Griffith Observatory: Insider's Tour Experience

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 - apx $10 per Adult)
Additional Information

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

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
(282 Ratings)
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822wiktoriam
Oct 4, 2025
Amazing experience! - Our Griffith Observatory tour with Esteban was absolutely wonderful! He was an amazing guide — knowledgeable, engaging, and full of passion for Los Angeles and its history. Esteban shared so many interesting facts about the Observatory, astronomy, and the surrounding area, making the experience both educational and fun. The walk up offered beautiful views of the city and the Hollywood Sign, and Esteban made sure everyone had time for photos. Once at the Observatory, he guided us through the highlights and explained things in a way that was easy to understand and fascinating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eric_n
Sep 26, 2025
Tour of Griffith Observatory - Excellent experience. First time going to the observatory. Tour guide Angelica did an outstanding job giving us a guided tour.
Review provided by Viator
Steven_m
Sep 24, 2025
Wonderful Tour - The tour guide totally made this tour great! The observatory was awesome. Leave yourself some extra time to see the other exhibits that the guide does not talk about.
Review provided by Viator
H4560lsnickk
Sep 23, 2025
Awesome tour with Angelica! - Angelica was an amazing tour guide! She explained things perfectly and is very educated about the observatory and has been working there since 2006. 10/10
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Timh615
Sep 22, 2025
A great experience - Our guide was Estevan, a (former?) employee at the observatory. He was really informative and entertaining. We appreciated that he made an effort to keep us in the shade on a warm afternoon. He also did a great job dealing with other loud tourists and announcements. The Observatory itself was very cool, iconic not just due its use in the movies, but also due to its place in the history of the field. Great views of LA. Definitely worth the price. I would recommend allowing extra time to arrive since traffic can get hairy. Even with a rideshare it took us awhile to make our way to the top and parking looked like a nightmare. We did a 2pm tour. There is probably a reason the 5pm was sold out—I imagine the sunsets are amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M7836gncarlab
Sep 20, 2025
Esteban is the best - Esteban was the best tour guide! Had a great time and he was very detailed and thorough! He was very knowledgeable and great!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P5935lclisaw
Sep 11, 2025
Great tour - The tour was great and so informative. Angelica, our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We liked that the group was small so that we could hear all that was said.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
563chinthakas
Sep 9, 2025
Convenient Location and Friendly Staff - Excellent location and friendly staff. Mini at the reception desk was exceptionally professional, courteous, and attentive, making the check-in process smooth and stress-free. Her excellent service truly enhanced our overall experience. Highly recommended for short stays!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onair562628
Aug 25, 2025
Ask for Matt - Matt was the best. Thank you! I feel like I earned 3 college credits today! Appreciated Matt’s passion and knowledge! Great job!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Philip_d
Sep 15, 2025
Observatory Maddness - Friggin awsome great tour and perfect views over all a great time surrounded with good people and services
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).