Los Angeles, the City of Angels, La La Land…this sprawling, infamous metropolis illuminates the dreams of so many around the world.
Aspiring filmmakers dream of one day working in the mythical (and hot, dusty) land of Burbank. Surfers flock to the breaks off the Malibu coastline, star-spotters peer through long lenses while careening along winding Mulholland Drive in an open-topped van hoping for a glimpse to make fan dreams come true.
I moved to LA three years ago and in that time I have ticked quite a number of the proverbial Los Angeles boxes. I’ve walked red carpets, hiked the canyons, cycled the shore, knocked back Champagne at happy hour with celebrities, partied all night in fancy hotel rooms with A-listers, rock-climbed in Malibu, and of course, yarr-ed the weekend away at Catalina Island’s legendary Buccaneer Days.
Standing at the edge of the Griffith Observatory at night and surveying the glittering city might seem like such a simple experience, but it is one that will stay with me for years to come.
If you catch LA on a clear night (and these photos were taken on the clearest night I’ve ever experienced in this city on December 28th, 2016), the twinkling grid conjures thoughts of the Tron Grid, or the night sky flipped upside-down and its stars splashed across the horizon.
The Griffith Observatory is free to enter and explore with Telsa electricity demonstrations and ancient astro-equipment that really is fun for all ages. Dr E.C. Krupp and his team have created a beautiful destination, one you must put on your LA-list.
After taking in the sparkling city below, head to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and experience one of the beautifully crafted shows played on the convex big screen above. It’s the closest you’ll feel to being in space, and try to sit near the middle.
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Ph. (213) 473-0800
www.griffithobservatory.org
DO: Get there early and go for a hike around the park, they close the area at sunset so get a good workout in before you relax and watch the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean from high above one of America’s premier cities.
SEE: A show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and the giant telescope
TRY: The interactive exhibits in the Observatory and the hot food in the cafe
BUY: Something fantastic and space-themed in the gift shop. From properly-proportioned plush planets (try saying that 10 times fast!) to astronaut suits there’s something to fit every age, taste and budget.
Fabulous! You make visiting LA almost a desirable tag for a BucketList! In fact, you have won the toss up!! 😉