If you haven't seen the water show up close, it's definitely worth slotting some time for. Seeing pictures or video doesn't convey the magnitude of the show.
It's touristy - but its actually really cool. I just took my nephew after not having been there for a decade or more. Sorta spendy, but the restaurant up top has done a full 180 and is actually quite good.
Park at the foot of the mountain by Vermont Ave and Los Feliz Blvd and hike up the road to the observatory (stay on the left side). And you can't miss the planetarium shows (super cheap at $5/ticket). They've got three, and the most popular one is "Centered in the Universe." It's a half-hour show Park at the foot of the mountain by Vermont Ave and Los Feliz Blvd and hike up the road to the observatory (stay on the left side). And you can't miss the planetarium shows (super cheap at $5/ticket). They've got three, and the most popular one is "Centered in the Universe." It's a half-hour show narrated by an actress/actor and they run about every hour. Also best to do close to sunset to get an amazing view of the city.…see moresee less