The Griffith Observatory: Where to Find LA’s Biggest Stars
When you think of LA, the first things that come to mind are probably movies, celebrities, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the…
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Private Guided Tour of Griffith Observatory
Your close-up with the real stars in LA
Starts at $49 per person
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Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
Starts at $49
Starts at $49 per person
-
Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
Highlights
- Get an insider’s look at this famous landmark on a private tour designed by former Griffith Observatory employees.
- See the 500,000-volt Tesla Coil and understand how it works.
- Explore 67,000 square feet of science exhibits with an expert guide who will show you highlights you don’t want to miss.
- Glimpse outer space through telescopes by day or night.
- Learn about modern architecture, science, movie trivia, LA history, and more.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the LA Basin and the Hollywood Sign from the top of Griffith Park.
- Watch a show on the high-tech Zeiss Mark IX Planetarium Projector.
- Hear the history of the Griffith Observatory, a 20th-century legacy from philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith.
What you'll see
Griffith Observatory is a world-famous landmark, but even Angelenos don’t know a lot about it. Called “the hood ornament of Los Angeles,” it features a public observatory, planetarium, and 67,000 square feet of exhibition space.
How can you experience it without missing anything? This private tour, ...
Griffith Observatory is a world-famous landmark, but even Angelenos don’t know a lot about it. Called “the hood ornament of Los Angeles,” it features a public observatory, planetarium, and 67,000 square feet of exhibition space.
How can you experience it without missing anything? This private tour, designed by some of the observatory’s former employees, covers everything from science and history to architecture and movie trivia. Highlights include a show in the planetarium theater and seeing the incredible 500,000-volt Tesla Coil. And don’t forget the opportunity to get a closer look at outer space through telescopes, whether by day or night.
That’s why we call this your close-up with the real stars of LA.
Itinerary
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Astronomers Monument
Honoring the world’s six most famous astronomers
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Central Rotunda
With overhead murals inspired by Greek mythology
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Tesla Coil
Nikola Tesla’s 50,000-volt invention
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West Hall
Including glimpses of sunspots through telescopes (weather and schedule dependent)
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Samuel Oschin Planetarium
An immersive theater featuring a high-tech star projector
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Depths of Space
A view of the night sky as seen from the Samuel Oschin Telescope at Palomar Observatory
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Albert Einstein Statue
Photo op with one of the greatest minds in history
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Night sky viewing (weather and schedule dependent)
Using the state-of-the-art Zeiss 12-inch telescope
Plan your trip
Private tour
This is a private tour for groups of 2-15 people. For groups larger than 15, please contact us for discounted rates.
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
Reviews
Sure, you could go to Griffith Observatory without this experience, but I guarantee you will not enjoy it or even know what all it offers without taking this tour. For example, it is well worth your time to attend the orientation film, but 99% of the people there failed to do this. I would have skipped it if I came on my own, but thanks to this tour, I went. It was very informative, and was narrated by Leonard Nimoy acting as a regular guy. Afterward I came out and it gave me an entirely different perspective on the place. Can't wait to go back and visit the observatory again. Beautiful venue, great tour.
— Hugh
Private Tour Griffith Observatory
Private Tour Griffith Observatory — great tour and guide, learned a great deal about the history of the observatory and astronomy. It was topped off with a wonderful planetarium show. The whole experience was fascinating and enjoyable, and I highly recommend the tour.
Paul
Great experience!
Great tour! Our guide Estevan was extremely knowledgeable and loved to see his enthusiasm. Great interaction with him. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting!
Tom
Meeting Point
Where to meet your guide
You’ll meet your guide in front of the Astronomers Monument outside Griffith Observatory.
Los Feliz (In front of the Astronomers Monument)
FAQs
Can we stay in Griffith Observatory after the tour?
Yes, you can stay until closing time to spend longer enjoying the many exhibits.
What is the rescheduling policy?
We understand plans change. You can always change your tour 24 hours or more before you tour. We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours prior to your tour start time. Within 24 hours of your tour, we would have incurred hard costs and therefore cannot allow rescheduling or cancellation without costs.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine, so please check the local forecast to plan. In rare cases when we have to cancel for extreme weather, we’ll offer you the chance to reschedule or give a full refund.
What about gratuities?
Tips are always appreciated but never expected. They’re a great way to tell your guide they did an awesome job and show your appreciation.
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