How To Enjoy The Griffith Observatory


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View from Griffith Observatory

The lights from Los Angeles make for a great background

Getting to the Griffith Observatory can be an adventure all on its own.  The observatory is located high on a hill which requires you to drive up a narrow and winding road but the destination is more than worth the drive.  I have gone in the late afternoon and at night.  Both times I had to park pretty far away so I would encourage to wear walking shoes.  On my first visit to the Griffith Observatory I went with my mom and a friend.  That night was a public star party and lots of volunteers had come and set up telescopes.  There were several telescopes set up on the lawn and an extremely big permanent telescope is on top of the observatory.  On that particular night we were able to see Jupiter as well as an amazing view of the moon and stars.  You do not need to pay to be at the observatory but there is a fee if you decide to see any of the programs in the Planetarium.  Please note that clicking on the pictures will enlarge them.

Griffith Observatory

Posing with my friend in front of the Griffith Observatory at the Public Star Party

The Griffith Observatory hosts several events like the public star parties and several other cool opportunities to learn about as well as see the stars and planets above.  Both times that I have visited the observatory I was shocked by how long the lines are for the telescopes so let this be a word of warning.  On my second visit my friend and I were on top of the building waiting to look out of a gigantic telescope.  When we got in line it did not seem like it would take too long. Well we could not see how far inside the line went and we did not realize that every so often the telescope would need to be readjusted.  I would say that we ended up waiting around an hour and a half and while it was really cool it was a very long time to wait so if the lines look short jump right on in.  In addition to all of the wonderful telescopes and information that the Griffith Observatory has to offer it is also an incredible location to view the Hollywood sign from as well as the city of Los Angeles.

hollywood sign

Taking advantage of a sunset and the Hollywood sign

While you do need to pay to go in the Planetarium there is a free film shown called The Once and Future Griffith Observatory which is on my to do list for my next visit.  One thing that I have learned from my visits to the observatory is that it is best to visit when you do not have anywhere you need to want to be after.  That way you are not rushed and it doesn’t really matter if the lines take a long time.  What to know before your visit: the Griffith Observatory is closed on Mondays.  If you would like to purchase tickets for the Planetarium they only accept Visa, MasterCard or Discover.  And good news they do offer free wifi if you need it!  If you are interested in visiting the Griffith Observatory please check out the their website which is listed at the bottom of the post and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

 

Follow the Griffith Observatory on twitter for info about events: https://twitter.com/griffithobserv

Visit their website for more information: http://www.griffithobservatory.org

Want to see other cool places in the Hollywood area? Check out this blog post: http://mybelleelle.com/celebrity-events/tcl-chinese-theatre-in-hollywood/

my belle elle

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23 thoughts on “How To Enjoy The Griffith Observatory

  • Julie Syl Kalungi

    Wow Today our post was all about the Things to do in Los Angeles and we very briefly mentioned The Griffith Observatory for star Gazing literally. Yes its quite a steep climb and can be a bit much for anyone with health issues or knee injury. Yet the views are breathtaking and worth the visit.

    Thanks for sharing.

  • Patrice M Foster

    Griffith Observatory seems like an interesting place will make sure visit while I am in California gif I am in the area. looks like you had a great time with your friend.

  • Terri Beavers

    Sounds like a great time at the observatory and it sounds like it can be a bit crowed too. I’d love to visit sometime if it’s at all possible. I want to travel the world one day.

  • Elle Post author

    I will have to check out your post and make sure i’m not missing out on awesome things to do in LA

  • Shannon Peterson

    That looks like such an awesome place to see the city and all the lights! I would love to make sure to stop by there when we visit!

  • Elizabeth O.

    That’s such a lovely place, it would be nice to go there at night so you can observe all the stars! Thanks for sharing your experience.

  • Michelle

    I bet it has a spectacular view, I would love to visit some day!