Griffith Observatory

[Dreaming of Main St]

I'm going to be leaving LAX on a Friday morning headed toward Bakersfield around 9 am. I'm thinking about going to the Griffith Observatory on the way...for about an hour, mostly to check out the views. I know it's not exactly on my way, but is it crazy to drive that direction at that time of the morning because of local traffic? Are there any other good places to get a glimpse of LA as I'm passing through?

Thanks!

 

[rpbert1]

We went to Griffith Observatory in July/August. drve in the morning, well my cousin drove, traffic was fine, the view is awesome, as long as there is no mist or fog, which apparently can happen in the mornings.

 

[StageTek]

I'm going to be leaving LAX on a Friday morning headed toward Bakersfield around 9 am. I'm thinking about going to the Griffith Observatory on the way...for about an hour, mostly to check out the views. I know it's not exactly on my way, but is it crazy to drive that direction at that time of the morning because of local traffic?

Around 9AM the traffic will be less than between 6AM and 8AM.

Are there any other good places to get a glimpse of LA as I'm passing through?

Thanks!

Are you asking about places to stop along the way to the Observatory? Or just
what to notice as you zip along the freeway? What route are you taking?

 

[Dreaming of Main St]

Sorry - I wasn't very clear - I was wondering if there would be a better place than the observatory to get a good view of LA. We basically just have about an hour or two to spend in the LA area and would like to see the Hollywood sign at least. I've heard the views from the observatory are great, but didn't know if there would be a better option that would be more on our route. I also thought about checking out the Getty Museum but then realized the Observatory might give us a better view. I was originally thinking we'd just leave LAX and take the 405 to the 5 north. I'm traveling with my DH and 2 young kids (5 and 8). I'd love to hear any suggestions if you think there's a quick stop you they might enjoy more.

Thanks!

 

[lcasa]

If you want to see the Hollywood Sign, Griffith is great. You won't get any closer to it unless you hike up to it. The Getty has wonderful views - but not of the Hollywood sign! Also to get to the Getty you have to take a tram, which adds to the time required ( used to be both required parking reservations - check the websites for the most current info . Went to Griffith last Christmas break and had no trouble parking close). The Getty is right off the 405, the observatory takes a bit more time on city streets. Griffith itself has been the site for a number of films including Disney's Rocketeer (the big climax ) - and the tunnel leading to it is the tunnel to ToonTown in Roger Rabbit, so it's fun for that too (show the kids the part where Bennie hits the dip and Jessica falls out of the cab - that's the place). the Getty has great art - very different. For the feel of Hollywood/LA I'd pick Griffith.

 

[Dreaming of Main St]

Thanks! Sounds like Griffith is a good choice!

 

[perlster]

 

[StageTek]

They are two very different experiences and two very different
views. Really hard to say which is best or which you would like
more. Getty is right off the 405, Griffith is in a different direction.

Take the 105 to the 110 North to the 5 North. You’ll be driving
through the busiest freeways in LA and will take you through
downtown, but that will get you there. Take the Western Ave off
ramp and it turns into Los Feliz Blvd. The entrance to the park is
right there.

 

[Dreaming of Main St]

Thanks for the pic of the view. My kids will love to see it!

Thank you for the directions - that's a great help!