Griffith Observatory
Observatory · Griffith ·
Astronomical exhibits, planetarium shows, and city views
Astronomical exhibits, planetarium shows, and city views
"This is actually a network of little trails in Griffith Park around the iconic observatory, including one three-mile hike (the Mt. Hollywood Trail) that takes you as close to the Hollywood sign as you can get. Locals love the observatory-adjacent trails just as much as the tourists do: You'll see lots of families, dogs, and people going to check out the caves, canyons, and vistas along the way. It's always worth it to take a post-hike visit to the Griffith Observatory, an Art Deco marvel that is one of the most visited observatories in the world for a reason. Its exhibit halls (one of which houses a rare, electricity-pulsing Tesla coil), photogenic views of the Hollywood sign, planetarium, and 12-inch Zeiss telescope bring visitors in droves." - Maxwell Williams
"One of the most well known Art Deco buildings in LA (thanks to James Dean, Rebel Without A Cause) built in 1933, the Griffith Observatory is one of the best places to see the sunset, the Hollywood sign or observe the night sky. It sits on the Hollywood Hills & overlooks Downtown LA, Hollywood & on clear days all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The planetarium, observatory & exhibition hall are free to the public & definitely worth a visit." - Sallie Harrison Design Studio
"An Art Deco stargazing destination atop Mount Hollywood, the observatory combines exhibit halls (including a rare Tesla coil), a planetarium with engaging shows, photogenic views of the Hollywood sign, and a 12-inch Zeiss telescope that sees more than 600 guests nightly — delivering experiences that range from romantic to gleefully awed to humbling." - Maxwell Williams
"Perched high atop Mount Hollywood, this urban observatory provides powerful telescopes and public programming; depending on the time of year, visitors can observe Jupiter, Venus, and assorted double stars, clusters, and nebulae, and the facility publishes a Weekly Sky Report to guide what’s visible in Southern California skies." - Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Mentioned as a nearby landmark to the speaker’s childhood school, used to help geographically anchor memories of growing up in that part of the city." - Mona Holmes