DETAILS

Griffith Park

GETTING THERE: Griffith Park is just west of the Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5), between Los Feliz Boulevard to the south and the Ventura Freeway (SR 101) to the north. Freeway exits off I-5 that lead to the park are Los Feliz Boulevard, Griffith Park and Zoo Drive.

OBSERVATORY INFO: The Griffith Observatory is open Tuesday to Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Timed reservations are required for all visitors; shuttles ($8 for adults; $4 for seniors and children 5-12) will take visitors to the facility from the Griffith Observatory satellite parking lot (5333 Zoo Dr.) and Hollywood & Highland entertainment complex.

A limited number of reservations for hikers and bicyclists will be available 48 hours in advance. For more information, call 888-695-0888 or go to http://www.griffithobservatory.org/ .

EATING THERE: Trails Cafe (2333 N. Fern Dell Dr., Griffith Park, 323-871-2102) serves meat and veggie pies, root beer floats and homemade desserts for $2 to $7. Cafe at the End of the Universe (inside the observatory, 323-661-2231) has indoor and terrace seating and serves sandwiches and salads, including Black Forest Ham Panini and Wolfgang Puck's signature Chinois Chicken Salad With Crispy Wontons. Lunch with beverage averages $10.

GENERAL INFO: Griffith Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call the ranger station at 323-913-4688 or go to http://www.lacity.org/RAP/dos/parks/griffithPK/gp_location.htm .

For information on guided hikes, check the Sierra Club's Web site ( http://www.angeles.sierraclub.org/griffith ).

-- Laura Randall