A Quiet Morning Above the City: Visiting Griffith Observatory at Dawn
Softly lit arches of Griffith Observatory frame the twinkling lights of downtown Los Angeles under a clear night sky.
If you're lucky enough to experience Los Angeles before the city wakes up, there is no better place to start your day than Griffith Observatory. Perched on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the observatory offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the LA metro area, especially at dawn.
The illuminated Griffith Observatory stands behind the Astronomers Monument, captured under a dark night sky with glowing path lights.
I arrived early, just before the first light touched the horizon. The park was nearly silent. From above the trails, I could hear the soft footsteps of early morning hikers and the occasional bark of a dog below. The stillness was a stark contrast to the bustle I have felt during other visits to LA. Timing truly changes everything.
Once I had my equipment set up, I almost forgot to take photos. Every few minutes the sky shifted colors. The deep dark blues began giving way to purples, then lighter blues. The city lights glowed along the horizon, still visible as the silhouettes of the surrounding hills began to emerge. As the sun approached, the blue faded into pinks and oranges. It felt like the entire city was waking up in sync with the sunrise. Cars began appearing more frequently, their headlights and taillights tracing movement through the gridded streets below.
A striking nighttime view of the Los Angeles street grid, seen from high above the city.
A view from the edge of Griffith Observatory, with architectural detail in the foreground and LA’s night skyline shining beyond.
A focused view of downtown Los Angeles high-rises glowing in early morning light with a soft purple and pink sky in the background.
Moments like this are the reason I seek out early morning visits. The quiet, the change in light, and the way the city slowly stirs make it all worth it.
What is Griffith Park and How to Get There
A deep blue dawn sky begins to brighten, revealing the city lights and mountains from Griffith Park.
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. It covers more than 4,200 acres in the eastern part of the Santa Monica Mountains and is easy to access from most parts of Los Angeles.
Address
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
You can drive and park near the observatory (paid parking is available) or hike up from trailheads like Fern Dell or near the Greek Theatre. There is also a shuttle from the Vermont and Sunset Metro station called the DASH Observatory route.
The dome of Griffith Observatory glows against the night sky, with the sprawling lights of Los Angeles visible far below.
Downtown Los Angeles skyline is bathed in soft pink and orange hues as the city wakes up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive for sunrise?
Try to get there at least 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled sunrise to watch the full color transition in the sky.
Is it crowded in the morning?
Weekday mornings are usually quiet. You may only see a few photographers, hikers, or dog walkers.
Is the observatory open at sunrise?
The building opens around noon, but the grounds are open from sunrise to 10 PM every day. You can still enjoy the views anytime during those hours.
A wide view of Los Angeles at night with the skyline glowing under a deep blue sky from Griffith Park.
A rich blend of orange and purple sky hovers over the Los Angeles skyline and distant hills.
What else can I do in Griffith Park?
Hike to Mount Hollywood or the Charlie Turner Trail
Visit the LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Ride horses at Sunset Ranch
Explore Travel Town Museum
Catch a show at the Greek Theatre
See the historic Merry-Go-Round
View from the Griffith Observatory’s platform just before sunrise, showing a mounted telescope in the foreground and the glowing Los Angeles city lights stretching across the horizon.
Final Thoughts
Griffith Observatory gives you a rare view where city and nature meet. If you are looking for a peaceful moment or just a new perspective on Los Angeles, visit at dawn. It is an unforgettable way to see the city slowly come to life.
