observatory and the Greek Theatre, which opened after his death. His life was far from tidy, but the park and its landmarks have become some of the most beloved public spaces in Los Angeles.

Perched on the south slope of Mount Hollywood, the observatory opened in 1935 with the mission of bringing astronomy to ordinary people. Its planetarium, its telescopes open to the public on clear nights, and its exhibits on the sky and the solar system are all free to enjoy.

The building itself, with its copper domes and sweeping terraces, is one of the most recognizable structures in the city and a fixture of movies. The view from its front lawn, over the basin with the Hollywood Sign to one side, is among the best in Los Angeles.

Beyond the observatory, a web of trails and fire roads climbs the ridges, linking viewpoints, the old zoo grounds, and quiet canyons. Some lead to overlooks of the Hollywood Sign; others wander into oak and sage country where you can lose the sound of traffic entirely.

The park is genuinely wild in places, home to coyotes, deer, and even, for years, a famous mountain lion who crossed freeways to reach it. Hikers share the ridges with rattlesnakes and hawks, and the dry, aromatic chaparral is classic Southern California.

Griffith Park packs in an unusual number of attractions. The Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, a vintage merry-go-round, pony rides, a train museum, and the old-fashioned Travel Town rail yard are all within its bounds.

The Greek Theatre hosts outdoor concerts under the stars in the warm months, and picnic areas and ballfields fill the flatter ground near the entrances. It is the kind of park you can return to many times and still not see all of.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Griffith Park, in the hills of Los Angeles, is one of the largest urban parks in North America, a vast expanse of rugged terrain, trails, and attractions rising above the city. Home to the iconic Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Greek Theatre, a historic merry-go-round, gardens, and miles of hiking and horseback trails, it offers an incredible variety of recreation and culture. With sweeping views, including famous vantage points of the Hollywood Sign, and abundant open space, Griffith Park is a beloved natural and cultural playground at the heart of Los Angeles.

You can hike or horseback ride the many trails, including routes with famous views of the Hollywood Sign, visit the Griffith Observatory, explore the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, catch a concert at the Greek Theatre, ride the vintage merry-go-round, visit the Autry Museum and the travel and railroad museums, picnic, and take in sweeping city views. The park's huge size and variety mean endless options for recreation and culture. With its trails, attractions, and open space, Griffith Park offers something for nearly everyone in the heart of LA.

Yes, Griffith Park offers some of the best views of the famous Hollywood Sign, and several trails lead to excellent vantage points, ranging from easy overlooks near the Griffith Observatory to longer hikes that bring you closer to the sign, though you cannot hike right up to the letters themselves, which are fenced and protected. The observatory and various park viewpoints are popular spots for photos with the sign. Choosing a trail that matches your fitness and desired view lets you enjoy this iconic LA landmark from the park.

The cooler months and the milder hours of morning and late afternoon are best for hiking, especially since summer days can be hot on the exposed trails, so carry water and sun protection. The park is enjoyable year-round thanks to LA's mild climate, and clear days offer the best views. Weekends are busier, particularly at popular spots and parking areas, so weekdays or early arrivals help. For comfortable hiking and the best views, aim for cooler hours and clear days, with spring and fall especially pleasant.

Griffith Park is in the hills of Los Angeles, home to the Griffith Observatory and the LA Zoo, near the neighborhoods of Los Feliz and Burbank with its studios, and a short drive from Hollywood and its Walk of Fame and the wider attractions of Los Angeles. That makes Griffith Park a central natural and cultural hub to combine with the observatory, the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood's landmarks, and the many other sights of Los Angeles on a Southern California visit.