Griffith Observatory

[TSRE]

Has anyone ever been to the Griffith Observatory? We are going to be at Disneyland for a week, and are thinking of taking a break mid-week to do something that isn't a theme park. We have 2 boys ages 6 & 9. The older one is very interested in science. Would this be a fun half day trip for them? We aren't really interested in the beach (we do that enough already) or Hollywood.

Thanks!

 

[StageTek]

I've been to the Griffith Observatory. It's a great place
to visit for half a day. Plenty do do and see.

 

[MAH4546]

Yes, it is a great place. Fun little museum, awesome planetarium shows and amazing views. Go on a weekday night to get the night time views and smaller crowds (parking can be a pain, especially during the summer). Museum is open until 10PM; last planetarium show is around 9.15PM or so. The museum is free, planetarium shows are cheap, I think $5-$8.

 

[fairycat]

I love Griffith!

Besides the Observatory there is also a Train Musuem, Horse back riding and a few other things to do in the park. The LA Zoo is also right there. Its a nice place to spend the day.

 

[TSRE]

Thanks! Is it still good to see during the day? We want to be back at DL in the evening.

 

[Geeg]

I've been there. We went to LA Zoo. From memory you had to park in the zoo car park and then a shuttle bus takes you up to the Observatory. You are not allowed to drive up there and park any more.

It was fun.

 

[fairycat]

Thanks! Is it still good to see during the day? We want to be back at DL in the evening.

Yes, many things are only open during the day. The only thing you will miss is the night view of the city.

BTW for anyone interested you can see the Hollywood sign up at the Observatory.

 

[Quilter007]

We went in January DS 5 & DS 8 -- they LOVED it!!! They could've stayed for another 5 hours! We got there early & were able to park reasonably close. They do have a cafe if you want lunch. I think you can buy tickets for the shows in advance -- they are only about $5 or $6 a person.

The natural history museum is also a good time and the La Brea Tar Pits.

Katrina

 

[ahecht]

I've been there. We went to LA Zoo. From memory you had to park in the zoo car park and then a shuttle bus takes you up to the Observatory. You are not allowed to drive up there and park any more.

It was fun.

That's not true any more. There is limited parking in the lot at the top of the hill, and quite a bit of parking available on the roads leading up to the observatory (although those require a bit of an uphill walk). Unless you are there on a weekend, you should be able to find parking.

The shuttles from the Zoo and the Hollywood/Highland shopping complex are no longer running, but there is a city bus that runs between the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line and the Observatory on weekends. The bus runs every 35 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The fare is $0.25, $0.10 for seniors and persons with disabilities, and free for small children (4 years and under) bus pass holders. See http://www.ladottransit.com/other/observatoryshuttle/observatoryshuttle.html for more info.