Astronomers Monument — Attraction in Los Angeles

This is a most remarkable building because it literally tells its own story about the man who dreamed up this crazy, fascinating structure. What a story he lived - firstly winning not one lottery but two and then later being gaoled for murder and finally being reprieved so he could find a new home in Lightning Ridge where he could build this memorial to his heroes, the early astronomers who suffered for science. The current caretaker/owner of this amazing building has a bad reputation in Lightning Ridge and has been called crazy. Maybe she is a bit. Maybe you need to be to live and survive in a town like Lightning Ridge that’s built on dreams but we spent two hours with her as she showed us around and she was charming and proud of this place she calls home. It could do with a bit less clutter but definitely worth the $5 it cost us for entry. Whatever you do though don’t just walk by and take photos as you most likely will get shouted at as she feels that you are taking advantage of what is, after...

This is the Griffith observatory. We hiked up from Sunset Bvd and took us a about a hour. Great hike up, but a bit tiring and steep in places. The observatory is brilliant and free to get in (excluding the planetarium). There are a lot of cool things to see inside including a Tesla coil, which is turned on at certain times a day. The landscaping of the.area is great, however, the views are fantastic and look out over the Hollywood hills and the famous sign. Facing the opposite direction is the views of Los Angeles, West Hollywood and the city in general. Car parking is available, but is expensive at $15 per hour (unverified). Most of if not all is wheelchair and pushchair friendly by car and inside the observatory. There is a nice cafe serving hot and cold food and drinks. There are at least two lots of toilets, one just in the entrance and the others at the cafe. We...

Anyone who “loves space and science, beautiful views of L.A., and the Art Deco architecture of the buildings” will be drawn to this place. For movie fans, this observatory in Griffith Park was recently featured in the beautiful 2016 film , where actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone soared and waltzed under a star-filled ceiling. It will be remembered as a place where people danced. James Dean commissioned a bust of himself shortly before his death at age 24. The bust is now on prominent display near the observatory's front lawn. If you're craving a quick snack before or after your visit, check out the nearby Trails Café, nestled among the trees. There is parking along the road, but intrepid visitors can walk to the area, which is about 2 miles from the...