Griffith Observatory Exploration: Small-Group Guided Tour
4.7
161 Ratings
Los Angeles
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:
1 day
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Highlights
- Griffith Observatory - On this 90 minute guided tour, you’ll learn about Architecture, Science, Movie History, and the city of LA. Finish with one of the world’s best planetarium shows. You will have the option to purchase tickets on-site. Be warned this is subject to availability but we know the secret spot to get tickets so chances are good even when they’re busy! The Zeiss star projector and state-of-the-art digital projection system put on spectacular show so it is highly recommended! Stay after the tour to continue exploring the building and visit the telescope once night falls.
- Hollywood Sign - One of the best views of the sign!
What's Included
- English speaking tour guide
What's Not Included
- Planetarium Show Tickets ($10 extra, on-site)
- Parking
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Given the immense popularity and size of Griffith Observatory, reaching it can prove to be a challenge, let alone finding your way around the mammoth structure once you are inside.
This distinguished site boasts of 67,000 square feet of display area, a public observatory, and a planetarium, making it overwhelming to explore every nook and cranny without skipping anything.
Fear not, for our experts are here to your rescue! This intimate group tour, crafted by a few former employees of the observatory, enhances your visit by guiding you on a handpicked journey across epochs and cosmos. We encompass all aspects ranging from science to history, architecture, and even movie trivia.
Plus, don’t let go of the chance to add a spectacular planetarium theater show to your itinerary with our exclusive ticket option available on-site. The 40-minute long show is a phenomenal experience filled with live commentary that is out of this world. Take note that this cosmic option is suitable for individuals aged 5 and upwards.
DISCLAIMER: We are a separate tour company and hold no associations with the City of LA or its staff.
- 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.
Location
Griffith Observatory
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
4.7
(161 Ratings)
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Zinasash
Mar 30, 2024
Wonderful afternoon/evening tour at Observatory - Our tour guide Esteban was wonderful. We found out that he actually works in the observatory so all his facts were just that:facts! However, he delivered them with an air of entertainment that made it fun for my two teenage kids. He also was very good about balancing inside time and outside time since it was windy so we didn’t get overly chilly. He has worked there for a while so his anecdotes were really engaging and good. He showed us all the pictures of when the observatory was used in movies/shows. The staff at the observatory know him and try not to interrupt his speech or if they do they apologize to him. Overall it was very much a worth while tour because with the amount of people there and how many things to see, I am afraid we would have been overwhelmed and missed out on the important aspects of the observatory!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roving67589964965
Mar 23, 2024
Great tour - Knowledgeable guide who is an employee of the observatory. Not affiliated though. Good length and nice explanation of what the site has to offer
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anoop_s
Mar 22, 2024
Educational and fun - A great tour! The tour guide was very knowledgeable, and funny. I would highly recommend this tour for families with young kids.
Review provided by Viator
Coral_g
Mar 22, 2024
Great tour well worth it - Esteban was incredible. My 13 yr old nephew left inspired and we all learned a lot. Without a tour I don’t think we would have known what we were looking at most of the time! Also a lot of fun facts about the observatory and fun tips for later.
Review provided by Viator
Emalynn_s
Mar 22, 2024
Great views - Estevan our tour guide was phenomenal!!
Hysterical and yet so knowledgeable
Made our trip here worth it
Review provided by Viator
Tamara_t
Mar 21, 2024
great 👍 - A great tour led by Estevan 👍 well timed and informative. Starts bang on advertised start time so don't be late!
Review provided by Viator
Roberta_d
Mar 17, 2024
Fabulous tour and optional planetarium show. - Angelica was awesome at explaining everything we were looking at and guiding us through this fabulous collection of astronomy brilliance. Well worth the price for the guided tour! The planetarium show was expertly narrated and visually extraordinary. In itself, well worth the extra admission of $10.
Review provided by Viator
Emily_o
Mar 15, 2024
Well worth it. - Oscar was our tour guide and he was great! This tour is well worth what you pay for. The observatory is amazing but let’s be fair, the museum is free for a reason. A tour brings it to life and we have Oscar to thank for it.
Review provided by Viator
Jodyrp7737qd
Mar 14, 2024
Locals find unhidden treasure. - Our guide was an expert in astronomy as well as the history of the observatory and environs. It was a thrill to see the views and the telescope and to learn of the many galaxies out there. We gleaned a lot of facts and further, a new found interest in learning more about the cosmos.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annie_e
Mar 12, 2024
Experience is worth it! - The tour guide relied on her many years experience of working there. She made our time more valuable by showing and explaining the history and highlights.
Review provided by Viator
