Griffith Observatory is one of the most-visited sites in Los Angeles  by both locals & tourists.  If you’re coming to LA, then this should be a must-see on your list.

Not really interested in astronomy?

Not to worry! Here are 11 fun things to see at Griffith Observatory without ever stepping foot inside!

#1 The Astronomers Monument

The Astronomers Monument features the 6 most influential astronomers in history.

These astronomers were Greek astronomer Hipparchus (about 125 B.C.), Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543), Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), Isaac Newton (1642-1727), and William Herschel (1738-1822).

Atop of the Astronomers Monument is a 900 lb. bronze armillary sphere. An armillary sphere was the dominant, astronomical instrument to determine the position of the planets & stars before the invention of the telescope.

The base of the Astronomers Monument is in the shape of a star, so if you’re looking at Griffith Observatory from space (or from a drone), you see the star.

#2 Sundial

In front of the Astronomers Monument is a sundial.  This sundial is beautiful, easy to use & accurate.  The sun hits a wire, the shadow shows the time.  Easy-peasy!

#3 Solar System

On the ground in front of the steps to the Observatory’s entrance is the sun and a scaled model of the planets’ orbits around the sun. As you are walking to the Observatory from the parking lot, you might look down to see the orbit of some of the planets farthest from the sun, like Uranus and Pluto. 

#4 Sunset and Moonset Radial Lines

On the west side of the Observatory, next to the Gottlieb Transit Corridor, are 7 bronze & stone lines inlaid in the concrete.  2 lines point to the sunset during the summer & winter solstices.  2 lines point to the sunset of the fall and spring equinoxes. The remaining 3 lines  are the position of the moon for the major and minor northern and southern standstills.

#5 Admire the Architecture

The observatory is a beautiful, art deco building.  It opened in 1935.

The dome on the east side houses the Zeiss Telescope, currently open to the public for free on weekend evenings. 

The dome on the west side is the coelostat and solar telescopes.  I was lucky that it was open one of the days I was there.  These telescopes are not open to the public.

The center dome is copper and the green is the natural patination of the copper. 

#6 Amazing Views

There are terraces on the east, south and west sides of the Observatory, and the views are AH-MAZ-ING!!  You can see to downtown LA, the hills of Griffith Park and the hiking paths all around the Observatory.

#7 Hollywood Sign

On the northwest side of the Observatory is an excellent view of the Hollywood Sign. 

#8 James Dean Bust

James Dean was an actor in the 1950s.  One of his most notable films was the 1955 movie, Rebel Without a Cause.

By 1955, Griffith Observatory had been featured in many, many movies, but always as something else, never as Griffith Observatory.

Rebel Without a Cause was the first movie to feature Griffith Observatory as Griffith Observatory. 

James Dean’s bust is to honor his contribution to the movie and to Griffith Observatory.

#9 Take a Hike

There are many hiking trails around Griffith Observatory. If you’re not sure which one to take, start with trail directly north of the parking lot, in the opposite direction of the Observatory.

This is the Charlie Turner Trailhead.  The map at the entrance to the trailhead shows all your hiking options.

Even if you don’t want to take a hike, I would encourage you to head a little way up the Charlie Turner Trailhead, about 200 yards or so.

First, you will see more great views of the Hollywood sign.

After about 200 yards, you’ll come to the Berlin Forest. 

Berlin has been a sister city to Los Angeles since 1967. In 1992, to celebrate the 25th anniversary, city officials planted a “Los Angeles forest” in Berlin, and Berliners planted a “Berlin Forest” in Griffith Park.  

At the time, the “forest” was a few pine saplings.  But those saplings have grown into wonderful pine trees, providing lots of shade to the area.

This year marks 55 years that Los Angeles and Berlin have been sister cities, so sit on one of the benches in the Berlin forest and enjoy the shade & the views. 

#10 Have a Picnic on the Lawn

a large, grass yard is in front of the observatory, surrounding the Astronomer’s monument.  Families and friends spread out blankets on the ground and enjoy a picnic lunch.   On warm days, this is a very fun and festive place to be.

#11 Gottlieb Transit Corridor

The Gottlieb Transit Corridor is one of my favorite exhibits at Griffith Observatory.

Transit, when referring to astronomy, refers to the sun crossing the local meridian.  Before the sun crosses the meridian is Ante Meridiem.  After the sun crosses the meridian is Post Meridiem.

Ante Meridiem = AM

Post Meridiem = PM

The magic of the Gottlieb Transit Corridor happens at noon Standard time or 1:00 pm Daylight Savings time.

The bronze arch is the local meridian. 

Beside the bronze arch is a board that displays the constellations.  We know that stars are out during the day, but we can’t see them, because the sun is so bright.

The sun’s light passes through a foil and reflects a circular shape onto the bronze arch.  As the sun transits, the light crosses the bronze meridian.

When the sun hits the center of the meridian, the light triggers a sensor.  The sensor lights up the constellations on the board. 

The constellations remain on until the sun has completed transiting the meridian.  Then, they wink out.

It is very, very cool to see. If you want to see how it works, click on this video.

#12 Bonus

Although I can’t guarantee it, you can often see roses & their riders.

So those are my 11 fun things to see and do at Griffith Observatory, without stepping foot inside!  Have you been to Griffith Observatory?  What was your favorite part?  Leave a comment and let me know!