Griffith Observatory actually breaks that “no light pollution” rule with its location in the center of one of our nation’s largest cities, Los Angeles. It is, however, positioned on top of a rather impressive peak on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, bringing it closer to the heavens than the rest of the city of angels is. The fact that you can view the Los Angeles Basin, Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the Pacific Ocean from its location has made it an incredibly popular hiking destination for celebrities, tourists, and locals alike.