The moon phase today in Los Angeles, California is shown in detail below – complete with the best places to watch it rise over the downtown skyline or the Hollywood sign. For the moon phase today in any other city or location worldwide, simply visit our Global Moon Phase Calculator on our home page to get instant, accurate lunar data tailored to wherever you are right now.
Moon Phase Today Los Angeles
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Best Places to View the Moon in Los Angeles
Los Angeles’s light pollution can make astronomy difficult, but the moon is bright enough to punch through almost anywhere. For truly spectacular views and the best moonrise-over-skyline photographs, here are the top spots (all free and accessible 24/7 unless noted):
Griffith Observatory (Griffith Park)
The most famous and protected viewpoint. Looking east from the terraces, the moon rises directly above the Hollywood sign, downtown skyline, and San Gabriel Mountains on many dates. Perfect for classic silhouette shots with the observatory’s Art Deco architecture in the foreground. Nearest: Griffith Observatory shuttle from Greek Theatre parking lot.
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (Culver City)
Iconic elevated viewpoint after a short hike up 282 steps. Framed by the moon rising over the Santa Monica Bay and LA Basin skyline, with slightly darker skies than central LA. Excellent for panoramic views. Nearest: La Cienega/Jefferson bus or Expo Line.
Runyon Canyon Park (Hollywood Hills)
LA’s high trails (highest point ~250 m) with noticeably darker skies and a huge 180° panorama. The moon often aligns with the city lights and canyons on evenings—ideal for wide-angle shots during a nighttime hike; popular but spacious. Nearest: Hollywood/Western Red Line + short walk.
Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlook (Hollywood)
North LA’s high ridge with a wide, unobstructed view. The moon rises dead-centre over the Valley and downtown skyline—excellent for telephoto moonshots over twinkling lights; drive-up access but parking limited. Nearest: Hollywood Bowl or Cahuenga Blvd.
Elysian Park (near Dodger Stadium)
For dramatic shots of the moon rising behind the downtown skyline or over Chavez Ravine. Best in winter when the moon’s path is more southerly; easy urban access with grassy fields. Nearest: Chinatown Gold Line or Sunset Blvd bus.
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden (Arcadia)
Hidden gem with surprisingly dark skies for the area and a completely clear eastern horizon amid 127 acres of gardens—ideal for moonshots reflected in ponds with palm silhouettes. Open until sunset (fee $15); plan for golden hour moonrise. Nearest: Gold Line to Arcadia + shuttle.
Best Times for Moon Photography
- Full Moon ±1 day — brightest and most impressive
- 48–72 hours before full moon — moon rises during golden/blue hour for beautiful colour contrast
- October–February — moon travels higher and more southerly, aligning perfectly with the skyline
Moonrise & Timezone
Los Angeles operates on PST (UTC-8) in winter and PDT (UTC-7) in summer. Clocks change on the second Sunday of March (forward) and first Sunday of November (back). The widget above (or any good app such as PhotoPills, The Photographer’s Ephemeris or Stellarium) automatically applies the correct local offset for Los Angeles.
Quick Photography Tips
- Use a sturdy tripod
- Shoot RAW and expose for the moon (it’s much brighter than the city lights)
- Start with the Looney 11 rule: f/11, ISO 100 → ~1/100 s for full moon
- The most magical light is 10–20 minutes after official moonrise when the moon is low and appears huge
- Check for clear eastern horizons and low humidity
Enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful urban moonrises!
