Griffith Park Observatory, Los Angeles

Griffith Park is a huge municipal park at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Feliz neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California. The park offers the perfect afternoon escape from the chaos of the city. You can drive straight into the park, leave the car at the top of the hill and head out for a hike, picnic or just to admire the view. We parked up and wandered out on the Hollywood trail, the view was truly spectacular. Along the Hollywood trail you can stop and look across at the Hollywood sign, the whole trail winds around the hills, it’s dusty underfoot with a gradual incline so is suitable for a moderate walk, though probably best not to wear flip-flops. I wore my new-to-me vintage dress I bought at the Rose Bowl (more Rose Bowl shares in a later post) We stopped to take in the view before heading back to the Griffith Observatory for a much needed drink!  We sat on the balcony at the observatory,  sipped sodas and laughed about previous travel adventures. The nature around the park was beautiful, I love the luscious succulent plants and Birds of Paradise flowers planted around the grounds of the observatory. Griffith Park is the second-largest city park in California, after Mission Trails Preserve in San Diego. The Griffith Observatory sits on top of the hill, just near the car park so it’s easy to get to. All hiking trails and mountain roads close at sunset. Ample free parking is available on the south side off of Vermont Canyon Road inside the park; cars can be left parked at the parking lot next to the Greek Theater until 10:30 p.m.  . Griffith Observatory was officially opened in 1935 and has been used by scientists ever since, the observatory is free and open to the public. As well as science the stunning 1930’s style building has been used in heaps of films including every gals favourite 1955 classic Rebel Without a Cause. The Griffith Park Observatory is the ideal location for a mid afternoon hang out, the view across Los Angeles is incredible. You can really see the grid system, the long straight roads span as far as the eye can see. You can clearly see the smog over the city caused by car fumes, the park offers a welcome expanse of nature in the otherwise sprawling city. Christine