Griffith Observatory — Attraction in Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory is truly an international landmark spanning generations of visitors and a fantastically free experience. Being on top of a mountain, it boasts beautiful views with the classic Hollywood sign in view. They also have free small telescopes set up pointed to visible planets and the moon for nice viewing. Inside, there are a variety of great exhibits with great tech to help people easily understand concepts like seasons, eclipses, elements, telescopes, planets and more. Downstairs is an amazing planetary exhibit with fun details and information.

There are some downsides to the logistics of the place, however. Coming at evening, traffic is blocked to the observatory, with cars needing to take a detour around the place to find parking along the side of the road for $10/hr. If you can find parking, then it's a long trek back over to the place. The night I went, parking was non-existent, requiring us to go all the way around back to a parking lot by the Greek Theatre where bus service nicely could take us to the observatory. The sign says 50cents but the driver said it's free, so the signage is confusing and wrong. If staying till closing though, consider going back to the dropoff early or risk not having a return bus. I started leaving the premises at 10pm closing and there were no buses in sight with security saying the last transits had gone. Luckily one more bus did come and took us back, but not without fear that it'd be a long walk back. The headache with parking and confusing information about transit makes it a poor experience to get there and back.

The other bad part was outside on the roof area. It's a beautiful area, one where we could spend a lot of time just gazing out at the city and stars. Understandably, when people sit on the edge for a photo, a staff person would tell them to get off. But right at 10pm closing, the staff person started aggressively yelling at people that they're closed and they need to get out. No more photos! THEY'RE CLOSED!!! I previously used one set of stairs to get up there, and going there she turned us around to go to the complete opposite side. I don't know why that side was closed when they both just lead to the front, but she was rude about it. I was also tired at the end of the night and wanted the elevator but she corraled us forward saying we weren't going to be using it, it's closed. What if we needed it for accessibility? Very rude old lady who needs to retire or learn how to more politely handle crowds at closing. They also start flashing strobe lights at people taking photos past closing. And there's police right at the bottom of the steps to intimidate anyone from arguing about anything.

From confusing transit, uninformed security, aggressively rude closing staff and discourteous strobe light use to ruin photos, it's a poor visiting experience when it comes to the personnel.

But if you don't have to interact with staff/security/police, it's a nice and relaxing place to spend time with...

Griffith Observatory is a stunning landmark located in Griffith Park, offering visitors not only a chance to explore the wonders of the universe but also breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood sign. As a celebrated destination for both tourists and locals, the observatory is a must-visit for anyone interested in astronomy, science, or simply enjoying a beautiful day outdoors.

Upon arriving at Griffith Observatory, I was immediately impressed by its striking Art Deco architecture. The building itself is a work of art, beautifully perched on a hillside, and its design complements the natural surroundings perfectly. The expansive grounds surrounding the observatory are well-maintained, providing ample space for picnicking, walking, and taking in the spectacular views of the city below.

Inside, the observatory offers a wealth of exhibits that are both informative and engaging. The displays cover various aspects of astronomy and space exploration, making complex concepts accessible to visitors of all ages. The planetarium shows are a highlight, providing an immersive experience that transports you through the cosmos. The knowledgeable staff are passionate about their subjects, and their enthusiasm adds to the overall experience.

One of the best features of Griffith Observatory is that it is free to enter, making it an affordable option for families and anyone looking to enjoy a day out in Los Angeles. This accessibility is a significant draw, allowing people from all walks of life to explore the wonders of the universe without the burden of an admission fee.

The outdoor telescopes are a fantastic addition, providing visitors with the opportunity to gaze at celestial objects, such as the moon and planets, under the guidance of staff members. The experience of looking through a telescope and seeing the details of the moon’s craters is unforgettable and adds a hands-on element to the visit.

However, it’s worth noting that the observatory can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during special events. Finding parking can also be a challenge, as the lot fills up quickly. Arriving early or using public transportation can help mitigate these issues and enhance your experience.

In summary, Griffith Observatory is a remarkable destination that combines education, stunning architecture, and picturesque views of Los Angeles. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or simply looking for a beautiful spot to spend the day, the observatory offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos. Its free admission and engaging exhibits make it an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. If you’re in the area, be sure to check it out—you won’t be...

A Stellar Experience with a Few Earthly Challenges. If you’re in LA and haven’t been to Griffith Observatory yet, what are you even doing with your life? For a free attraction, this place punches way above its weight. The views of Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood Sign are worth the trip alone, and that’s before you even step inside. Once you do, prepare to unleash your inner space nerd—it’s a cosmic playground of knowledge, history, and jaw-dropping exhibits.

The observatory itself is packed with fascinating displays about astronomy, physics, and our place in the universe. We learned about the Foucault pendulum, which hypnotically proves Earth’s rotation, and marveled at the Tesla coil sparking away like it was auditioning for a sci-fi movie. Plus, there’s the Big Picture exhibit, a photographic mosaic of the universe so massive it makes your vacation Instagram look positively microscopic.

The planetarium show, at $10 for adults and $6 for kids, is a must-do. Imagine reclining in a dome while being whisked away on a journey through time and space, narrated by a voice so soothing it could make your to-do list sound like poetry. It’s well worth the price, though kids might need a little encouragement to stay quiet during the darker moments—good luck with that!

Now, let’s talk about the not-so-stellar parts: the crowds. This place gets packed, especially on weekends or holidays. If you’re planning to visit, just assume every other person in LA had the same idea. The parking situation? A celestial nightmare. We lucked out and found a spot at the Greek Theatre, where parking was free, but that’s a gamble. If you’re not as lucky, you’ll need to brace yourself for a parking purgatory.

We hopped on the free DASH bus to get to the observatory, which sounds great in theory until you realize it’s basically a can of sardines on wheels. Pro tip: if you can handle the hike, walking up the hill might be more comfortable (and less aromatic).

The gift shop is, as expected, filled with cool but overpriced trinkets. Do you need a $30 space-themed mug? Probably not. Will you want one anyway after the planetarium show blows your mind? Absolutely. The café, while convenient, serves coffee that tastes like it was brewed by someone who’s never tasted coffee before and snacks that scream “gas station chic.” Still, if you’re desperate for a bite, it does the job.

Overall, Griffith Observatory is a fantastic, educational, and totally unique experience that’s worth every bit of the hassle. Just avoid visiting during peak times unless you enjoy being part of a human constellation. Four stars for an out-of-this-world adventure that’s only occasionally bogged down by...