Whether you’re a Tourist or a Townie, there’s always something different and fun to do in the Los Angeles area.  But the cost of fun in the City of Angels can add up fast.  Below is number 9 in a series of 25 things to do in Los Angeles that will cost $25 or less.

“Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven,

Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels.”

― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The City of Angels is known world-wide for the many stars who live here, but they’re vastly outnumbered by the ones that inhabit the night sky.  If you live in this sprawling metropolis, you probably can’t see them through the haze of pollution and manmade light.  Not to worry.  It’s a short trip up the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park to the Griffith Observatory where you can stargaze to your heart’s content.

The Griffith Observatory, designed in the Art Deco style by architects John C. Austin and Frederick M. Ashley, opened to the public in 1935.  It was created to educate and inspire people to study and contemplate “space, the final frontier” through its numerous programs on astronomy and, in more modern times, space exploration.  The observatory operated continuously until 2002, when it closed for a major renovation and expansion, and reopened in 2006.

All programs and events in the observatory are free, as is the ample parking.  There’s no need to make reservations.  Just walk right in.  They do charge a nominal fee for programs in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.  Free public telescopes are available for use every evening when the observatory is open and the skies are clear, and their knowledgeable volunteers are happy to assist you.  Monthly “star parties” provide an opportunity for families to view the sun, moon, planets and other celestial bodies through a variety of telescopes – all free of charge.

Check the Griffith Observatory website for information on their programs, special events and hours of operation.

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 1

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 2

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 3

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 4

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 5

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 6

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 7

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 8

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 9

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 10

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 11

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 12

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 13

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 14

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 15

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 16

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 17

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 18

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 19

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 20

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 21

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 22

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 23

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 24

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 25