Griffith Park is one of LA's most popular parks for both residents and tourists alike. While the park is best known as the location of the famous Griffith Observatory, the park is also home to dozens of other activities and attractions to keep visitors entertained during their visit.
If you've never been to Griffith Park before, now is the perfect time to plan that first visit. I put together this guide to the best things to do in Griffith Park so you know what to expect when you arrive.
First time visitors should plan to spend about half a day to enjoy as much of the park as possible before heading off to explore more of Los Angeles.
I hope you enjoy your first visit to Griffith Park and that you're inspired to return again.
Hiking
Visitors will find all kinds of hikes in Griffith Park of varying lengths and difficulty, though none are too strenuous.
Popular hikes inside the park include the Ferndell Trail, Bronson Cave trail, Mount Hollywood, and the Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood sign trail.
Hikers should plan to arrive early to beat the heat and to find easy parking.
Giffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is the most popular attraction in Griffith Park and features a variety of exhibits exploring the night sky and beyond.
The observatory is also home to a large planetarium with educational and awe inspiring shows running thoughout the day. Current live shows include Centered in the Universe and Water is Life.
In addition to the planetarium and exhibits, the observatory also has telescopes on site for public use. Special events are also held on occasion for the public to learn about and experience unique planetary alignments, eclipses, and more.
The Griffith Observatory is open Friday through Sunday. Admission is free.
Autry Musuem
The Autry Museum of the American West opened in 1988 and features exhibits showcasing the heritage of the west and its influence on the United States and the rest of the world.
Current exhibits at the Autry Museum include What's Her Story: Women in the Archives, Investigating Griffith Park, Art of the West, California Road Trip, Four Centuries of Pueblo Pottery, and more.
The Autry Museum is open Tuesday though Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Greek Theatre
The Greek Theatre is a beautiful outdoor ampitheatre in Griffith Park that hosts a variety of live music events throughout the year.
This historic theatre first opened in 1929 and has since hosted some of the most famous musical acts and artists of all time. Current events on the calendar include Brothers Osborne, the Gipsy Kings, Machine Gun Kelly, and King Crimson.
Purchase tickets in advance at the Greek Theatre website.
Travel Town Museum
The Travel Town Museum is located in the northwest corner of Griffith Park and is focused on preserving and celebrating LA's railroad history.
The museum's exhibits share the railroad history of the western United States from about 1880 to the 1930s. Visitors to the museum can view over 40 full scale train engines and rail cars.
There's even a miniature train that runs through the museum grounds that was previously owned by country music legend Gene Autry.
The Travel Town Museum is open Thursday through Tuesday, admission is free.
I hope you've enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in LA's Griffith Park and that I've inspired you to plan a visit of your own. If you liked this article please consider giving me a follow for more local travel guides such as this one. As always, thanks for reading.
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