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
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 tour.
This small-group tour, designed by observatory experts, offers a carefully curated exploration through space and time, seamlessly integrating 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
(315 Ratings)
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Vichud
Mar 11, 2026
Great Griffith Observatory Tour - This is a great tour . Oscar was our guide and he was awesome . Explaining Planets , Stars , Comets and space is not a easy thing to do , but he did a great job . He is incredibly passionate about his work and job. I highly recommend this tour . Also do the planetarium show because it brings everything together from you tour . Thanks to Oscar and Experience First Tours . We booked our tour through Viator but you may be able to book directly through Exoerience First . The tour is about 2 hours and the planetarium show is about 40 minutes . It is well worth it . Also, the views from the Griffith Obvservatory of the city if LA are wonderful .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vichud
Mar 11, 2026
Great Observatory Review . - This was a Great Tour . Our guide , Oscar , did a wonderful job. It is very informative . I highly recommend the Planetarium Show also.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monkemedes
Mar 7, 2026
This was a great time - Awesome your guide. Estavan was super knowledgeable and kind.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherrit756
Feb 23, 2026
Worthwhile and our Family of Adults Enjoyed This - Esteven was fantastic. The tour was enlightening. And getting to go to the front of the line for the planetarium show was really great. Would definitely recommend. The parking was a pain, but we had been forewarned. We arrived 2 hours early. Rather do that then be late!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steve_s
Feb 21, 2026
Yay - Esteban was awesome. Very educational! !!!!!!!!! Bbb bbb bbbbbbbbb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review provided by Viator
Kathryn_k
Feb 14, 2026
Fabulous Tour! Fabulous Guide! - What a fabulous tour! What a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide! This tour is an effective, possibly essential, way to enjoy and learn about the universe. The immense and beautiful Griffith Observatory has many displays on 3 levels so what a benefit to have several explained by an expert insider! Another key value of the tour is the ticket to the on site Samuel Oschin Planetarium where another expert provides storytelling to a special show. Fabulous tour!
Review provided by Viator
Amypn1119am
Feb 11, 2026
Gift of connecting - Thank you Esteban for a fun, fact filled tour through Griffith Park Observatory! You made a point to connect with everyone which encouraged our participation and learning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Martha
Feb 1, 2026
Beautiful views and awesome learning opportunity. - Grandson wanted to visit for his 10th birthday. He thought it was a dream and enjoyed the tour very much. Our guide , Barry was terrific. We were a group of four ranging from 10-67. All of us thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lynne_c
Feb 2, 2026
Plan to stay in the... - Plan to stay in the evening as the planetarium shows are limited Also parking is difficult so best to take Uber or public transportation
Review provided by Viator
Irene_m
Mar 13, 2026
I would not recommend... - I would not recommend that tour guide. He spoke so quickly that many of his words were muffled- I lost sbout 50 % of what he said
Review provided by Viator
From $52
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).