Griffith Observatory, California, United States

5maplecatt 5:00 PM Sep 22, 2022

Amazing Views
This a must see when in LA! It's a beautiful building and amazing views. You could spend hours here or just do a quick walk through, watch the planetarium show and see the Tesla coil which is what we did with three teens in tow ;) We came here on a Saturday around noon in August 2022 after doing an easy hike to the Hollywood Sign. We needed ID and proof of vaccination and masks were mandated indoors. This is on their website so just check there for updates. We drove there and parked on the street outside the Greek Theatre, this was free. The parking in the theatre was full when we got there but I believe it's free and available as long as there's no events going on that day. (Check Greek Threatre website) There is a bus from this area that goes up to the observatory itself otherwise it's about a 20 minute uphill walk. I wish we had taken the bus. I'm pretty sure it was free or maybe 50 cents per person. We took the bus on the way down and that was free. Admission to the observatory is free but the planetarium shows are about $10 each and can only be purchased the same day. You have to line up about 20 minutes before the show starts at a door outside the building. The show is about 30 minutes long. Make sure to check the website for days and times of opening because it's closed Monday-Wednesday.

5afro20 5:00 PM Jun 2, 2022

Deceptively Big, Highly Engaging
We had a wonderful visit to the Griffith Observatory and would highly recommend. At our time of visit in late May 2022 proof of vaccination was required for entry. We scheduled our trip for later in the day, hoping to make the sunset and use the telescope but unfortunately it was an overcast day so the sunset was dull and the telescope unavailable. Despite this we had a brilliant time! The views here are amazing, the site itself is iconic and we reminisced on scenes from Star Trek, La La Land and Rebel Without a Cause that all took place here. It is free to visit the observatory, there is a film showing in the planetarium that has a cost which I would highly recommend but you can skip if you choose. Upstairs in the centre was pretty busy, especially around the Tesla Coil demonstration. Very cool and interactive exhibits. Downstairs was a lot less busy and really informative. We also caught a free film in the Leonard Nemoy Theatre. Something for everyone here!