Most people planning a trip to Griffith Observatory will probably avoid Monday.
After all, the famous Los Angeles landmark is closed to the public that day, meaning you cannot wander inside, explore the space exhibits or catch a show in the planetarium.
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But there is a little local tip worth knowing: if you are visiting purely for the incredible views across Los Angeles, Monday can still be a great time to go.
The building closes, but the surrounding grounds and terraces are generally accessible, leaving you free to enjoy the scenery without needing to go inside.
You can still enjoy those incredible LA views
Let's be honest, one of the biggest reasons people visit Griffith Observatory is the view.
Perched high above Los Angeles, the Observatory offers sweeping panoramas across the city, with the Hollywood Sign and the surrounding hills adding to the scenery.
On a clear day, you can look out across the Los Angeles Basin and take in just how enormous the city really is.
You do not need to visit the planetarium or spend time exploring the exhibits to appreciate that.
If all you want is to take photographs, admire the skyline and enjoy one of the most famous viewpoints in Los Angeles, visiting on a Monday can make perfect sense.
The Observatory building is closed, but the grounds aren't
This is the important distinction that many visitors miss.
Griffith Observatory closes its building on Mondays, but the surrounding grounds, roads and parking areas are generally open during Griffith Park's operating hours.
That means you can still make your way up the hill, walk around the exterior and take in the views from the surrounding area.
You simply cannot go inside the building or enjoy its usual indoor attractions.
The official Griffith Observatory website confirms that the grounds are generally open daily, even when the building is closed.
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Could Monday mean easier parking?
Potentially, yes.
Griffith Observatory can become extremely busy, particularly around sunset, on weekends and during holiday periods.
When the building is open, visitors are arriving for the exhibits, planetarium shows, telescopes and views, all competing for limited parking near the top of the hill.
On a Monday, you are removing one of those reasons for people to visit.
That could make parking easier and mean less competition for viewpoints, particularly outside the busiest periods.
However, it is not a guarantee. Griffith Observatory remains a popular destination, and the grounds can still attract visitors even when the building is shut.
Parking is paid during the posted hours, so do not assume a Monday visit means free parking.
You might avoid some of the crowds
If you have ever visited Griffith Observatory during a busy weekend, you will know that the experience can involve traffic on the approach roads, searching for a parking space and navigating crowds around the most popular viewpoints.
A Monday visit could offer a more relaxed alternative, particularly if your main goal is to enjoy the scenery rather than explore the building.
You may find it easier to take photographs, admire the Hollywood Sign and spend a little time enjoying the views without feeling as though you need to move along for the next group of visitors.
Just remember that sunset is still a popular time to visit, so arriving earlier in the day may offer a different experience.
Is it worth visiting Griffith Observatory when it's closed?
If you want to explore the exhibits, see a planetarium show or use the public telescopes, you should plan your visit for a day when the Observatory is open.
But if you simply want one of the best-known views in Los Angeles, Monday is still worth considering.
You can enjoy the exterior of the building, take photographs, look out across the city and experience the setting without needing to go inside.
It is a particularly useful tip for visitors who are fitting several LA attractions into a short trip and do not want to spend hours inside a museum.
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