A stunning view of Griffith Observatory, an iconic Los Angeles landmark, situated atop a hill with a beautiful cityscape backdrop

Did You Know?

Did you know that Los Angeles is often called the "Entertainment Capital of the World"? The city is renowned for its thriving entertainment industry, including Hollywood, which is the center of the American film and television industry. Many iconic movies, TV shows, and music albums have originated in Los Angeles.

Did you know that Los Angeles has a rich cultural scene and hosts numerous museums and art galleries? The Getty Center, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County are just a few examples of the city's world-class cultural institutions. These venues showcase a wide range of art, history, and scientific exhibits.

Did you know that Los Angeles is home to the largest county park system in the United States? The Los Angeles County Park system comprises over 400 parks, covering approximately 69,000 acres (28,000 hectares) of land. These parks offer a wide array of recreational activities, from hiking and picnicking to sports and cultural events.

Did you know that Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States? With a population of over 3.9 million people, it is surpassed only by New York City. Los Angeles is a diverse and vibrant metropolis that encompasses a wide range of neighborhoods, cultures, and industries.

Did you know that Los Angeles has the world's busiest origin and destination airport? Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports globally, with millions of travelers passing through each year. It serves as a major gateway to international destinations and is a hub for various airlines.

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Griffith Observatory

We should all pay homage to Griffith J. Griffith. He looked into the night sky through a telescope and saw the stars, and he believed that everyone should have that privilege. “I want to make astronomy accessible to the public,” Griffiths said, and he did. His observatory on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles, opened in 1935, free to the public.

To this day, the Griffith Observatory, a visually arresting blend of Greek Revival and Art Deco design, in Griffith Park, does not charge for admission. Visitors have the best view of the Hollywood Sign from up here (no need for a telescope to see that giant work of letters), as well as seeing a superb panorama of much of Los Angeles.

The Griffith Observatory offers a planetarium, exhibits, live shows, a café and gift shop, and the ability to look through one of its telescopes. Watch a bit of ethereal entertainment in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater. The Griffith Observatory is a gift to this planet, as it studies others, like showing live coverage of the 2008 Phoenix spacecraft landing on Mars!