Griffith Observatory can get very crowded. Went here twice two years apart as part of an organized…read moretour of LA. We did not have to hike going up and parking was not a problem, again because it was an organized tour (our guide/driver remained in the vehicle and dropped us off and picked us up after). Because I was there for only an hour, I was not able to see shows or the planetarium. Exploring the terrace, you'd see the LA skyline as well as the Hollywood sign. Definitely a must visit if you're in LA.

One of socal's most popular attractions and also the most visited public observatory in the world,…read morethis landmark is a must-visit spot in LA for both tourists and locals. It is a pretty easy and simple hike up to the observatory. In my opinion, the best time of day to visit is during sunset. This is the time when my husband and I always visit, even though it can get pretty crowded. From the terrace, outside the observatory, you can see beautiful views of the city, the LA skyline, and the Hollywood sign. The views are definitely one of the major reasons why this spot is so popular. The scenic overlook is also great for taking nice photos. There are some public telescopes as well, which are great for looking into the sky and potentially seeing some stars and planets. Aside from the stunning viewpoints, the observatory has some interesting exhibits built around the idea of how humans observe the universe. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is their highlight and centerpiece. You can experience a blend of science, architecture, skyline views, and cosmic perspectives all in one visit. Admission to the building and exhibits is completely free - no purchase necessary. However, parking is not free. Near the observatory are various paid parking lots and metered parking spots with hourly charges. During peak hours, parking could be a struggle, but it's completely worth it for this spectacular experience. I highly suggest wearing comfortable shoes.

For those who may not know, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, is free from 3 to 5 p.m…read more maybe only on weekdays but maybe weekends too. I am not sure, but most of the information is right, if one is compelled they can fact-broaden my statement. I went to take advantage of this offer but it was June 19th and in honor of the holiday everyone got in for free on this day. But apparently it was a last minute decision. So poor reporting seems to be more like offering information as it comes, not in a malicious way, or incompetent way, more in like the town crier gives what he knows in excitement and it is the responsibility of hearers to know what to do with the information, including vetting it responsibly or accepting it as a gift when given by surprise, even though it could have come in handy earlier. So I entered and I made a beeline to the Butterfly Pavillion. I think it was 12 dollars and worth every single cent. And I write that as a full-blown understatement because exaggeration did not seem the way to go. Like saying this place was worth more than 12 dollars, it was worth the weight of a camel's back in gold. The experience was beautiful. And that statement can be easily understood. I mean butterfly garden + momentary visit= beautiful. But more than that it was a type of beautiful that I had not experience before. It was a new facet of nature's beauty that I experienced. Mostly because I had never interacted with butterflies in this way. For instance, there was a butterfly with wings that were a strong bold blue, almost neon, and for sure, vibrant. Like a royal blue not because it was that shade but because amongst blues it would have palatial lineage in its shade. We were warned that butterflies might be on the ground. And on two experiences two were. The first I encountered was not flying. And the younger members of the experience made sure to announce the butterflies presence and its vulnerability. I feel like sometime in this place's history a butterfly did get stepped on. And for no other reason, than the natural happens. In the second occasion, a butterfly was trying to fly or stand still and could not because the winds made it topple. During that moment a butterfly apparently landed on my back. Man people, if not all, wonder if a butterfly will land on them? And what it would mean? I mean, it could be good news. Saying that a butterfly landing on a person is an omen of disaster does quite fit the visual of the insect and what horror brings. A butterfly did land on my wrist and of course one can't help but feel special. Like, the butterfly chose me and its trying to communicate something. Something important that the universe wants me to hear. What exactly that is? I am not sure. I need to reflect on that later or I will know when the butterfly effects comes clearer in time.

First of all, this museum is epic. The exhibits, the layout, the vibe is spot on. Honestly, this is…read morenext level and the caliber of this museum is beyond even what I could imagine- and look, I've got some high expectations!! Second of all, it is in LA- the heart of it (but not fully the "heart") and I had no idea the Coliseum, LAFC stadium and USC are all Nextdoor!! Which, so awesome but wow be prepared for parking, people and events. And woweee did we have "events" happen during our visit....thanks to the museum's super safe safety protocols, we got sheltered in place for hours. I mean HOURS due to populations outside that were unpredictable, which unfortunately is pretty pervasive in LA. Surprisingly? The PA system or announcement method in the museum was not great. My friend and I had to really strain and get under a speaker to even hear we were locked in. That is concerning. What wasn't concerning however, was the response. We mentioned to a museum worker how we had been there since opening and were concerned. He immediately ushered us into a the members/donors spot that had snacks and refreshments, and a spot to collect ourselves. Everyone seemed calm and the whole operation was finally clearly communicated and all was well. The museums response after was admirable as they situated our tickets and charges for special exhibits after the chaos of the day. The customer service is very impressive. Please visit! Just remember: LA Okay thanks bye!

We love this place. We've been coming here for years. They have a lot of staff that are nice and…read morehelpful. Bathrooms are clean even my kid said it was Clean but she's kind of never says a lot of really dirty bathrooms in Los Angeles.. Can't wait for the space shuttle to be seen in its new home. We loved it in the old one. We love the exhibits that roll through here. Just a really great spot. My only complaint is the Parking $20 - come on. It's kind of a weird Maze the first few times you go there. You'll see. Thank you.

Came here with a little crew and took in the mummies in 3D IMAX right across from this particular…read morebuilding. Since so many of us were starting to die of hunger, we opted to just take in the film about the mummies today, with the return visit promise for the exhibit itself. However, we did venture about and take in many open exhibits that you literally can just go inside and check out. This is a very interesting science center both for adults and kids alike. Will be back soon to check out the Mummies Exhibit. I believe you have till September to get in here and check it out.

We spent 2 hours here, but could have spent so much more time if we didn't have a deadline. We went…read moreon the free day (first Friday of the month), but with that free ticket you only get 2 to 3 hours in the afternoon before the place closes, so it's a great taster to make you want to come again! Our kids ages 2 to 7 all had a great time! There was so much to do, from walking through the river and doing water play, to sand play in the pretend lake, to crafts (that we didn't have time for), to climbing equipment, and building/engineering/physics activities. Plenty of things to do both indoor and outdoor. The physics section is great for older kids too, even middle school (but the rest of the museum is definitely geared to elementary).

The Kidspace Museum in Pasadena is one of the better children's interactive museums we've been to…read more It has a huge, shared parking lot near Rose Bowl Stadium. Outside, there are two adjacent outdoor kid's playgrounds. Near the entrance they have juice and fruit vendors and a balloonist. Entry fee is very reasonable at under $50 for family of three with in-and-out privileges. Inside the museum, its like 80% outdoor exhibits and 20% indoor. They have an onsite cafe and food vendors throughout. The outdoor exhibits has a park area dedicated to physics. You'll see fans, pulleys, etc. to help your child appreciate scientific concepts while having fun. They also have tie-dye stations, climbing structures, tricycle race tracks, live music, and my son's favorites - the sandbox and pretend farmer's market and veggie patch. I noted lots of friendly staff dressed as camp rangers working with the kids and maintaining order with a smile, which is huge. Inside the buildings, you'll see traditional kid activities like toy trains, quiet reading areas, legos, and even more climbing structures. Looking forward to coming back next time we're in the area. The in-and-out policy is nice since they have lots of nearby offsite restaurants in nearby Old Pasadena.

It's sad that this planetarium was closed for renovations and then Covid happened and ever since…read more2020 they never re-opened. When you go to their website it says "temporarily closed" however being closed for going on 6 years does not seem like it's temporary - which is unfortunate!

Found this on Yelp and so happy to have gone tonight! I've gone to the planetarium at Mt. SAC, but…read moreit's really far to me now in Long Beach. This is close and convenient to the 22. The show we went to tonight was really cool and interesting. Patricia Sullivan hosted and she was fun, welcoming and made things easy to understand. Loved seeing the constellations projected onto the planetarium dome and then there was an awesome presentation about the solar system afterward. I'll definitely be back! I only gave four stars because I was hoping/looking forward to a Night Sky Live that was included in the program notes, but it didn't happen. I would also love to look through telescopes, so not sure if that's a different program altogether.

This is a must visit for all Angelenos and tourists and anyone interested in matters earthly and…read moreuniversal. We did the 2+ hour docent tour, worth every penny. Everyone here is a volunteer (docents, scientists, and all) so they rely on donations and purchases of merch and all the really special events they plan. You need to get a $5 daily pass to park in the lot since it's a national forest. Easy to get at the Cosmic Cafe upon arrival. Sign up online for their newsletter so you can be in the know of some very cool happenings at the observatory.

We did the private tour of the observatory, and let me tell you it was so worth it. I booked the…read moreprivate tour as an anniversary gift for my husband, he's a physicist and I knew this would be right up his alley. The tour guide was so friendly and knowledgeable about the observatory. The tour takes you through several parts of the observatory with experts at each stopping point. As someone who isn't into physics, I can honestly say I actually had a blast. There's also a small cafe that serves sandwiches and soups that was also really good. The observatory and cafe are open only during part of the year, so definitely check out their site for the hours.

I highly recommend their live night telescope viewing…read more Jim, their resident Astronomer is the best. He knows more about astronomy, interplanetary science, and the solar system than it should be legal to know. Plus he is a nice guy who is willing to share his knowledge. Jim also used to build propulsion rockets for the Space Shuttle flights. I learned so much from his 2 hour seminar and hands on viewing. I may even go out and buy a telescope now he got me so excited. Parking was easy and free at the meters on Pico after 6 PM. The Planetarium is on the 2nd Floor of the John Drescher building. After the class where he points out what you are going to see, everyone walks outside together to the viewing area where his associates set up multiple telescopes. Wear walking shoes, dress warm, eyeglasses or no-glasses are fine for viewing, bring cash only for the event, and have a coffee before coming. Because when you sit in those comfortable theater seats, recline back to see the dome, and he turns off all the lights...I don't know about you...

This is a small, low-key planetarium show led by a passionate, knowledgeable, engaging, and funny…read moreamateur astronomer, Jim. Jim's enthusiasm for space exploration and astronomy is infectious and you leave the planetarium show with a renewed sense of wonder at all the mysteries right above us. Street parking is really easy to find the night of the show and sometimes volunteers bring their own telescopes for night sky viewing. I've seen some really incredible things at the night sky viewings: sunlight slowly filling the craters on the moon, the rings of saturn, a double star-system, and the "star nursery" in the Orion Nebula. Whenever I leave the show, I feel like I was in on some special secret. Oh, and if you can't tell by the address, this is at Santa Monica College

Highly recommend a visit to the Broad. Weekend parking was easy--there's a flat $10 fee at the…read moreMusic Center garage directly across from the museum, which was a pleasant surprise after trying the Broads garage which was full. We came specifically for Yoko Ono's exhibit and really enjoyed it. I love how interactive her work is. Art is so much about intention and narrative, and you can feel her lifelong dedication to peace and thoughtful reflection on society throughout the exhibit. The Broad's permanent collection is excellent, and the space itself is open, airy, and very cool. General admission is free (you have to sign up for time slot entrance), but we paid $21 per person for the Yoko Ono exhibit. Once you're in for the special exhibit, you also have access to the museum's general collection on the third floor. Overall, it's a fantastic museum and well worth a visit, whether you're coming for a special exhibition or just to enjoy the Broad's impressive collection.

I was upset when Eli Broad decided not to donate his artwork to LACMA for the BCAM building…read more However, his branching out on his own to build The Broad and make it FREE has made up for it. The artwork that I remember from the BCAM is now here, along with other pieces from the vast Broad collection. You can book free tickets online ahead of time, though there is an additional charge for special exhibits, like the current Yoko Ono one. There are free Thursdays which give you entry to the special exhibits gratis, but you must book those tickets ahead of time. The staff are very friendly and handle the lines professionally. The architecture of the building is very interesting, with a dramatic escalator entry to the second floor to see the collection. You can see artwork from Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Ed Ruscha, Kara Walker and so much more. We rode the Metro here and were able to avoid the expensive parking. Bonus!