Griffith Observatory

I am happy to share that I had a chance to visit L.A.'s gateway to the cosmos...The infamous Griffith Observatory! At this 70+ year old observatory, visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and experience amazing views of the LA skyline and the Hollywood Sign. It's truly a one-of-a-kind spot in L.A. and is worth the long wait for free parking and heavy traffic congestion (even on a random weekday evening). One of my best friend's, Dacia, and I headed out to the Griffith Observatory for a guided "Sunset Walk & Talk" event. Each month the observatory offers a free sunset hike led by a Park Ranger and a Museum Guide. The hike starts on the Observatory's West Terrace and goes about a half of a mile through the Berlin Forest on the hill just north of the Observatory. This guided hike goes at a pretty moderate pace and has stops along the way to discuss the highlights and history of Griffith Park and stars/planets you can see in the nighttime sky. The guides are very warm and friendly and are happy to answer any of your questions. We had Ranger Sherry as our guide and we basically want to be her when we grown up…she really knows her stuff. 

Here are the scheduled Sunset Walk & Talks for the duration of 2015:

July 28 - 7:45-8:45 p.m.
August 25 - 7:20-8:20 p.m.
September 22 - 6:40-7:40 p.m.
October 20 - 6:00-7:00 p.m.
November 24 4:30-5:30 p.m.
December 22 4:35-5:35 p.m.

If you are planning on attending a Sunset Walk & Talk, make sure to dress warm, my friends...and maybe bring some coffee or hot cocoa in a thermos while you're at it. We were freezing our butts off in our light sweaters and sweat pants and definitely should have been better prepared. We only made it on approximately 40% of the hike and had to dip out early because we are total babies and were too cold! These Cali girls clearly don't know how to handle anything below 65 degrees. Yikes.

If you are interested in visiting the Griffith Observatory  -  very highly recommended - the park is open each day from sunrise until 10:00 p.m. Admission to the Observatory building, grounds, telescopes, and parking is always FREE! Don't let the stars continue to shine above you each night without witnessing them at least once from this spectacular view - visit the Griffith Observatory at 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027.