Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
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Griffith Observatory - by Venti Views on Unsplash
Description
The Griffith Observatory is located on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. It is open to the public and contains a space and science-related exhibits, a planetarium as well as great views over Los Angeles (at night in particular) and the Hollywood Sign. The building's architecture has clear Greek and Beaux-Arts influences. There are 60-90mins shows held at the Planetarium throughout the opening days, but tickets need to be purchased and this is beyond the scope of this review. Trivia: the planetarium was used to train pilots in celestial navigation during WW2 and astronauts for the Apollo lunar missions.
Access & Transport
Griffith Park is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Road parking and lots are open. There is paid parking available in and around the Observatory It is also possible to walk from Hollywood Boulevard, 'Hollywood/Western' station (B line) is 2km away. The LA Department of Transportation operates daily low-cost DASH Observatory/Los Feliz public bus service from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station to the Observatory More info on getting there: https://griffithobservatory.org/visit/getting-here/
Instructions & Recommendations
We recommended walking there from Hollywood and combining with a visit of Griffith Park.
Environmental & Social
The Foundation continues to support and promote the Observatory as a home for science literacy, education, and public astronomy. It is free and also has a fifth-grade school program and teacher resources. Marginal environmental footprint.
Conclusion
This will please a wide range of travellers and residents both for the views and the content, children included as some of the exhibits are quite engaging. Sunset is a good time for photography.
Key positive
Educational exhibits
Good views over Los Angeles
Free admission
Key negative
Can be quite busy
Parking cost for those electing to drive there
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Monday -
Tuesday12:00 - 22:00
Wednesday12:00 - 22:00
Thursday12:00 - 22:00
Friday12:00 - 22:00
Saturday10:00 - 22:00
Sunday10:00 - 22:00