Griffith Observatory etc

[woodys_girl]

So our plans changed and we essentially have an almost full day in the LA area before we hit Disney. Since we'll have an early Monday we want to keep it low key. I'm thinking we'll try to hit Walt's Barn, Griffith Observatory, and maybe La Brea Tarpits, time permitting. Does anyone have any advice regarding parking, the amount of time each of these things needs, etc? Anything else we should try to swap out or squeeze in? Kids are 6, 9, and 10.

 

[bbeagle]

Walt's Barn is only open the 3rd SUNDAY of every month from 11am to 3pm.

https://www.carolwood.org/walts-barn/

 

[woodys_girl]

Walt's Barn is only open the 3rd SUNDAY of every month from 11am to 3pm.

https://www.carolwood.org/walts-barn/

Thanks for the link. I did see that. We'll be there the third Sunday. Have you been before?

 

[StageTek]

So our plans changed and we essentially have an almost full day in the LA area before we hit Disney. Since we'll have an early Monday we want to keep it low key. I'm thinking we'll try to hit Walt's Barn, Griffith Observatory, and maybe La Brea Tarpits, time permitting. Does anyone have any advice regarding parking, the amount of time each of these things needs, etc? Anything else we should try to swap out or squeeze in? Kids are 6, 9, and 10.

Parking at Walt's Barn is right next to it. An hour is usually plenty of time.

Observatory parking is also right next to it. The lot at the top of the hill is small and fills up quickly on weekends. It's easy to spend two or three hours there.

There is parking all around the Tar Pits - street and a few lots. It can be a 30 minute walk around or a three hour stay depending on what you want to see.

 

[bbeagle]

Thanks for the link. I did see that. We'll be there the third Sunday. Have you been before?

Unfortunately, no. We've never been there on a third Sunday. For our upcoming trip in February 2024, we will finally be there on a third Sunday. We'll try to make it then.

 

[wabbott]

We've been to Griffth twice, both times to watch the sunset and then stay to see the nightime view across the LA Basin. World class panorama.

 

[woodys_girl]

Parking at Walt's Barn is right next to it. An hour is usually plenty of time.

Observatory parking is also right next to it. The lot at the top of the hill is small and fills up quickly on weekends. It's easy to spend two or three hours there.

There is parking all around the Tar Pits - street and a few lots. It can be a 30 minute walk around or a three hour stay depending on what you want to see.

Thank you. That is very helpful

 

[bcla]

I didn't have a car when I visited last December at night. There was some concert at the Greek Theatre, so parking was at a huge premium.

I took LADOT's DASH Los Feliz/Observatory bus, which is free, although I thought I saw on their website that they had a cheap fare (like 50 cents or 35 cents with a TAP card from cash value). But when I rode the driver said it was free. I remember walking to Hillburst Ave and it's a residential neighborhood where parking is fairly plentiful if you don't wish to deal with the parking lots. And the bus will drop you off right there as opposed to walking from the parking lot of dropping off a group and then looking for parking.

https://www.ladottransit.com/dash/routes/obslf/obslf.html

This says all DASH rides are free (but I suppose not LADOT's non-DASH buses) starting from 2020. But that's at the top but is mentioned a fare later. But I think it's safe to say the notice supersedes the previous info on fares.

https://www.ladottransit.com/dash/

 

[wabbott]

About a month ago, we visited two of my favorite LA area locations, Paradise Cove in Malibu, where Jim Rockford's trailer (The Rockford Files) was located. It's an iconic LA area filming location, and the restaurant there has quite good food.
https://www.paradisecovemalibu.com/home/

Also, you may want to visit Greystone Mansion, another location seen in many TV and movie scenes.
https://www.greystonemansion.org/

Santa Monica Pier is a great place too. The western terminus of US Route 66. History out the wazoo.
https://www.santamonicapier.org/

 

[woodys_girl]

Thank you all for your tips!
Does anyone know of a good picnic spot if we pack a lunch?

 

[DonnerB]

Thank you all for your tips!
Does anyone know of a good picnic spot if we pack a lunch?

The Tar Pits are located within Hancock Park. Plenty of grassy areas and also picnic tables and restrooms. Another option just north of the Tar Pits would be Pan-Pacific Park.

 

[bcla]

Thank you all for your tips!
Does anyone know of a good picnic spot if we pack a lunch?

Where? Some people pack a lunch and eat right on the lawn in front of the observatory. This mentions picnicking three times but doesn't get specific about where in Griffith Park.

https://griffithobservatory.org/explore/griffith-park/

And here's an LA Times article. Very interesting who donated the land and funds to build the observatory.

​

https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-02-19/chris-erskine-la-griffith-park-observatory​

That this place even exists is somewhat of a miracle. The rich hot mess who made it all happen, Griffith J. Griffith, had already donated 3,000 acres for the park. After a visit to Mt. Wilson, the baron said, “If all mankind could look through that telescope, it would change the world.” So he proposed a public telescope for his park.​

​

At the time, Griffith was fresh from prison for shooting his wife, and the city balked at any further dealings with a bossy, alcoholic felon. But as we know, sometimes you can bankroll your redemption. That’s what Griffith managed to do. In his will, he got what he wanted, leaving the money for the observatory and the Greek.​

 

[StageTek]

Thank you all for your tips!
Does anyone know of a good picnic spot if we pack a lunch?

So many good spots in the area.

All around the Tar Pits, a nice little park near the Disney Barn, so many spots in Griffith Park - the famous Disney Merry-Go-Round is one as is the Old Zoo, Lake Hollywood, the Rose Garden at Exposition Park...

 

[DizneyLizzy]

Griffith will be slammed on a weekend. If you aren't going to try for the sunset views, go at opening and plan to spend two hours or so. Have fun!