Griffith Observatory Private Tour: Unforgettable City Introduction
4.6
45 Ratings
Los Angeles
Discover the hidden wonders of Griffith Observatory on a private tour. Immerse yourself in the city's history and explore the world of astronomy. Book now for an unforgettable experience!
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Griffith Observatory - On this 3-hour walking tour, you’ll learn about Architecture, Science, Movie History, and the city of LA. We begin in the central rotunda, where you’ll gaze overhead at murals inspired by Greek myth. Next, you’ll learn about the inventor Nikola Tesla and his 50,000 volt Tesla Coil, which is on exhibit. Then we’ll discover how our solar system works, and look through a telescope to see sun spots. Next we’ll descend Gunther Depths of Space where you’ll view the night sky like you’ve never before: experience the 152-ft display of galaxies and nebula as you would from the Hubble Space Telescope. Learn more about seismology and about L.A. earthquakes and the Pacific Rim of Fire as you stand next to an active seismograph. Pose for a photo with a bronze statue of Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in human history. At night, wait in line for the Zeiss 12-inch telescope. One-of-a-kind and German-made, it gives viewers an unparalleled and intimate look at the planets and stars (depending on the weather and schedule). Finish the tour with one of the world’s best planetarium shows. The Zeiss star projector and state-of-the-art digital projection system put on spectacular show!
What's Included
- Planetarium show ticket included
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Parking
- Please Note: We are an independent tour company and are not affiliated with the City of LA
Additional Information
The Griffith Observatory is a point of interest that many residents are unaware of its full breadth. Termed as “LA’s crowning glory,” it offers public telescopic viewings, a planetarium, and a display area. Architectured by some of its ex-staffers, this expedition will introduce you to the city in an unforgettable way. When Griffith J. Griffith first observed the moon through a telescope, he passionately declared, ‘If everyone could see through this telescope, it would revolutionize the world!’ He devoted the rest of his life to bringing his dream of a public observatory to fruition for the benefit of the future generations. Today, the Griffith Observatory is the most visited establishment of its kind globally. Come with us, unearth not merely an L.A. icon but a venue where memories can be created. As fellow voyagers, astronomers, and inhabitants of Los Angeles, our team at ExperienceFirst will assist you in making the most of your visit to the Griffith Observatory.
Disclaimer: We are a separate touring firm and do not have any association with the City of LA.
- Please 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
In front of Astronomers Monument on front lawn
Please 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
(45 Ratings)
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Lauren_b
Mar 19, 2024
Magical Saturday Sunset Tour - Estevan was amazing! He had such a passion for the observatory! He was also very fun and interesting. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Sean_q
Feb 16, 2024
Estevan was a great and... - Estevan was a great and knowledgeable tour guide. We really enjoyed the experience. If you like science, and some LA history, you”ll enjoy this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Danfordm_b
Jan 14, 2024
Excellent - Excellent Tour - Excellent Guide - definitely worth the cost to have such a good resource. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Tricia_g
Jan 3, 2024
Excellent tour and guide! - Estevan was an amazing guide. We are locals and have done the Observatory before, but Estevan made the trip more interesting. He went above and beyond to assist us with 2 wheel chairs for my aging parents. He could also help us find bathrooms and elevators.
Review provided by Viator
Ellis
Dec 9, 2023
The sky’s the limit - Estevan is a font of information. He worked with our time limits and modified our tour. He knows people at the Observatory so he was able to get us ahead of the line to view Saturn on a telescope.
There is so much to see and learn at the Observatory.
Review provided by Viator
Tanya_h
Aug 11, 2023
Griffith Tour - Our tour guide Jeff was great! Super knowledgeable and nice! Loved hearing all of the history and the night time views of the city.
Review provided by Viator
Paul_s
Apr 12, 2023
Esteban the all powerful - Our guide, Esteban was a former Griffith employee and animator for the Planetarium show. His knowledge and passion would be impossible to beat. Learned so much in a short period of time and the time flew by. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Robmeyeratl
Apr 3, 2023
Great for Newbies and Nerds alike! - Esteban was amazing! In two hours he brought the entire observatory to life for me (55) and my son (14). Highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Petra_s
Apr 3, 2023
A night at the Griffith Observatory - We really enjoyed meeting our tour guide Estevan. He was very knowledgeable about the science and astronomy facts in the Griffith Observatory.
Since we are interested in history, art & culture we would have enjoyed more facts about the actual Art Deco building beautiful art work and stories behind the observatory’s history.
Review provided by Viator
Melissa_m
May 22, 2023
Really not worth 350... - Really not worth 350 dollars for 2 people to be walked around the observatory with limited knowledge. Do not recommend — can do on your own and save a lot of money.
Review provided by Viator
