Griffith Observatory. . .where to park to get the DASH bus?

[Tasscrapper]

My daughter and I are doing a day in LA and would love to go to Griffith Observatory. However, I am worried about where to park. From my research parking at the observatory itself is very limited and actually under construction right now. The website suggests taking the DASH bus up to the observatory but I have no idea where to park to be able to get on the bus. We have never been in LA before so nothing is familiar there. The only other thing that we have planned is a play in the evening. Once we get into the city we will stay until the play is over.
does anyone have advice?

 

[MooseBucks]

I’m sure others will have better advice but when we visited recently it was crazy when we tried to visit in the evening so we went back the next morning and parking was not a problem so possible time of day affects parking?

 

[Tasscrapper]

I should have mentioned this but we are going on a Sunday in April. The day is non negotiable because of the play which is at Pantages Theatre. I'm wondering about parking near there for the day and trying to use public transport to get to Olvera street and back. Olvera Street is right by Union Station. I don't want to end up spending $40 or $50 just parking in L.A. for a day at different places.

We will probably go to the observatory first thing in the morning anyhow. Maybe we could get parking. The other place my dd wants to go is Olvera Street. I don't know if I am over complicating everything but right now I just want to survive the day.

 

[StageTek]

There is street parking in the vicinity of the Vermont/Sunset Red Line station and all along Hillhurst.

There are several pay lots near the Pantages. You can then take the Red Line to Union Station for Olvera Street and then to Vermont/Sunset station to catch the DASH.

First thing Sunday there will likely be parking at the observatory so another option is to do that, then park near Pantages for a subway trip to Union Station and back.

 

[starry_solo]

I think you can park at the Hollywood & Highland parking lot (flat fee after a certain # of hours) and then catch the DASH (I think it's a few blocks away)

 

[Tasscrapper]

Well, I had decided try going to Griffiths first and then to park by Pantages Theatre and then use the red line to get back and forth to Olvera street. I realized today that the show we wanted to see at the observatory is only on at the evening which won't work for us so I think we will just skip the whole place. Now to find something else to do instead. Ugg. This day is being troublesome. This is our first time trying to plan a whole non Disney day and now I'm wishing I had just gotten an extra day at the parks for the morning.

 

[princesspiglet]

We've been once before and plan to do it again on our upcoming April trip. We are doing the WB studios tour at 230, then heading over to Griffith after. We are parking near the DASH stop at Vermont & Los Feliz Blvd (northbound). There is parking all along the street and we didn't have a problem finding a spot the last time.

 

[oakleycat]

I agree with with StageTek as to plan. If you want the cheapest on Hollywood Blvd park at Hollywood & Highland and use that as your base. The lots down the street closer to the Pantages will be a little more. Red line to Olvera Street. The station is under the W hotel right across the street from the Pantages. Tons of restaurants within walking distance (Delphine across from the Pantages is really good if you don't want to go far) and plenty of tourist attractions if you want to stay on the Boulevard (Walk of Fame, Chinese Theater, El Capitan, Dolby tour, bus tours, Madame Toussards, etc). If you're looking for something else to do there all all kinds of museums (Science Center, Natural History, LACMA, Tar Pits/Page, etc.) depending on your interests, all of which are accessible by Metro.

 

[deedubb]

We went on a very busy day a few years ago (Public Star Party day) and parked on the road leading into the observatory (W Observatory Rd). It's a bit of a hike up to the observatory though.