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
(307 Ratings)
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Sjamalhash
Dec 22, 2025
Extremely satisfied and enlightened - Wonderful and extremely informative tour...... Glad we managed to have it! Very knowledgeable Guide and answered all our excessive questions enthusiastically. Thank you.....
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeffb77380
Dec 21, 2025
Excellent Tour with Knowledgeable and Enthusiastic Guide - The tour was excellent. Our guide, Barry, was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject matter. His enthusiasm encouraged questions from the group, which added to everyone’s experience. The subject matter (billions of stars, space, light years, the history of the universe) is pretty overwhelming, but Barry explained things in an informative and entertaining manner. We saw a lot more and got a lot more information than we would have by going through the place ourselves. I recommend. Also recommend (not part of the tour) you go to the planetarium show - Centered in the Universe - it you have time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Romina_c
Nov 30, 2025
Hella good time. Fun for teens. - Fun and entertaining and informative My son said he liked the tour guide, as he was engaging, informative and funny.
Review provided by Viator
Stay20273264985
Nov 28, 2025
Great tour experience - The tour was informative and our tour guide Esteban was very entertaining and knowledgeable. Highly recommend to enhance your visit to Griffith Observatory.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jolene_g
Nov 24, 2025
Great insight and... - Great insight and understanding of what you are looking at and not walking around aimlessly in the facility.
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_b
Nov 16, 2025
Best sightseeing in LA - Our guide was very informative, enjoyable and he exceeded our expectations in his knowledge.The only downside we could not go to the roof for observation because of the rain. The Griffin observatory was my favourite sight in LA. I would visit it again to complete my tour.Especially for a sunset.
Review provided by Viator
C980usgeorgeb
Nov 16, 2025
Great value, highly recommended - Estevan was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and conscientious of the group. Engaged us with his commentary rather than making it feel like he was reading from a script.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Happy_k
Nov 12, 2025
Having knowledgeable tour... - Having knowledgeable tour guide is a must when this trip is your first trip. It's worth it. Trust me.
Review provided by Viator
Tim_z
Nov 11, 2025
Barry was a great tour... - Barry was a great tour guide! Very informative and made sure we got to see all the best things of Griffith Observatory! He was also the narrator of one of the planetarium shows and was phenomenal!
Review provided by Viator
Phillipm869
Nov 9, 2025
Observatory - Thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Jose. Knowledgeable and pleasant. Very helpful and made sure we were together. Gave great opportunities to see and learn.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $52
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).