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Griffith Observatory
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Museums, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
2800 E Observatory RdLos Angeles, CA 90027
Neighborhood: Griffith Park/Los Feliz
(213) 473-0800
- Hours:
Wed-Fri 12 pm - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
862 reviews for Griffith Observatory
Review Highlights
"The planetarium show is pretty awesome."
(in 115 reviews)
"uh, I mean Rebel Without A Cause with James Dean."
(in 28 reviews)
"This is a must see for every visitor in LA."
(in 43 reviews)
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862 reviews in English
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Review from Jen T.
2/9/2012
$5 student price for the planetarium show( regular $7) , observatory entrance is free.
The planetarium show is worth it! When I first came to the observatory, me and my bf bought a ticket for the show because we thought we had to pay to enter the observatory, after a few minutes we figured out it was free. Since the planetarium show is non-refundable we just saw the show anyway.
Show:" Centered in the universe"
- You go to the top floor of the observatory into this room where the seats lean back real far to stare at the ceiling
- The room becomes pitch black and a lady starts speaking
- suddenly the room is full of cg effects
- and.... the rest is for you to experience
Overall
- the speaker was kick ass , great commentary. She sounded like a professional who worked for Disney , so much emotion in her voice as she narrated the show. -
Review from Jessica K.
Los Angeles, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm so happy I get to dedicate my 100th review to one of my favorite places in LA.
I come to the Griffith Observatory for special occasions, family outings, and sometimes for no reason at all. It's a gorgeous building that houses lots and lots of science exhibits. Whether you're an elementary school student just learning about the solar system or a scholar blessed with a PhD education, there's something everyone can appreciate in there. There are exhibits dedicated to the periodic table and the seasons, but the best exhibit is the planetarium. You have to pay for the planetarium shows, but that shouldn't hinder you from going to one because everything else is free. The parking, the smaller exhibits, the hiking trails, and the amazing view is all free, and the planetarium shows are just a couple bucks more. It's the place to kick back in a comfortable recliner, look up at the dome of beautiful images, and learn something. The shows are curated by a very knowledgable and charismatic member of the staff, and they're kind of cheesy, but they're still so much fun.
I can't express how thankful I am for the Griffith Observatory and what it does for the community. By just being there, you support the progression of education in LA, and the simple idea that you don't have to pay a penny to have some fun. -
Review from Lauren W.
Los Angeles, CA
2/5/2012
My favorite place in L.A... Enough said? Never.
This place is awesome: a must-see for visitors, tourists, Angelinos, and closet science, history, film, or architecture geeks alike. I try to go here at least once a semester ever since USC's student government organized a trip my sophomore year. It's free to the public, and provides the best view of L.A. you can find, better even than the Hollywood sign just because you get a view OF the Hollywood sign. I've been here at night, with an amazing view of city lights; during the day, where you can see the ocean and downtown in the same panorama. The exhibits and shows are fun too, and I remember going here when I was taking a course called "Physics 152: Electricity & Magnetism" and noticing demonstrations we discussed theoretically in lecture. As a super astronomy geek, I thought some of the exhibits were a bit rudimentary, but I guess that's the magic: I LOVED this place, but I think any child would, too.
One of my favorite visits was coming here at 5am on the morning of a lunar eclipse: the front lawn was packed, as crowds drew in to experience the natural phenomenon in common admiration.
Ok, so yeah, do it! You'll find something you love! If you don't love science, you'll love the view. If you don't love the food, you'll love the entertainment. Bring your friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, whatever-- it's seriously awesome. -
Review from Kathleen N.
Fremont, CA
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
For those who love scenic places, this is the place to go in LA. The walk uphill is nice as there are trees and shade along the way to the observatory. However, the parking itself is a pain the butt! It's small, cramped, and traffic goes by slowly. But I suppose it is worth the hassle if you have never been.
The observatory provides a nice view of LA from above. I have to say it's not as nice as San Francisco or even the bay area itself at it's many high points, but it was still something nice to experience. Every city is beautiful in its own way.
It's also a great viewing spot to see the smog overcast that LA is famous for. :) -
Review from Laura C.
Los Angeles, CA
2/5/2012
This is a great place to bring kids... old people... tweens... anyone that enjoys happiness....
Though some reviews say you should park at the bottom of the hill instead of trying to find parking in the lot I must disagree... I always find parking in the lot. And while it is good to walk further an get a little exercise... it is a steep hill. And the parking is free.
Admission is reasonably priced for the shows.
If you don't want to pay for admission to a show and just want to walk around that is tons of fun as well. They have a beautiful balcony that overlooks all of los angeles. For the brief time you are up there it feels like you are out of a city and los angeles looks beautiful. The sounds up there are just as impressive as the sights. Closing your eyes and listening to the distant sounds of the city is an experience in itself.
I really enjoy walking around the different exhibits... seeing how much I would weigh on Jupiter and all the other planets.. they have many interactive experiences.
I unfortunately got motion sickness during the show in which the room gives the illusion it is spinning. They warned that people could get it before the show started.. I laughed it off and then threw up on myself.. so if you are like me.. take dramamine (non-drowsy) before.
They don't let you picnic on the grass in front of the observatory, but there is a small path to the side that takes you to a lovely look out with a table or two. Very romantic. -
Review from Kristoffer Edralin B.
Bristol, VA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great view of the city of los angeles. Planetarium show is awesome too.
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Review from henry w.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Not only do you get an amazing view of Los Angeles, the surrounding hills, and the ocean, you also get a free and excellent museum on the universe and space. The solar system exhibit downstairs is especially top notch with the twirling Jupiter glass globe with swirling liquid inside to resemble the gas giant's innards. You can see how much you weigh on each planet. (Bulimists should avoid Jupiter at all costs)
There are also other various things such as an actual moon rock, a live Tesla Coil, a cool Camera Obscura, and of course usage of the 12 inch telescope on the roof on clear nights.
And how could anyone forget the amazing Planetarium here? Most of the time I think of counting sheep when I imagine a Planeterium. Not so fast my friend. The one here is driven by a top notch star projector which had some of the most realistic and engaging show I've ever seen. The one I watched was about the Northern Lights. Its narrated live by a fantastic woman who can use empathy in her voice like nobody's business. -
Review from Jean L.
1/18/2012
Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson would have wanted you to come here. Also maybe James Dean and other fans of 'Rebel Without a Cause'.
It is intriguing to walk in and be greeted by the Foucault pendulum, which succinctly proves Earth's rotation in a graceful form. A nice preview of what Griffith will turn out to be: elegant, concise, and well put.
The planetarium show is worth paying for. And if you get the chance, tinker around with their on-site telescopes. I bought a simple stand telescope a few years ago at an exorbitant price and the thing can't even spy into my neighbor's backyard. Doubtless, the ones here are more competent.
If you are interested in owning your own telescope, it may be worth it to check out their "Monthly Public Star Parties", which allows visitors to try out a whole slew of different telescopes for free. Link here: http://www.griffithobs...
To be sure, the glittering lights of the city at night are fascinating. But I am still waiting on my dates to pull a true Cyrano de Bergerac and prefer the high stars in heaven to gaudy hothouse flowers.Listed in: Above and Beyond Dates
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Review from kimberly b.
Alhambra, CA
1/9/2012
Great place for all ages..... Hiking trails, picnic areas, and Shows for all ages. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for kids. Check their web site for upcoming shows and events. I saw "water is life" and enjoyed it very much. The shows starts at 12:00. And the first show is usually with lots of kids. The park close at 10pm.
Typo can pack your own lunch or buy from their cafeteria, Which can be very expensive.
Plenty of parkings but it gets fill up pretty quickly. -
Review from Socal C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Our beautiful SoCal weather allows us visit places like this.
No matter where you park you will enjoy the walk to and fro the observatory. Make some time and visit the trails, they are pretty cool!
Check the website before going, you never know what events may be taking place here. -
Review from Lauren T.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Closed on Mondays. Parking Lot guaranteed full during holidays. Best time to go is during a weekday/night especially after rain or wind to avoid the smoggy haze. Always crowded otherwise. Beautiful place to watch the sunset on the horizon.
Do watch the show about the big bang and our universe (not so friendly to the motion sickness types, take some dramamine); the vikings northern lights show you can skip. -
Review from Sharon L.
1/10/2012
Make-out Central. Couples Galore.
But if you can bypass all the people hoovering each others faces, it's a magnificent view of LA.
Yup, I think that's all I wanted to say and add to the reviews below. -
Review from Ashley A.
Orange County, CA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
THIS PLACE WAS ON MY BUCKET LIST.
This place is AMAZING! The building is beautiful, the exhibits are interesting and u can definitely learn a lot when you come here. From the shows, the exhibits, the ROCK from the MOON, and everything else, SUPER INFORMATIVE. -
Review from Alejandra A.
Miami, FL
1/9/2012 2 photos
Not only is this place free...it has an amazing view of the city. I can't begin to tell you how many breathtaking pics you can take from this place. Call me weird but there is just something about planetariums that just amaze me. So much so, that I have to visit one every new city I go to, granted there is one.
This one was everything I imagined. The shows, the gift shop, just the way they display the information was awesome.
It is super kid friendly, and has plenty of interactive things for them so that's cool for those people who have little ones.
Must do when in town again.Listed in: Culture Vultures-Get your…
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Review from Belle N.
Anaheim, CA
1/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
4/9/2011
Love this place on a clear night!! It's always lovely to get away and see the view...and great exercise also! And it's free..i know everyone says that but seriously...it's educational, free, with great views! Amazing! -
Review from Grant B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a fantastic place to hang out and learn about what's beyond our earth. I definitely enjoyed the hike from my car to the observatory. While you are there you HAVE to buy a ticket to one of their shows. They are definitely worth it.
FYI Make sure you wait in line early to buy your ticket otherwise you'll miss out! -
Review from Eileen E.
Los Angeles, CA
12/24/2011
Oh wow. It is sooo beautiful up here. Definitely come at night... preferably on a clear night.. so you can see all the twinkling lights of LA.
I looove planetarium shows and the ones here are fantastic. The shows are only $8 per person I believe and they are fascinating and mesmerizing! The screen is huge... it spans the entire top hemisphere of a dome. I've watched The Center of the Universe twice because I love shows that involve lots of star scapes :)
The building is also beautiful with lots of marble and the exhibits are informative and fun. I've worked at two science museums in my day (would you like to buy a membership? attention! the planetarium show will be starting in 5 minutes!) and I always appreciate great museums like this one!
Go here with your crush or significant other! It's so romantic :)Listed in: Best Date Spots
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Review from Martha M.
Long Beach, CA
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful place, beautiful views, great location....oh, and it's free admission! I mean, this is a landmark in Los Angeles. So, if you're visiting from out of town, it's a must see! You get a clear shot to the HOLLYWOOD sign and a view of the whole city!
I arrived just before sunset in early January with my two young sons (4 and 9). We were excited to see everything, including one of the shows at the Planetarium-for which you do have to pay by the way. However, we were disappointed to find that CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 ARE NOT ALLOWED INTO THE SHOWS, except the early one, which is at around 12:30. I think this is good to know for parents of young children. Still, we made the best of it by taking in the views and marveling at the exhibits, and admiring the beautiful sunset!
I respectfully disagree with previous reviewers who said that this place is awesome because it is free...I believe that this is a jewel in Los Angeles, and the whole family can benefit from this enriching experience, which is priceless! I for one know that I would gladly pay to come here.
Overall, I can't wait to return...However, the next time I will make it a whole day affair! -
Review from Maria E.
Long Beach, CA
1/15/2012 3 photos
Griffith Observatory is visually stunning! The views are breathtaking & it's easy to feel on top of the world. If you are interested in anything doing with the Solar System, this is your Disneyland! It's great! There is quite a bit of walking & hilly areas, so be prepared to use your legs. If you're looking to get informed about the Universe & get a good work out, this is the place for you! There are a few hiking trails surrounding the main building & they're quite challenging. Finding parking can be difficult, but if you're willing to hike a ways, you can usually find it. The day time experience is different from the nighttime experience. Also, be prepared for huge crowds...all different ages.
http://www.buyingtogiv.../ -
Review from Angela D.
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Awesome place because its FREEE :)
I enjoyed the hike around the area and taking lots of touristy pics.
I would like to come back when its dark and you can see the city lights. I went when it was unfortunately very smoggy :/ -
Review from Nancy L.
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2012
Super duper adorable place to go. Before we became official, my boyfriend took me up here on a date, knowing my slightly nerdier tendencies.
We didn't attend any light shows or anything, but looked around and enjoyed the inside of the observatory. There are all these meters and hands-on interactive machines and junk!
To go is free, parking is free, everything is free (unless you want a light show or something, and I'm not talking about the rave stuff.)
We both enjoy photography, so we decided to take our cameras out and take some shots. Mine came out with light leaks, but the photos came out swell! It seems like a cool activity.
Bring lunch, camp out, spend the day here. Definitely worth it.
I really enjoyed it and would love to go back some time soon, on a bright, clear day and visit when it's dark! I can't imagine the gorgeousness of the evening skyline. -
Review from Brian C.
West Hollywood, CA
What an amazing time!
We pulled up at 8:35pm for the 8:45pm showing at the planetarium, right as the show before was letting out. We waited two minutes and got a spot right next to the entrance...perfect timing! The planetarium show was incredible! ($7 a ticket for an amazing time) Afterwards we walked out and looked at the view over the city. This is definitely an experience that everyone who visits LA or lives in LA must do! Perfect for a date! -
Review from Lydia F.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2012
The Griffith Observatory is an art deco icon in LA, perched up in the Hollywood Hills. Visit at night for an amazing view of the city lights out on the terrace, and make sure to take a look through the Zeiss telescope.
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Review from Greg G.
12/19/2011 11 photos
In a city where you usually have to pay good money for moments of extreme awesomeness, Griffith Observatory is THE most awesome free activity around. Sure I love the beaches, the parks, the touristy sightseeing activities- but there really is no free place I love to visit more than the Griffith Observatory.
Great for kids and adults, the observatory sits high in the Hollywood hills about a quarter mile from the Hollywood sign. From this height you get sweeping views of Los Angeles, from the ocean to downtown and far beyond- I swear on a clear day you can see Mickey Mouse all the way in Orange County! Bring your camera because you WILL be taking pictures non-stop.
Inside the observatory there are tons of free, hands-on exhibits to experiment with and enjoy. From Teslas Coil to a full physical display of every element on the periodic table- there is tons to see. You can even catch a planetarium show, although I think this may be just about the only thing you would have to pay for.
I highly, highly suggest checking this place out! If you're a tourist or a local, there is no denying how cool a visit to this place is. 5 stars all the way. -
Review from Jonathan W.
12/17/2011
This place is amazing. Seriously one of the spots in LA you must hit up. Parking can get crazy but worth the trek if you're stuck. Huge grounds and amazing views of the entire city. Really cool pendulum (you'll know it when you see it) and displays inside but outside is where it's at.
Date place central. But who wouldn't give it up under the stars and the city glow.
You won't regret making the visit. -
Review from David C.
1/4/2012 14 photos
I'll give it five stars because its free. The history and culture at this Los Angeles landmark is truly amazing. Parking is fifteen dollars, but well worth the breathtaking view of LA. A nice place to come relax, enjoy some food or wine, and take in the orange sunset. Lots of cool science exhibits and a planetarium show (at an extra cost) is available. Not to mention, most days they will set up their Zeiss telescopes so you can peer at objects lightyears away. A great place for friends or a date that won't hurt your wallet.
PROTIP: Sometimes the parking at the top gets full, but they run a shuttle from the bottom lot to the top, or you can just hike it (about a quarter mile hike). -
Review from Erin A.
12/17/2011 14 photos
Riddle:
The beginning of everything, and the end of time and space. The beginning of the end and the end of every place. (answer will be listed at the end of the post)
I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E. This is one of my favorite spots in LA. Not only do you learn about space, this place makes you want to keep on learning about it. Since my visit, I rock my GLOW IN THE DARK NASA shirt and watch The Universe about time and space. Its pretty AMAZING! I mean you can learn about the sun, look at an colorful periodic table, and see how much you weigh on different planets!!! The planetarium show was phenomenal and I can truly say that LA has some secret cool spots!
Answer: It is "E".Listed in: Shoot for the Stars!, Secret Cool LA
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Review from Katherine W.
Los Angeles, CA
Love Griffith! I've been here several times now and have discovered something new and amazing about it each time!
First time we came after dinner on a weekday and caught the last planetarium show of the day (8:45 PM I believe).The show wasn't anything too special but still worth the $5! Afterwards, we walked around the observation deck until they closed at 10 PM and it was nice that the place was almost completely empty and we had the gorgeous night view of the city all to ourselves.
The second time we came to Griffith for a yoga hike, which I highly recommend! Beautiful beautiful view, photo ops all along the way! Not too challenging of a climb, but can be a nice workout if you go at a decent pace.
Another time we came here to watch the sunset and it happened to be the public star party night of the month. Never seen Griffith so crowded! We knew that there had to be some sort of event going on because cars were parked on both sides of the road starting ~1.5 miles away from the parking lot! Traffic was SO bad... by the time we reached the parking lot, the sun had already set but the skyline was still gorgeous! So if you're coming here for the monthly public star party, I would recommend arriving much earlier than sunset to stake out a parking space/ spot on the lawn. It gets super crowded with people lining up everywhere to use the free telescopes they have set up in front. -
Review from Kyle F.
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fabulous city views and one of the highlights of my trip to LA. Make sure you bring a pair of binoculars or zoom lense.
I got here by taking the Metro red line from downtown and got off at the Sunset/Vermont station. Took a taxi up the hill to the observatory ($22) and then had a nice walk (2.3 Miles) back to the station passing by some beautiful homes along the way.
Once up here I could see west out to Century City / Santa Monica, east to downtown, and south to the Baldwin Hills. You can really see the smog over the city from this spot that impairs the view. Many large mansions and architecture in the hills can be spotted from up here as well.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Ivan L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2012
What a beautiful view from up here! I have to say it's so convenient that I live literally a long drive down the street to get up here, and it's so rewarding to go up here during the night just for a walk, to get your mind off things and enjoy the view.
There are always people that come up with their telescope equipment and you can always take a peek at a planet! For free! The show is pretty interesting as well and definitely worth checking out if it's your first time.
I think this place is really cute for a little date or to come after having a nice dinner to walk it off. If the night is just right and the city below is clear, you can see all of Los Angeles.
For photographers, it gets even better. You can take amazing shots using different settings and capturing the lights!
Never a dull moment here! -
Review from Miguel R.
12/8/2011
Should be called "Makeout" Observatory!
Love it!
Or if you want to do the opposite just go inside and pretend there isn't a little nerd inside of you haha! It's cool inside and the expansion is pretty neat. I love stars so I love this place. I love the scales that tell you what your weight would be on another planet. It's always a good way to tease the special someone you bring here with you! There's also a cool immense timeline which helps you realize we are only a split second - if even that - in time. I'm not sure if they still do it but they used to show laser light shows to the sounds of The Beatles!!!! Wow! There's also a gift shop and a place to eat here.
The building itself is really aesthetically pleasing! It was built here....not in the Frisco area! So be proud of our city! back when it was built it was one of a kind on the West Coast!
It's the best place to get a good view of Los Angeles since you can drive up to it! No need to do a serious hike if you don't want to. The problem is that parking is always a pain so many times you have to park on the road up to the Observatory and end up hiking a little. Apparently not even the cold deters the crowds of people that come here at night.Listed in: Cultural Los Angeles
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Review from Lai T.
1/20/2012
There are a few places in So Cal which my heart longs for and the Griffith Observatory is definitely one of them. Yes, this place is always buzzing with tourists-but you will find the locals here as well because the Griffith Observatory is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. It is a great place to learn some astronomy, have a casual picnic, or take in the beautiful view.
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Review from Ed L.
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a must check out place for tourists, kids, and even Angelenos who just forget how cool and historic this city can be.
Hints for parents of small kids:
1. If the parking lot is full and you find yourself driving far to find a parking spot, you can park on either side of the tunnel and walk up to the Observatory. So you can always turn around, drop the small kids with a parent off at the Observatory and if you go back through the tunnel, you can often find a closer parking spot. When you leave, it's all downhill, so the kids will be fine. We passed several families with small kids walking up the hill on the way out, and the kids were whining about how their feet hurt. Trust me, I feel you...do yourself a favor and save the nature walk for downhill.
2. The basement of the observatory has large scaled planets which are fun for the kids and there are NICE CLEAN bathrooms there. So you don't have to settle for the nasty ones in the parking lot.
3. There is a cafe, although there are a few picnic tables on the walk up to the Observatory. And there are lots of tables outside the cafe on the deck with good views of the city and Hollywood sign.
Everything is free except the planetarium show which was closed the day we went. But you can't beat free, and can't beat the views. -
Review from T R.
Los Angeles, CA
1/9/2012
The park is open until 10pm. Come up here before dark to see the sunset. You can see the ocean from 14 miles distance on out. At night you will have the most amazing views of the city lights.
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Review from Michael S.
Marina del Rey, CA
11/27/2011 4 photos
The 2006 make-over was a nice update for the legendary Griffith Observatory. It has restored this L.A. icon to a place of prominence. Since opening in 1935, the observatory has been the site of numerous Hollywood scenes, school field trips, and romantic escapes. For my wife and me, it's a regular stop on any self-guided tour for friends or just when the two of us want to re-visit a "date" spot.
+ The view is spectacular. During the day, you can see the Hollywood sign and downtown while at night the lights of the city twinkle with promise.
+ Free admission to the grounds and the observatory really make this stand-out from other options in L.A. It's hard to beat free. Once you are inside, the science and displays are educational and modern.
+ Planetarium shows are worth the small price (varies depending on the show).
+ We often make an afternoon/evening out of our visit and take advantage of the hiking opportunities in Griffith Park. If you are in the parking lot facing the observatory, there is a great hike up the hill behind you. Try it if you want even "better" pictures.
+ If you are dressed warm and have time, I also recommend waiting in line for the telescope. There always seems to be something interesting to see like Saturn's rings, Mars, or the Moon.
+ One Saturday a month, the lawn of Griffith Observatory hosts Public Star Parties which allow amateur astronomers to set up and point their telescopes at a myriad of objects in the sky. What's especially cool is that they let visitors look through them and many are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the sky
- There is really only one negative about the observatory. It's the parking. The price is right since its free, but the problem is that there is no room on the hilltop or side roads for more parking. Often we luck into a spot in the lot at the top of the hill, but many times have had to park on the side of the road down the hill and hike up to the observatory. Wear shoes/clothes for such a hike if you go on a busy day or weekend.
After 75 years, Griffith Observatory continues to be a worthy icon of the city of angels.Listed in: Boredom Busters in L.A.
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Review from Michael C.
Honolulu, HI
The stars must have been aligned, so to speak, as I finally had the opportunity to visit the Griffith Observatory. Perched in the Hills above Los Angeles, the observatory offers visitors a place to relax, views of LA, as well as enriching minds with their indoor exhibits or show in the planetarium.
The first thing one should know if planning a visit to the Griffith Observatory: Admission to the grounds and building is FREE. The only fees you would pay is if you decide to view a show in the Planetarium. Please visit http://www.griffithobs... for full details regarding the observatory to help you plan your visit.
Since the parking lot was full, we ended up parking on the road leading up to the observatory. This proved to be a blessing in disguise because as we were walking up the hill, we saw people taking pictures by the railing of the adjacent hill. As it turns out the HOLLYWOOD sign is located on a nearby hill and visitors to the observatory grounds are given a more close up view.
For a weekday afternoon, the crowds were much more than I expected. But I can't say I blame them it was a wonderful sunny afternoon in LA! As I ventured inside the building, I discovered a mammoth sized pendulum meant to showcase the earth's rotation. Although this was impressive, the 2 exhibits I found most interesting were those depicting the processes of a lunar and solar eclipse, respectively.
Of course, the main reason that led me, and others alike, to visit the observatory are for the spectacular views!! I was thankful for the sunny weather as views of the Hollywood sign, downtown LA, and surrounding areas were just stunning. I had always seen postcards or clips on tv of the infamous dowtown LA skyline, and it was an absolute treat to be experiencing it for myself.
Bottom Line: Spectacular views. Free Admission. Suitable for all ages. Fantastic views. A place to relax and unwind. Stunning views. A perfect place for star-gazing........the celestial kind.Listed in: Adventures in LA
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Review from Gari S.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/16/2012
I don't understand the negative reviews here. This place is rich in excitement. It has an Art Deco design (which only opened a year ago, after 4 years of renovation) and boasts sweeping views of LA. This is a historical place due to its being in many movies and is a legendary place to see. It is not Disney Land, etc., but fun and a must see. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, eat lunch at the restaurant and have it out on the terrace. There are sweeping views and the food is actually good.
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Review from Klarize M.
Cypress, CA
1/1/2012
Griffith Observatory is quite possibly my favorite place in the greater Los Angeles area. It's perched atop the Hollywood hills and it gives a very photo-worthy view of L.A. and Hollywood. I decided to go visit after watching Rebel Without a Cause because they filmed a large section of the movie here and I got curious and wanted to go see it for myself. Ended up loving it and took my cousins and they loved it too.
The planetarium is definitely a must-see when you visit the Observatory...actually everything is a must-see at the Observatory. It's not a huge museum, which is good because you don't feel like you have to rush through to see everything. It's really fun to stay at night because you have a great view of the stars which is rare if you live in Los Angeles.
It's a fun place for anyone of any age and it really makes you appreciate the world we live in :) -
Review from Charles S.
La Jolla, CA
12/17/2011
Great art deco building. Great view of the city and the Hollywood sign.
We had a great time, looking, snapping pix, posing in from of the James Dean statue.
Tourists: you've got to go. It's an LA icon.Listed in: The good stuff.
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Review from Lindsay A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/25/2012
One of my favorite spots in LA! I love love love this place! It's great to take visitors here around sunset time. They can take a pic with the Hollywood sign, and then at night look at all the city lights. But most importantly, you can see SATURN in the telescopes! That is super awesome!!! :)
