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Griffith Park and Observatory - Los Angeles Hotels .com

High on Mount Hollywood overlooking the city, the imposing, art-deco Griffith Park Observatory stands majestically, just one feature of this gorgeous, ever-popular park, which offers a tranquil, natural space a world apart from the crowds and traffic of Los Angeles County.

Griffith Park is the largest city-run park in the United States, covering more than 4,000 acres in the Hollywood Hills. It remains a largely rugged, natural space. It is accessible via several entries through the neighborhoods at the foot of the hills. Come here for a day of hiking and picnicking: hiking maps can be obtained from the Ranger Station (4730 Crystal Springs Drive).

During the busy summer season, the Griffith Park Observatory -- the park's biggest attraction -- is accessible only via shuttle, and you need have a pre-paid reservation. (Call the reservation hotline at 1-888-695-0888 to reserve a shuttle spot and pay for entry to the observatory itself.) Once inside, enjoy the public telescopes and sit in on a fascinating planetarium show.

Griffith Park is also home to the Los Angeles Zoo, the Museum of the American West, and the beautiful, open-air Greek Theater.

URL: http://www.lacity.org/rap/dos/parks/griffithPK/index.htm