The Griffith Observatory - Los Angeles, California

Address:2800 E Observatory Rd.
Los Angeles, California
Tel: (323) 664-1181

One of Southern California's most popular attractions, the Griffith Observatory is an astronomy Mecca and an L.A. icon. With its incredible technology, exhibits, and fantastic views of L.A., the observatory is a chance for visitors to travel through space and take the time out to gaze at the stars.

Sitting on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in L.A.'s Griffith Park, the Observatory is a popular tourist attraction featuring an extensive array of space - and science-related displays. The land on which the observatory stands was donated to the City of Los Angeles by Col. Griffith J. Griffith, in 1896. In his will, Griffith donated funds to build an observatory, exhibit hall, and planetarium. Today, the charm of the original building is preserved, and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium theater is the finest planetarium in the world with its new dome, star projector, sound system, and lighting. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the Griffith Observatory's public star parties and high quality public telescopes. In addition to the planetarium, kids will love the large colorful photographic model of Mars; a giant six-foot 3D moon globe complete with craters and seas. They'll also enjoy a display on the history of the Griffith Observatory. And they'll be wowed by the genuine Mars rock. Teen-age movie fans will want to see the bust of James Dean. Prepare them for your Observatory visit with a viewing of "Rebel Without a Cause!"

Once you get your head out of the stars, check out The Café at the End of the Universe for a cool drink, a full meal or dessert. The main parking area, for those with shuttle reservations, is the Griffith Observatory Satellite parking lot, just south of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens in eastern Griffith Park. The satellite is located at 4800 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90027. Remember, access to the Observatory is by reservation only, so be sure to plan ahead for this unforgettable astronomy getaway!

Exploring the Observatory's past starts with namesake Griffith J. Griffith, whose plan for a public observatory was as visionary as it was audacious. From Griffith's bequest in 1919 to the Observatory's dedication on May 14, 1935, the story shifts to the astronomers, architects, and public leaders who made his vision to reality. From there, the Observatory welcomed 70 million visitors and became the world's leader in public astronomy, a story told in the context of the building's four Directors