Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood sign

Perched in the hills above the city, Griffith Observatory is one of LA's great free attractions: superb science exhibits, a planetarium (small charge), and sweeping views over the entire LA basin, with the Hollywood sign clearly visible across the valley. Several free hiking trails wind up from here towards the best Hollywood sign viewpoints. Sunset is the magic hour, as the city lights come on below. It's the perfect introduction to the city's geography and costs nothing to visit. We'll point you to the best trails for the sign, parking tips, and the ideal time to arrive for sunset.