Heavens but it’s crowded

YES, the Griffith Observatory is open again. But just because you can make a reservation doesn’t mean you should. Thick weekend crowds have meant standing in the aisle on shuttle bus rides of up to 45 minutes each way, long lines and shortages at the cafe, and further waits and sellouts for planetarium shows. Also, the reservation number, (888) 695-0888, is often busy.

One option: Wait a few months. Demand will flag, they’ll drop the temporary shuttle system and parking in the observatory lot will resume. Or -- if you’re willing to make a same-day or one-day-ahead reservation -- use www.griffithobservatory.org to make a short-notice reservation. About 1,200 per day are available and this way you park at the Greek Theatre, then hike, bike or take a five-minute shuttle. Instead of $8 per adult, it’s free.

-- Christopher Reynolds