Discovering The Griffith Observatory Hiking Trails
If you’re looking for a fun and healthy outdoor activity in Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory hiking trails are definitely worth a visit. Located in Griffith Park, the largest urban park in the United States, this iconic landmark offers stunning views of the city, diverse flora and fauna, and a variety of hiking options for all levels of fitness. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that you can enjoy in and around the Griffith Observatory hiking trails.
Top Attractions
The Griffith Observatory itself is a must-see attraction, with its iconic Art Deco architecture, planetarium shows, and interactive exhibits about astronomy, space exploration, and the history of the observatory. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium offers daily shows that simulate the night sky and take you on a journey through space and time. Outside the observatory, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Hollywood Sign, the Los Angeles Basin, and the Pacific Ocean from various scenic spots, such as the West Terrace, the East Observatory Deck, and the Griffith Observatory Lawn.
Hidden Gems
One of the hidden gems of Griffith Park is the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. This historic carousel, built in 1926, features 68 hand-carved horses and is a favorite spot for families and nostalgia lovers. Another hidden gem is the Fern Dell Nature Center, a shaded trail that winds through a lush canyon and features a variety of ferns, flowers, and birds. The Griffith Observatory hiking trails also offer some hidden gems, such as the Berlin Forest Trail, which takes you through a quiet wooded area with beautiful views of the city, and the Old Zoo Trail, which leads you to the abandoned cages and ruins of the old Griffith Park Zoo.
Food Scene
If you’re hungry after a hike, there are several food options near the Griffith Observatory. The Café at the End of the Universe, located inside the observatory, offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks, as well as a panoramic view of the city. The Trails Café, located near the Fern Dell Nature Center, offers a rustic outdoor setting and a menu of organic coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and salads. For a more upscale dining experience, you can try the Tam O’Shanter, a Scottish-themed restaurant that has been serving traditional fare since 1922.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re on a budget, the Griffith Observatory hiking trails offer plenty of free activities. Admission to the observatory and its exhibits is free, although there is a fee for planetarium shows. Parking at the observatory is also free, but it can be crowded on weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, you can visit the observatory on weekdays or early in the morning. Another budget-friendly option is to bring your own snacks and water, as there are no vending machines or water fountains on the hiking trails.
Outdoor Adventures
The Griffith Observatory hiking trails offer a variety of outdoor adventures, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the Griffith Observatory Loop, a 2.5-mile loop that takes you around the observatory and offers panoramic views of the city; the Charlie Turner Trail, a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the summit of Mount Hollywood and offers 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding mountains; and the Bronson Caves Trail, a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the famous cave featured in many Hollywood movies and TV shows.
Historical Landmarks
The Griffith Observatory itself is a historical landmark, as it was built in 1935 and has been featured in many movies and TV shows, such as Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land. The observatory is also home to several historical artifacts, such as the Foucault Pendulum, a device that demonstrates the rotation of the Earth, and the Tesla Coil, a high-voltage electrical generator. Another historical landmark in Griffith Park is the Greek Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater built in 1929 that has hosted many famous musicians and performers.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Griffith Observatory hiking trails offer many family-friendly activities, such as the Planetarium shows, the interactive exhibits, and the telescope viewing sessions. The Fern Dell Nature Center also offers a variety of educational programs, such as bird-watching tours, nature walks, and craft workshops. The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round is another favorite family attraction, as well as the Shane’s Inspiration Playground, a fully accessible playground designed for children with disabilities.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, you can explore some of the lesser-known trails in Griffith Park, such as the Amir’s Garden Trail, a peaceful oasis with a variety of flowers, trees, and benches; the Skyline Trail, a challenging hike with steep inclines and stunning views; and the Mount Hollywood Trail, a less crowded and more scenic alternative to the Charlie Turner Trail. You can also visit the Autry Museum of the American West, located near the Griffith Observatory, which features exhibits about the history and culture of the American West.
Natural Wonders
The Griffith Observatory hiking trails offer many natural wonders, such as the Griffith Park Observatory Lawn, a grassy area with picnic tables, benches, and a panoramic view of the city; the Bird Sanctuary, a peaceful pond surrounded by trees and birds; and the Mineral Wells Trail, a scenic trail that leads you to a natural spring and a variety of wildflowers and plants. You can also explore the nearby Griffith Park Zoo, which has been abandoned since 1966 and is now a popular spot for urban exploring and photography.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Griffith Observatory is not only a popular daytime destination, but also a vibrant nightlife spot. Every month, the observatory hosts a free public star party, where amateur astronomers and stargazers can observe the night sky through telescopes and learn about the constellations, planets, and galaxies. The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as live music, movie screenings, and holiday festivals. For a more adult-oriented nightlife experience, you can try the nearby bars and clubs in Los Feliz, such as the Dresden Room, a vintage lounge with live music, or the Good Luck Bar, a trendy cocktail bar with a Chinese theme.
Local Markets
If you’re interested in local markets, you can visit the nearby Los Feliz Farmers Market, which offers a variety of fresh produce, artisanal food, and handmade crafts. The market is open every Sunday from 9am to 2pm and is located at the intersection of Hillhurst Avenue and Vermont Avenue. Another local market worth visiting is the Silver Lake Farmers Market, which is open every Tuesday from 2pm to 7:30pm and features live music, food trucks, and a variety of fresh and organic produce.
Beaches and Mountains
Although the Griffith Observatory hiking trails are located in the heart of Los Angeles, you can still enjoy some beach and mountain activities nearby. The closest beach is Santa Monica Beach, which is about 30 minutes away by car and offers a variety of water sports, bike rentals, and beachfront restaurants. The closest mountain range is the San Gabriel Mountains, which are visible from the Griffith Observatory and offer a variety of hiking, skiing, and camping options. Some popular destinations in the San Gabriel Mountains include Mount Baldy, Angeles National Forest, and Crystal Lake.
Cultural Immersion
The Griffith Observatory hiking trails offer many opportunities for cultural immersion, as they are located in a diverse and vibrant area of Los Angeles. You can explore the nearby neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Echo Park, which offer a variety of cultural attractions, such as art galleries, theaters, music venues, and street art. You can also attend some of the cultural events and festivals that take place in Griffith Park and the surrounding areas, such as the Los Angeles County Fair, the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival, and the Echo Park Rising Music Festival.
Art and Music Scene
If you’re interested in the art and music scene, you can visit some of the nearby galleries and museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Hammer Museum, and the Getty Center. You can also attend some of the live music performances and concerts that take place in Griffith Park and the surrounding areas, such as the Hollywood Bowl, the Greek Theatre, and the Ford Amphitheatre. For a more alternative and underground music scene, you can explore the nearby neighborhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park, which are known for their indie and experimental music scenes.
Walking Tours
If you’re interested in walking tours, you can join some of the guided tours that take place in Griffith Park and the surrounding areas, such as the Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tours, which offer guided tours of historic landmarks and architectural marvels in Los Angeles, or the Griffith Park Walking Tours, which offer guided tours of the Griffith Observatory and its surroundings. You can also create