50 Amazing "Off The Beaten Path " Things To Do In Los Angeles

13. GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY

Sitting high in the Hollywood Hills as if reaching for the starry sky, Griffith Observatory keeps watch over Los Angeles. The beautiful domed building is one of many iconic LA landmarks. Built in the mid 1930's, through gifts and grants bestowed on LA by namesake Griffith J. Griffith, an avid astronomy enthusiast, as a public gathering place to learn about the science of the sky. He's quoted as saying, "If all mankind could look through that (Mt. Wilson) telescope, it would change the world!" And of course, we now know it has; in no small part due to the Zeiss telescope and the Oschin Planetarium located at the observatory. The planetarium show is spectacular and presented with a live narrator. The recent addition of the interactive spaces and halls encourage independent exploration. Once a month there is a docent lead Sunset Walk and Talk which addresses the objects seen in the evening sky and other questions about the observatory and Griffith Park. Explore the larger universe from the Los Angeles sky during your visit.