The Griffith Observatory: A Visit

One of the most important places which I wanted to visit while out in the Los Angeles metropolitan area - possibly even the most important place which topped my list - was the Griffith Observatory. This was perched atop a high hill, with views of the surrounding mountains and foothills, including the famed Hollywood sign. Also, a good view of the Los Angeles skyline down below, as well as the neighborhoods which surrounded the city. The cars looked a bit reminiscent of ants from a distance. 

Also, this is a beacon of scientific progress, which we collectively have really come to depend on far mote than most of us care to admit.  As the name suggests, it is an observatory. Or was, since the light pollution from nearby downtown Los Angeles clearly would kill off the vast majority of quality viewing from there. 

Indeed, you can get good views from here. But the days of it being an active telescope are long done. Also, the views that you get often are compromised due to the infamous smog which hovers over the city, and detracts from the air quality. 

So yeah, this ranked very high on my list. Not sure if it was number one, since I really wanted to get out to at least one beach and see the Pacific again, for the first time in years. 

The thing about this place is that it really feels like perhaps the one place which is a must see and can't miss kind of place for the city of Los Angeles proper. Perched atop one of the Hollywood hills next to the city itself, you drive past some truly jaw-dropping neighborhoods which epitomize the incredible wealth and glamor that many people associate with southern California, and particularly this part of it. It is a long and steep climb, and by the time that I got here, it already had felt like a long day. My feet and legs were tired, and my back hurt (I sound old, I know). So when I saw just how far away this place was, and how steep the climb, I gave up hopes of walking there (that had been the original plan) and called an Uber, which swept me up the posh neighborhood at the base of the hill, up winding mountain passes, and finally to the observatory itself. 

It combines a truly spectacular natural setting, and some of the most striking views of the entire area which you are apt to get, with a museum with some amazing and enlightening scientific inventions and discoveries. Upon visiting, you will get to see everything from the various phases of the moon to Foucault's Pendulum to Tesla's Coil, as well as the first telescope ever created, to detailed explanations of much more modern and advanced telescopes and how, exactly, they work. 

Some really fascinating stuff. Plus, architectually speaking, it is a place of interest, as well. A beautiful building with several domes (the actual observatories), and a statue out front that pays tribute to some of the most famous and prominent scientists in world history, but which also serves double function as a sundial. 

All of that and more makes this place fascinating. It had been billed as a can't miss place. After having finally seen it in person, I now would emphasize that even more. Just a must see if you find yourself in or around Los Angeles. Fascinating science, and great views of the surrounding area!

Highly recommended.

Below are some pictures which I took during my visit. Enjoy.