Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, California, USA

October 28, 2023

Named after Griffith J. Griffith (cool name), who donated the over three thousand acres on which it sits, the Griffith Observatory is the place to go for extensive views of Los Angeles and the nearby Hollywood hills. Opened in 1935, it is a beautiful deco style building that has featured in numerous movies, perhaps most famously in Rebel Without a Cause and more recently in La La Land.

Griffith’s legacy was marred by his notorious shooting of his wife in 1903. The shot did not kill her but left her disfigured and she lost her right eye. He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to commit murder. However, under cross-examination, his wife testified that Griffith was subject to paranoid delusions. Consequently, he was convicted of the lesser charge of assault with a deadly weapon and sentenced to two years in San Quentin State Prison.

We parked down the hill In the surrounding parklands and along with our son, Jake, started the long winding walk up to the observatory.

Along with the amazing views, the Observatory also offers informative space and science related exhibits, that include a Tesla coil

And a piece of moon rock

The observatory is surrounded by beautiful decks from which to enjoy the views.