AttractionLos Angeles, CAGriffith Observatory building and grounds
Griffith Observatory Entry Rules: Bags, Water, Food and Gear
Checked Source: Griffith Observatory guidelines page (griffithobservatory.lacity.gov, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
Griffith Observatory bans food and drinks inside the building, and alcohol is banned on the grounds and across Griffith Park. Photography is allowed for personal use, with a tripod only on the exterior and none inside the theaters or the Zeiss telescope dome. Drones, kites, balloons, skateboards and scooters are banned, and animals are limited to service animals.
Every rule at Griffith Observatory
An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.
Bag policy in detail
The pages do not mention bag size, backpacks and purses.
- Water bottle: Not allowed inside the building
- Outside food: Not allowed inside the building
Food and drink
No food and drinks are allowed inside the building, including the roof. Cafe seating is for paying cafe customers. No food and drinks and no alcohol are allowed inside the building, including the roof. The pages do not mention coolers.
Cameras and electronics
Photography for personal use is allowed inside and outside, and that includes a professional photographer working for a couple. It must not interfere with other visitors, and it is never allowed inside the theaters or the Zeiss telescope dome. The only equipment allowed for personal photography is a camera and discreet use of a tripod on the exterior only. Extra lighting and reflector boards are not allowed. Flying any kind of drone or remote-control aircraft is prohibited in all city parks, including the Observatory grounds. The pages do not mention camera lenses, laptops, tablets and power banks.
Strollers and family items
The pages do not mention strollers and a medical bag process.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
The pages do not mention umbrellas, blankets and seat cushions.
Signs, flags and fan items
The pages do not mention signs, flags and binoculars.
Medical needs and accessibility
The pages describe no separate medical bag process, so ask the venue before the event if you need to bring medical items.
Security screening and arrival
The page does not describe a security screening or a bag rule. Staff can ask any visitor to stop behavior that could damage the building or threaten others.
Bag storage and lockers
The guidelines page describes no bag storage, and it does not state a bag size rule.
General visits and the planetarium
The page covers general visits. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium has its own guidelines for tickets, entry and conduct, and staged or commercial photography needs a city permit.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Water bottles
- Outside food
- Drones
- Food and drinks inside the building
- Alcohol on the grounds and in Griffith Park
- Balloons
- Skateboards, scooters and wheeled shoes
- Kites
- Animals other than service animals
Questions about Griffith Observatory
Not into the building. No food and drinks are allowed inside, including the roof, and cafe seating is for paying cafe customers.
Yes, for personal photography inside and outside. Photography is never allowed inside the theaters or the Zeiss telescope dome.
Only discreet use of a tripod on the exterior. No other unattached equipment such as extra lighting or reflector boards is permitted.
No. Flying any kind of drone or remote-control aircraft is prohibited in all city parks, and kites are banned on the Observatory grounds.
No. Alcohol is prohibited on the Observatory grounds and in all other areas of Griffith Park, as well as inside the building.
Sources
- Guidelines - Griffith Observatory (opens in a new tab)
griffithobservatory.lacity.gov, read
Checked on October 5, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 19, 2026.
Change log
First check: 21 rules read against the Griffith Observatory guidelines page.
See something wrong? Report a wrong rule or read how we verify.
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