High on a hillside overlooking the city, the Griffith Observatory is one of the most celebrated icons of Los Angeles, and now, after a massive expansion and cosmic makeover, its interior is as rich as its exterior. But you will have to plan ahead since all parking has been removed from the hilltop site. Reservations are now a must, and shuttle buses from Hollywood & Highland and the L.A. Zoo are the only trajectory to the stellar observatory. Last-minute travelers with a penchant for hiking their way to the mountaintop may also take advantage of last-minute reservations for limited parking at the Greek Theatre below. By the time you get to the observatory you could have traveled to the moon and back, but the view from above is well worth your travels. Inside, sleek exhibits with dramatic lighting and graphics surprise visitors unaware of the expanded lower level dug deep into the hillside for the expansion. In true L.A. style, the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater presents guest speakers and shows on current topics and discoveries. Not to be outdone, the café serves delicious food thanks to Wolfgang Puck. You might recognize the observatory and grounds from such movies as Rebel Without a Cause and The Rocketeer.