The Autry Museum of the American West

Completed in 1935, the Griffith Observatory is almost as iconic as the Hollywood sign. It appeals to anyone who 'loves space, science, the stunning view of LA and the building’s Art Deco architecture,' says Bonnie Winings, a director of Friends Of The Observatory.

But for film fans, the observatory in Griffith Park may be most recognised as the featured spot in 2016’s magical La La Land dance scene in which actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone waltz through the air under a star-filled sky. Prior to the award-winning film, the Observatory served as the signature location for 1955’s Rebel Without a Cause. James Dean’s new-kid-in-town character tries to impress his classmates inside the planetarium, only to get caught up in a knife fight in the car park.

In an interesting real-life plot twist, Dean commissioned a bust of himself shortly before his death at age 24. That bust is now on prominent display near the front lawn of the Observatory. A lot of fan photos still get taken by that statue, says Winings, 'since the backdrop is also the Hollywood sign'. 

While some simply go to the Observatory for the view (arguably the best in LA), there’s much more to see. The Griffith Observatory presents mind-expanding planetarium shows throughout the year, plus films and special events in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theatre, and hosted telescope parties (check the calendar for details). A nice perk: admission to the Observatory is free.

If you’re eager for a snack before or after your visit, how about a slice of quiche, a crumbly scone, or just a good cup of coffee at the nearby Trails Café - a walk-in eatery nestled amongst the trees? There is parking along the road, but intrepid visitors might prefer the 2-mile walk from the Observatory.

There aren’t many cities where you can listen to live music under a star-studded sky with majestic canyons as your backdrop. Enter the Greek Theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre carved into a hillside of Griffith Park that’s become so iconic for its magical setting and great natural acoustics, it inspired the 2010 film, Get Him to the Greek, starring Russell Brand. (In the movie, a music executive must escort a wayward rock star to—you guessed it—the Greek Theatre, for his first stop on a career-defining concert tour.)

The Greek Theatre has a rich history of its own. Upon his death in 1919, Colonel Griffith J. Griffith left a $1 million trust to the City of Los Angeles with instructions to construct an observatory and an outdoor theatre with Greek columns. Though the cornerstone was finally laid in 1928, the venue didn’t host its first act, an operatic concert, until 1931. Over the next few decades, sporadic use caused the Greek Theatre to fall in disrepair. During World War II, it was even converted into military barracks. But renewed interest in the 1970s sparked its resurgence. Since then, the Greek Theatre has hosted a slew of musical legends, including Frank Sinatra and Sir Elton John.

The amphitheatre’s event line-up always promises big names—like Tom Jones, Pete Townshend, and Harry Styles —and with an intimate 5,900-person capacity, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The season only runs from spring to mid-fall, but the theatre, modelled after a Greek temple, is still worth a look-see in the off-season.

Insider tip: Consider pre-ordering one of the picnic baskets for two, filled with Mediterranean-style noshes like hummus, charcuterie, baguettes or Greek salad.

This massive urban park gives youngsters not one, but three, chances to ride trains. (Well, make that four, if you count the L.A. Zoo’s Choo Choo). Tucked in Griffith Park’s northwest corner, you’ll find Travel Town, a transport museum focusing on the history of the Western railroad thru the 1930s. With dozens of vintage train cars lining the campus, some dating as far back as 1880, it’s an impressive collection for any locomotive lover.

For $3, guests can ride a miniature train twice around the mostly outdoor museum’s perimeter. With just one tunnel it may not be a long excursion, but the close encounters with real-live steam engines (including one that kids can climb) and a gift shop stocked with train-related items (like Thomas the Tank Engine toys) make the trip worthwhile. Be sure to wander to the back of one of the buildings: There you’ll find an observation window where, on the weekends, your little ones can stand nose-to-glass while rail hobbyists skilfully assemble a teeny-tiny model railroad and its surrounding California landscape.

Next to Travel Town is an independently run facility, L.A. Live Steamers. Only open on Sundays, guests can ride for free (with a suggested donation of $3) on miniature trains, maintained by local train clubs, which snake through tunnels and go by shrunken towns. (Note to parents: These trains are of a smaller scale—riders straddle the seats rather than sit on benches—so there’s a height minimum of 34 inches).

Don’t miss Walt Disney’s barn, which was transported from the backyard of his Holmby Hills property in 1998. The barn, where the famous rail enthusiast built and maintained his own train collection, is only open on the third Sunday of every month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you’re only in it for the ride, then head straight to Griffith Park & Southern Railroad near the park’s south entrance. Kids can board one of two miniature train reproductions with kitschy names: the Colonel Griffith or the Freedom Train. From there, they’ll wind along a mile of track over bridges, past meadows and grazing ponies, and through an Old Western town. Be sure to look for statues of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, greeting passers-by from outside their cottage.