Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles (must see)

Griffith Observatory, situated in Los Angeles, can be found on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood within Griffith Park. From this vantage point, it offers panoramic vistas of the Los Angeles Basin, encompassing Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. This observatory is a renowned tourist destination, featuring an up-close view of the iconic Hollywood Sign and an extensive collection of exhibits related to space and science. It bears the name of its generous patron, Griffith Jenkins Griffith. Since its inauguration in 1935, entrance to the observatory has remained free, as stipulated in Griffith's will.

Since its opening in 1935, more than 7 million people have had the opportunity to peer through the 12-inch (30.5 centimeters) Zeiss refractor, making it the most widely used telescope by the public. The observatory's interior is dominated by a space-themed motif.

On December 16, 1896, Griffith Jenkins Griffith donated 3,015 acres (12.20 square kilometers) of land surrounding the observatory to the City of Los Angeles. In his will, Griffith allocated funds for the construction of an observatory, exhibition hall, and planetarium on the donated land. His objective was to democratize astronomy, challenging the prevailing notion that observatories should be situated in remote mountain locations and reserved solely for scientists.

The observatory is divided into six sections: The Wilder Hall of the Eye, the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky, the W. M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda, the Cosmic Connection, the Gunther Depths of Space Hall, and the Edge of Space Mezzanine.

Visitors are encouraged to take on the role of observers and are provided with opportunities to engage in genuine observational activities in authentic settings. Through exploration of fundamental questions such as what we observe, how we observe it, and why it matters, these exhibits encourage visitors to reflect on their own connection with the universe. Each major exhibition area delves into a distinct facet of human observation of the sky and space.

Why You Should Visit:
Some nice hiking trails and incredible views from the observatory deck – a great place to observe sunset and also the best place to catch the Hollywood sign on a clear day.

Tip:
Eat first/bring snacks and water. The food and drinks are overpriced and also inconsistent in availability.