Griffith Park
Park Large Los Angeles park with hiking trails and observatory
Los Angeles’ Griffith Park offers extensive trails, the Griffith Observatory, the LA Zoo and vantage points toward the Hollywood Sign; urban hikers and families use its trails and picnic areas.
Griffith Park is a large municipal park in Los Angeles, California, covering roughly 4,310 acres. It is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and contains several major cultural and recreational attractions.
The park offers extensive hiking and equestrian trails, picnic areas, and scenic drives that provide city and mountain views. Key visitor draws include the hilltop public observatory, a municipal zoo, an outdoor music amphitheatre, and multiple small museums and historic sites.
The parkland was set aside as public park in the early 20th century through private donation and municipal development, evolving into a multi-use urban park over decades. Facilities such as the observatory and amphitheatre were added in the 1930s and later, becoming city landmarks.
Griffith Park sits in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains range within the city of Los Angeles, north of Hollywood and approximately 8 miles (13 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
- Size: The park covers roughly 4,310 acres and is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, with numerous trails and roads.
- Viewpoints: Best viewing points for the Los Angeles skyline and sunset are from the hilltops near the Griffith Observatory and along the trails above the Greek Theatre.
What to See #
- Griffith Observatory: A city observatory and public science center opened in 1935, perched on a hill with expansive views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
- Los Angeles Zoo: A municipal zoo occupying a sizeable section of the park, home to a broad collection of animals and public education programs.
- Greek Theatre: An outdoor amphitheatre that opened in the early 20th century and hosts concerts and events, set in a bowl within the park.
- Travel Town Museum: A small museum focused on railway history and vintage equipment, located near the travel and picnic areas within the park.
- Autry Museum: A cultural museum dedicated to the American West with galleries and exhibitions on regional history and art, located within the park boundaries.
How to Get to Griffith Park #
From downtown Los Angeles take the Metro B Line (Red) to Vermont/Sunset station, then catch the DASH Observatory/Griffith Park shuttle to the Observatory (weekends and some weekdays). Driving: from US-101 exit Los Feliz Blvd east, then follow signs to Griffith Park and Observatory; parking fees apply at some lots.
Tips for Visiting Griffith Park #
- Visit early on weekdays for near-solitary trails and unobstructed views of the Hollywood Sign
- Park at the Griffith Observatory parking structure (parking fee applies) and walk up to Griffith Park trails to avoid the long search for street parking
- Take the DASH Observatory bus (Los Angeles DOT) from the Vermont/Sunset Metro B Line station on weekends to avoid driving the steep roads
Best Time to Visit Griffith Park #
Spring and autumn combine comfortable temperatures with clearer skies; early mornings offer the best light and fewest people.
Weather & Climate near Griffith Park #
Griffith Park's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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