Sitting high up in the Hollywood Hills is one of the most famous landmarks in California. No, not the Hollywood sign but the Griffith Observatory. A must-visit for any trip to LA, find out more in today’s post.
Opened in May 1935, the Griffith Observatory is surrounded by over 3,000 acres of park land which was donated to the city. When you think of Los Angeles, you think of the sprawling high rise metropolis and lanes upon lanes of motorway traffic.
Not only has the observatory educated millions of visitors since it’s birth, the Griffith Observatory has been used to train pilots during the war and even astronauts to ready them for Apollo missions! Cool eh!
Arriving at Griffith Observatory is best by car. Ubers are plentiful, as are LYFT cars. There’s parking at the bottom of the huge hill up to the top and there is a shuttle available. We arrived 90 minutes before the opening time and we took the last parking space in the limited parking up top.
You’ll see people doing tai chi with incredible views, tourists taking photos and locals walking their dogs. Not only do tourists visit Griffith Observatory for the incredible views, locals flock to Griffith Park for the famous hiking trails and walks.
We spent a long time walking round the outside of the building and admiring the views before a quick trip on to the Charlie Turner Trailhead to get closer to the Hollywood Sign. This killed time until the place opened. There’s toilets up there but no cafe open until the building opens – bear this in mind!
Exhibits inside are free to walk around (Planetarium is $7) and the terrace to the back of the Griffith Observatory offera spectacular views of downtown LA and the rich and famous in the Hollywood Hills.
The Griffith Observatory has been an icon in Los Angeles since it’s launch and the old girl has been in more movies + tv shows than even the most seasoned actor.
I didn’t even know about this, it looks amazing!
Rachael xox
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It’s definitely my top must-visit recommendation!