Best Observation Decks In Los Angeles
When you live in or visit the nation's second largest city, you are sure to find some awesome views to enjoy. Whether you are in the heart of downtown L.A. or on the outskirts of the city looking in, there are countless places to take in some of the best scenic views. Take some time to view all that Los Angeles has to offer from the ground above.
Los Angeles City Hall
200 N. Spring St.
Los Angeles, Ca. 90012
(213) 485-2121
www.lacityhall.org
Start your downtown adventures by heading up to the 27th floor observation desk of the Los Angeles City Hall. Built in 1928, this location offers incredible unobstructed views of the city, and you typically won't have to fight the large crowds that you'll find at most tourist locations. Assuming heights are not an issue for you, the 27th floor offers some great panoramic views and optimal photo opportunities.
The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, Ca. 90049
(310) 440-7300
www.getty.edu
Combine art with breathtaking views when you head on over to the world-famous Getty Center on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles. The J. Paul Getty Museum showcases great works of art, housing European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts and photography. While the artwork will amaze you, head outside to see some spectacular views of the greater Los Angeles area. On the Getty's grounds, you will enjoy tranquil gardens and unique photographic opportunities. The Getty Center is open Tuesday – Friday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.. The parking lot opens at 9:30 a.m.
Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, Ca. 90027
(213) 473-0800
griffithobservatory.org
One of the more iconic sites in Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory is rich in history and offers spectacular views. Known for its role in movies and television over the years, Griffith Observatory (free admission) is also a literal gateway to the stars. The Observatory is situated on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, just above the Los Feliz neighborhood. Sitting at 1,134 feet above sea level, it is visible from various parts of the Los Angeles basin. The Observatory, which has hosted more than 76 million visitors since its opening, is the best vantage point for taking in the world-famous Hollywood Sign.
U.S. Bank
633 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, Ca. 90071
(323) 860-1511
(213) 894-9000 to register your event
www.usbanktower.com/
Also known as the Library Tower, this building is scheduled to open a public observation deck this June. The 72-floor office building (regarded as the tallest structure this side of the Mississippi River) is working on building the observation deck as part of a nearly $50 million renovation.The all-new OUE Skyspace LA will be California's tallest open-air observation deck and a prime destination for panoramic, 360-degree views of Los Angeles. Guests will be able to enjoy scenic sights from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, and view iconic area landmarks, from Dodger Stadium to Catalina Island.
La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca. 90036
(213) 763-3499
www.tarpits.org
If you have a yearning for ancient history, you've come to the right place. The La Brea Tar Pits prove to be one of the world's most famous fossil localities. The museum gives visitors a look at Ice Age fossils, that include saber-toothed cats, dire wolves and mammoths. The observation pit, which has been closed for some 20 years, is once again a great viewing area for the creatures that once called the greater Los Angeles area their home. The Pleistocene Garden and iconic life-size replicas of extinct mammals give visitors a taste of the life that once roamed the Los Angeles Basin.
