After undergoing major renovations over the course of four years, the Griffith Observatory reopened to the public in 2006 featuring changes like the brand-new 300-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium, expanded public spaces including a multi-level exhibit gallery, and improved access in and around the building. While admission to the Observatory itself is free and open Tuesday through Sunday, you do need to buy tickets to see one of the three shows in the Planetarium (prices range from $3-$7 for visitors over 5 years old, children younger than five can sit on a lap for free). The Observatory is great, it’s worth a visit just for the views, or the starting spot for a nice hike! This is one of our favorite places to bring out-of-town guests, as you can see everything from the Hollywood sign to DTLA to the Pacific, and we love watching the hypnotic Foucault Pendulum as it demonstrates the Earth’s rotation. Pro tip: the weekends can get very crowded with hikers and tourists, so people tend to park along the street leading up to the Observatory, but there are usually spots available in the parking lot at the top of the hill! http://www.griffithobservatory.org/

Jackie, her boyfriend, and Olivia during boyfriend’s visit to LA over the holidays. Like I said, great views!