DLR to Griffith Observatory and/or beach

[Cameo]

We are visiting DLR over Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend and will have one day off to do whatever. My daughter would like to see Griffith Observatory. It would be either Saturday afternoon/evening or Sunday afternoon/evening. Looks like you drive straight through LA to get there from DLR. Is there anything we should be aware of while making that trip?

Also, we would like to get to the beach on the same day. Any good advice on how to combine both activities into one day? We will likely be renting a car from the Downtown Disney location.

 

[Geemo]

I'm not from So.Cal so I can't tell you what to beware of...
But here is a link to traffic flow.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/feature?section=resources/traffic&id=5780760

I think you should have a fairly nice view of the city lights from Griffith Park.

Geemo

 

[Cameo]

Any more thoughts, anyone? Thanks!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I think that if you're going to the Griffith Park Observatory, you'll be close enough to the west beaches, which include the Santa Monica Beach & Pier. Probably the best way to get there would be to take the 5 fwy to the 101, and then the Vermont exit - go to the hills, and that will take you right to the Observatory.

Only thing you really need to pay attention to is traffic, especially when going through Downtown LA.

I'm going to move this over to our So Cal section

 

[AngieMouse86]

We are visiting DLR over Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend and will have one day off to do whatever. My daughter would like to see Griffith Observatory. It would be either Saturday afternoon/evening or Sunday afternoon/evening. Looks like you drive straight through LA to get there from DLR. Is there anything we should be aware of while making that trip?

Also, we would like to get to the beach on the same day. Any good advice on how to combine both activities into one day? We will likely be renting a car from the Downtown Disney location.

Are you interested in the beach for swimming or just atmosphere? Santa Monica is a fun area, small amusements at the pier, lots of restaurants nearby and a big shopping area, but not the best beach. The water quality gets tested fine but it doesn't look inviting and no one I know swims there. But the diversions there are fun, but if you're going for the water, I'd go elsewhere. Newport Beach is very nice and near DL.

If you do go to Santa Monica or other nearby beach, enjoy yourselves there and then make your way to the Observatory afterwards. While traffic really starts to ramp up in both East/West directions around 3pm, the Observatory is open until 10p on weekends and is so much better at night, a real treat. I am spoiled to live just below it, at the base of the hill.

I think that if you're going to the Griffith Park Observatory, you'll be close enough to the west beaches, which include the Santa Monica Beach & Pier. Probably the best way to get there would be to take the 5 fwy to the 101, and then the Vermont exit - go to the hills, and that will take you right to the Observatory.

Yep, just keep going straight up Vermont and when you cross Los Feliz Blvd, there will signage directing you to the Observatory.