Endeavour: Where to spot the shuttle as it crawls through L.A.

Hundreds of people gathered early Friday in a Westchester parking lot to see Endeavour at the space shuttle's first pit stop during its 12-mile trek through town.

Although the intersection of Sepulveda and La Tijera boulevards was not an official viewing site, those planning the move anticipated large crowds at the location. Endeavour should roll out about 1:30 p.m.

Most streets and sidewalks will be closed about a mile ahead of the shuttle as it crawls through South L.A. and Inglewood, but there are a handful of designated viewing spots and public celebrations planned for Saturday. 

PHOTOS: Endeavour rolls through the streets of L.A.

The first will occur about 8 a.m. Saturday, when the shuttle creeps by Inglewood City Hall. Although Endeavour will not stop at City Hall as previously planned, officials encouraged those hoping to get a glimpse to stake out a spot at the location.

With the shuttle moving at top speeds of 2 mph, there should be plenty of time to get a picture of it as it passes by.

Also at 8 a.m. Saturday, a celebration at the Forum in Inglewood will begin. Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which will last about two hours. Endeavour is scheduled to make an appearance about 9 a.m., when it will stop for about 30 minutes.

TIMELINE: Endeavour's journey through L.A.

No overnight camping will be allowed at the Forum, Inglewood police said. The public will be able to line up beginning at 4 a.m.

At about 2 p.m. Saturday, the shuttle will again stop, this time at the intersection of Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Jr. boulevards for a celebration planned by choreographer Debbie Allen. Public safety officials have said the area will accommodate a few thousand people at most, so those interested in seeing Endeavour should arrive early.

The final chance to see the shuttle will be along Bill Robertson Lane as it approaches the California Science Center in Exposition Park about 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Los Angeles police said four parking lots between Bill Robertson Lane and Vermont Avenue will be available for public viewing.

FULL COVERAGE: Endeavour's final journey to L.A.

"We urge the public to arrive early, be prepared to stand long hours, and remember to bring water, snacks, sun block, hats and chairs," LAPD said in a statement.

Planning on seeing the shuttle? Tweet your photos to @latimes or with the hashtag #SpotTheShuttle or upload them here — and don't forget to tell us where you are.

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— Kate Mather

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