The Griffith Observatory is now one of my favorite places in L.A.
I couldn’t help but think the entire time how wonderful it would be to bring my husband and son here (I was traveling with my dad and brother during this trip!) Here are the many different reasons why I love the place and why I’m definitely going back again next time!
You can see the Hollywood Sign from here
The Hollywood sign is one of those iconic things you just have to see when you’re in LA. You need to take a hike to get a closer view but if you literally just want to see it for yourself (and don’t mind looking from a distance,) then The Griffith Observatory is just the place to do that.
Okaaaay, so it’s really super tiny from here but a hike would have been too tiring for my dad (and we didn’t really have time to spare for a hike either) so I would settle for this for now.
They have an AMAZING section on the Solar System
Outer Space was my favorite topic when I was in grade school and I guess this rubbed off on Luke. Or it might be because of all the Space books I got him. Hmm. Either way, Luke LOVES planets and I’m pretty sure he would go crazy when he sees this in person!
I sent him a ton of photos and videos from this section though. He loved them. Haha.
I could spend hours just reading about each of the displays!
One of the things that really piqued my interest was seeing these scales that told you how much you’d weigh on each planet. Pretty neat, huh?
They shot scenes from La La Land here
I absolutely loved La La Land; probably one of the few romantic films I’ve seriously enjoyed (and I swear, it’s not just because of Emma Stone!) But I have a confession: I watched it on my flight home from LA to Manila. So yes, I went to The Griffith before watching La La Land.
I know, it’s like going to New Zealand without having seen a Lord of the Rings movie, right? Ok, not exactly. But still, this is unacceptable. At least now though, I have an excuse to go back. I need to recreate those scenes in my yellow dress. Hehe.
The planetarium is amazing
Ok, promise this my last La La Land reference. But this scene was just amazing, wasn’t it? And it was shot at The Griffith’s Planetarium.
Entrance is free!
Don’t be fooled by the confusing sign (I know, right?) As they say on their website: Admission to the Observatory building, grounds, and telescopes is always FREE! There’s a parking fee of $4/hour if you’re coming up here with your own car but other than that, you are free to explore the place as long as you like.
And if that’s not a good enough reason to come check it out, I don’t know what is!
What are your other favorite spots in Los Angeles? Let me know in the comments below!
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49 Comments
Lizzie
December 18, 2017 at 6:54 pmYour photos are so gorgeous! I went here a few years ago just to see the Hollywood sign I am totally envious of your photos
xx
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 18, 2017 at 9:07 pmIt’s such a nice place isn’t it? <3
Amita
December 18, 2017 at 7:32 pmI’d love to visit the Griffith Observatory, I haven’t been to LA in years so I may just have to make a trip again sometime soon! x
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 18, 2017 at 9:06 pmHey Amita, you should!! It’s a wonderful place!
ANGELEBABY
December 19, 2017 at 2:10 amomg I’ve never actually gone inside haha, need to do that next time. love your photos!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 19, 2017 at 9:58 amWe ALMOST didn’t go in as well! But good thing we did!! You should!!
Tiffany
December 19, 2017 at 4:45 amLooks totally amazing
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 19, 2017 at 9:58 amThanks Tiffany! It was!
Bernice
December 19, 2017 at 11:32 amOmg I loved it there! Great photo opp location
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 19, 2017 at 7:58 pmYes it was perfect for pictures too hehe.
Sheryl
December 19, 2017 at 4:31 pmThis seems like a really fun trip! Would love to visit LA one day.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 19, 2017 at 7:57 pmIt was fun! You should definitely visit!
Yiota
December 19, 2017 at 6:39 pmBeautiful photos and I wish I will be able to travel there someday!! It will be a dream come true
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 19, 2017 at 7:57 pmIf you get to visit LA you should definitely check Griffith Observatory!
Nancy
December 20, 2017 at 12:05 pmThe Griffith Observatory gives a lot of amazing views in LA! I loved going there during the day and night! They have some awesome shows inside and I learned a lot by just walking through the facility. I love shots you took! I didn’t know that there is a parking fee now. Makes sense considering how many people come!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 20, 2017 at 2:29 pmI would looove to watch the shows!! I wanna go back next time!
Ken Patricio
December 20, 2017 at 3:01 pmI love the fact it’s free admission!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 22, 2017 at 3:48 pmThat’s the best, isn’t it? 😉 Haha!
Gail
December 21, 2017 at 1:54 amI went to Griffith Observatory the first time I went to LA. (Since it’s the closest we could get to the Hollywood Sign without trekking). And I must say I loved it! Esp the solar system part and the weighing scale that of which you’ll know how much you weigh per planet. It was amazing. And the view was terrific!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 22, 2017 at 3:47 pmYES same here!!!
Jessica K
December 21, 2017 at 8:08 amFor someone who grew up in LA… I’m ashamed to say that I’ve actually never been to the Griffith Observatory! I LOVE this review.. you did a really good job with the beautiful photos and YES La La Land captured my heart just the same way… what an amazing movie!!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 22, 2017 at 3:47 pmJessica!! You should go to Griffith!!! Hehehe. Love La La Land!!
Hillory
December 21, 2017 at 11:01 pmLooks like such a fun trip, hope you had the best time girly!!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 22, 2017 at 3:47 pmYes it was so much fun!
Tina
December 22, 2017 at 10:55 amI’ve been to the outside of the Griffith Observatory but never inside. Looks awesome!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 22, 2017 at 3:46 pmYou should go in for sure!
Andrea
December 22, 2017 at 5:05 pmI love the photos, and your style!! They are super natural, and I feel like Im talking to a friend when I read your blog. Great content!!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 22, 2017 at 6:12 pmAww thanks Andrea that’s so sweet. That’s really how I want people to read my blog; like talking to a friend! Thanks for the encouragement!
Elisa
December 22, 2017 at 9:57 pmSuch a beautiful place! Definitely something to visit!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 24, 2017 at 4:42 pmYes you should visit Elisa!
Olga
December 22, 2017 at 10:25 pmThis Observatory looks amazing! I love planets and outer space too! You face showing the tiny Hollywood sign is so funny! Thank you for sharing your experience and these amazing pictures with us!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 24, 2017 at 4:42 pmIt’s really amazing Olga! Haha thanks and hope you can visit next time!
Courtney Hardy
December 22, 2017 at 10:49 pmIt sounds like an awesome place to visit.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 24, 2017 at 4:41 pmIt really is!
Jenny
December 22, 2017 at 11:40 pmBeautiful photos! I always thought this was just a place to see the Hollywood sign, I didn’t realize there was so much more to do and see inside! My husband and I both love outer space so I think we’d definitely enjoy checking this out. Thank you for sharing!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 24, 2017 at 4:41 pmYes you should definitely go in!!
Zhanna
December 22, 2017 at 11:55 pmYes, Griffith Observatory is one of the must-see places in LA for sure. It’s also one of the best places to bring your kids to. Next time you are in LA, make sure to have your husband and kid to enjoy the observatory as much as you did.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 24, 2017 at 4:41 pmAgree, I would love to bring my son here next time!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 24, 2017 at 4:42 pmYes, I really wanna bring my son here next time!!
Christine Kong
December 23, 2017 at 3:31 amI love the Griffith Observatory! It is one of my favorite places to go in LA. There’s just something so spectacular about it and I love the views and the proximity to the Hollywood sign. It’s quite busy at times but totally worth it. It’s beautiful!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 24, 2017 at 4:41 pmAgree with everything you said! <3
Katherine Tran
December 24, 2017 at 2:46 amI’ve gone to LA often, but never visited the Griffith Observatory yet! Looks amazing.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 24, 2017 at 4:43 pmYou should go next time you visit!
Carly
December 24, 2017 at 9:01 amThe observatory looks amazing! My son would love it. We’ll have to add it to our must see list when we visit California. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
December 24, 2017 at 4:44 pmYes it’s amazing isn’t it? I’m sure your son would love it!
togel singapura
January 5, 2018 at 10:27 pmwah.. so happy to see you can adventure to this place. it’s really amazing..
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 6, 2018 at 8:45 amYes it was nice!
Mama_telyamzon
December 2, 2019 at 9:49 amI love the attraction and the beautiful photos attract me more . Thanks for this Mommy Sheena! :))
Lezlie Logo
December 3, 2019 at 9:27 pmSuch an amazing place to visit specially the Planetarium,love it coz free entrance ?