Situated atop Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory commands beautiful views not only of the sprawling city but also of outer space.

  Free to visit, the observatory contains an array of interesting shows and exhibits, making it a great day trip for travelers.
One of Los Angeles’ most popular tourist attractions, the Griffith Observatory, offers the best view of the city, including Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.  Enjoy the view from one of the outside decks or from within Griffith Observatory’s Café at the End of the Universe while enjoying a cool drink, snack or full meal catered by the world-renowned Wolfgang Puck.
The amazing view isn’t all that the Griffith Observatory has to offer.  The building is also home to a number of exciting science and space related exhibits.  One of the first and most popular exhibits is the Foucault pendulum in the W.M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda.  This pendulum swings back and forth while the observatory, with the rest of the world, rotates around it.  The Foucault pendulum was one of the first scientific demonstrations of the Earth’s rotation.
After spending some time watching the Foucault pendulum, visitors can browse the observatory’s other exhibitions.  In the Hall of the Eye, learn about the progression of astronomy over the years.  In the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky, learn about our connection to the Moon and the Sun and check out one of the largest solar telescopes in the US.  Then take a stroll down the Cosmic Connection corridor to the Gunther Depths of Space exhibit gallery and Edge of Space Mezzanine to learn about the new discoveries that have been uncovered since humans began venturing into space.
In the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, visitors are invited to learn about the universe, astronomy and the solar system in a variety of presentations.  The 300-seat planetarium has been recently renovated and features a brand new dome and projector; laser digital projection system, a new sound system and theatrical lighting.  It is the most cutting-edge planetarium in the world.  The observatory is also home to the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon multi-media theater for special and educational events.
Whether you are interested in broadening your imagination by learning about the solar system, outer space and beyond or just want a beautiful view of Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory is a fantastic destination.