Los Angeles's observation deck
Los Angeles lost its commercial deck when OUE Skyspace and its glass slide closed in 2020, and the city has not replaced it. What remains is the better story anyway: the 1928 City Hall tower — the building on the LAPD badge — keeps a free public observation level on its 27th floor, with an open-air balcony running all four sides.
How to choose in Los Angeles
City Hall for the downtown close-up: free, open-air, weekdays only, and you clear airport-style security on the way in. Griffith Observatory's terraces for the famous basin-and-Hollywood-sign sunset — also free, and the one most visitors actually mean when they ask about views in LA. Do both; between them they cost nothing.
Open right now in Los Angeles
Civic decks close on weekends, some decks open only two afternoons a week, and one opens at 2pm for thirty minutes. This board reads each deck's schedule in Los Angeles local time.
- Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck Weekdays until 5pm (opening time varies by source — arrive mid-morning to be safe); closed weekends and holidays.
| Deck | Height | From | Type | Thrill factor | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck | 400 ft | Free | open-air + indoor | ★ open-air | it's not close |
All Los Angeles decks on the map
See Los Angeles from above — bookable
Los Angeles's decks are only part of the view. These are the helicopter flights, skyline cruises and sightseeing runs that put the city below you — booked through Viator, which earns this site a commission at no cost to you.
Best of Los Angeles Guided City Tour with 4 Stops and Free Time
Los Cabos Luxury Sailing, Snorkel and Lunch Cruise
Grand City Tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills
Small-Group City Tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills
Sightseeing Tour of Los Angeles from LAX Hotels
Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour from Long Beach
Prices last checked 2026-08-18.
The full verdicts
Los Angeles observation decks — quick answers
1 public observation deck: Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck. Each has a full guide here with current prices, hours, and an honest verdict.
Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck at 400 ft (27th floor).
Yes — Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck. Weekdays until 5pm (opening time varies by source — arrive mid-morning to be safe); closed weekends and holidays. Free civic decks almost always mean weekday-only hours and a lobby security check.