The best place to see Los Angeles, is up at the Griffith Observatory , located at 2800 E. Observatory Road, naturally. However, Griffith Observatory is worth a look too. First, it will be the art deco construction of this 1930s structure that will make you take your eyes off of the spectacular view of LA. Then, as you are drawn inside, it will be the Observatory’s state-of-the-art Planetarium that blasts off amazing light shows, which are eye candy to be feasted upon. The exhibits are well done and capture the imagination. For those old enough to remember, Griffith Observatory was the site of the unforgettable climax in the film ‘Rebel Without a Cause’, starring James Dean and it has a working Tesla Coil.
The Griffith Observatory is an amazing place, filled with spectacular exhibits but, The Observatory can get very crowded, so its recommended to attend on a weekday, that way you’ll be able to see all the shows, and you’ll have great visual access to all the exhibits. The weekends are ridiculously packed, shows are sold out, and you can barely see the exhibits. If you can, bring a lunch, because the cafes food isn’t all that great. If you’re staying at a Los Angeles cheap hotel and can’t pack your lunch, just make a quick stop at a deli and order food to go. Unfortunately, there’s no picnicking outside on the exquisite lawn, but you’re allowed to eat your own food in the cafe.
The best time to arrive though is after sunset, this way you won’t have to worry about lunch at all. After sunset, you’ll be able to look through the telescope located on the roof of the Observatory and actually see the rings of Saturn, the gas storms on Jupiter, or the craters on the moon. Be patient, because the line to the roof tends to be long. If you don’t want to wait, then head back down to the lower levels and go to The Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon which shows a free documentary film about the Observatory itself; it’s a great way to get the scoop on the Observatory.
Griffith Observatory is a well-known treasure for Los Angeles and all its residents, and it will become your special treasure also, even if you are there during very crowded conditions , the Observatory seems to make that seem like that’s how it’s supposed to be.
