Griffith Observatory Tour: Insider's Guide

Embark on a small-group guided tour of the iconic Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. Explore the exhibition space, observatory, and planetarium while learning about science, history, architecture, and movie trivia. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch an immersive show in the planetarium theater. Book now!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Astronomers Monument - See the Astronomers Monument — a large, outdoor concrete sculpture on the front lawn that pays homage to six of the greatest astronomers of all time.
  • Griffith Observatory - This world-class observatory features one of the largest Foucault Pendulums, a 50,000-volt Tesla Coil, an interactive periodic table of elements,…
What's Included
  • Optional upgrade on-site for your ticket to see a 40-minute show in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium
  • Local guide and expert on the Griffith Observatory
  • Glimpse of the night sky as seen from the Samuel Oschin Telescope at Palomar Observatory
  • Curated itinerary design by former Griffith Observatory employees
  • Panoramic views of the Hollywood Sign
  • Photo op with a statue of Albert Einstein
What's Not Included
  • Parking
  • Gratuities
  • Samuel Oschin Planetarium Tickets (available on-site to purchase)
Additional Information

Guided by knowledgeable observatory staff who are intimately familiar with this landmark, participants will enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience as part of our Insider Collection.
This small-group tour, designed by observatory experts, offers a carefully curated exploration through space and time, combining elements of science, history,…

Location
Astronomers Monument
East Observatory Road
Meet your guide on the front lawn at Astronomers Monument. NOTE: We are an independent tour company and are not affiliated with the City of LA or their employees. If you ask Observatory staff about the tour they won’t be able to help. You MUST check in with your guide at the Astronomer’s Monument.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(269 Ratings)
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Onair235625
Jul 20, 2025
- Request Mat if you can!!!!!! Not only was Mat extremely knowledgeable but so entertaining and enthusiastic as well! Although many of the concepts were way over our heads he explained them so that the everyday person could understand. Recommend 100%!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sreeya_s
Jul 11, 2025
Griffith Observatory is... - Griffith Observatory is spectacular and vast. Having Estevan walk us through the highlights was comprehensive and informative
Review provided by Viator
Whitney_k
Jul 10, 2025
Our guide was wonderful... - Our guide was wonderful and his energy was contagious. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting SoCal
Review provided by Viator
Ruthann_m
Jul 8, 2025
A detailed story about... - A detailed story about the observatory from a local who worked at the Observatory. Great all around guide.
Review provided by Viator
P1026lcdavids
Jul 3, 2025
Great for family. - Barry was fantastic! Very informative and fun for the kids. **Unrelated to the tour** If you are on the late tour and were planning on grabbing a bite to eat at the cafe, get it before the tour starts. They ran out of food when we went so we missed the sunset :(
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Senah_b
Jul 3, 2025
Staff was nice .... - Staff was nice . Observatory was cool but if you don’t like crowds not a place to visit! It’s free to enter but parking is 10$ per hour and I purchased one 12.5 oz bottle of water for 5$ . Views are beautiful I would imagine at night even better . Overall nice day trip with my Dad 🥰
Review provided by Viator
Nancy_j
Jul 14, 2025
I can’t tell you because... - I can’t tell you because we weren’t able to have our tour with Esteban because we couldn’t find a parking place at Griffith Park. So very disappointed. Esteban was such a nice guy. He felt as bad as we did. He gave me the name of a company to email about a refund.
Review provided by Viator
Kayley_b
Jul 17, 2025
Scam. Tour not associated... - Scam. Tour not associated with Observatory and cmpletely unecessary to Observatory experience. Good for elementary level. Guide was knowledgeble
Review provided by Viator
Rosalinda_m
Jul 13, 2025
Poor description - This is a WALKING tour so if you have issues with walking or are legally blind like myself. You should not do this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Chad_w
Jun 25, 2025
Bad business practices - No communication was sent on where to meet for the tour until 25 minutes AFTER it began. We didn't get a tour and the company will not issue a refund. Additionally, access to the Observatory is free, so a guided tour is not even necessary.
Review provided by Viator
From $42
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).