The Getty Center in LA: Come for the Art, Stay for the Gardens
The Getty Center is the larger and more well-known of the two J. Paul Getty Museum locations in Los Angeles, the other being…
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The Getty Center to Griffith Observatory Guided Tour
Art, astronomy, and the best views in all of Los Angeles
Highlights
- Get an insider’s look at these two famous landmarks on our guided tour designed by an astronomical artist.
- Explore art, science, architecture, movie trivia, LA history, and much more.
- Learn how The Getty Center and creator J. Paul Getty established a cultural hub overlooking the beaches of LA.
- Discover the history of Griffith Park, a gift to the city from philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith.
- See exhibits at both locations with an expert to show you highlights you don’t want to miss.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, LA Basin and Hollywood Sign from the top of The Getty and Griffith Park.
- Upgrade for an out-of-this-world planetarium show at Griffith Observatory, featuring art by the guide who designed your tour!
What you'll do
The Getty Center and Griffith Observatory are two of LA’s best landmarks, but they can be hard to reach and even harder to navigate once you’re here.
The Getty includes thousands of pre-20th-century European paintings and decorative ...
The Getty Center and Griffith Observatory are two of LA’s best landmarks, but they can be hard to reach and even harder to navigate once you’re here.
The Getty includes thousands of pre-20th-century European paintings and decorative arts inside and beautifully landscaped gardens outdoors. Meanwhile, the observatory features 67,000 square feet of exhibition space and a planetarium. How can you possibly experience it all without missing anything?
We have the pros here to help! This tour was designed not only by some of the observatory’s former employees but also an astronomical artist that worked on the current planetarium show. We’ll enhance your experience by taking you on a curated journey through art, space and time. We cover everything from art and science to history, architecture and movie trivia.
And get ready for the incredible photos. There are so many Instagrammable shots at both locations. You’ll be blown away by these stellar West Coast views.
Don’t forget the opportunity to add a show in the world-famous planetarium theater with our optional upgrade available for ages 5 and older. It’s a 40-minute immersive show with live narration that’s truly out of this world.
Ready to discover the wonders of The Getty Center and the Griffith Observatory all in one perfect day? We can’t wait to show you the real stars of LA!
Itinerary
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Original Farmers Market
Our meeting point and a celebrity hotspot
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The Getty Center (30-minute highlights tour + 60 minutes free time)
Featuring European paintings and sculptures from the 1800s to present day
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Bus ride to Griffith Park
Narrated tour through Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, and Hollywood as we drive to the observatory
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Lunch
Food options available at both The Getty and Griffith Observatory cafes or BYO to enjoy at either destination
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Griffith Observatory (15-minute highlights tour + 60 minutes free time)
Your doorway to the cosmos and a glimpse of our place in it
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Hollywood Sign
One of the best views of this LA icon
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Optional upgrade: Samuel Oschin Planetarium
A show in an immersive theater with a high-tech star projector
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Ride back and dropoff
Returning to the Original Farmers Market
Plan your trip
Planetarium Tickets
Tickets are available on-site for $10 per adult and $6 per child aged 5-12. Children under 5 aren’t allowed in the theater.
Accessibility
This tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Tour ending point
This tour ends at Original Farmers Market.
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
Meeting point
You’ll board the bus in front of TASCHEN bookstore at 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036. Look for your guide wearing official ExperienceFirst gear.
FAQs
Do I need a seat for my infant or toddler?
There are no reserved seats for children 2 and under (and no charge for their ticket), and they are required to sit on your lap. If you’d like a seat for your toddler or infant, please purchase one at the child rate. Children 3 and older require their own seat. Car seats are optional and must be provided by you with a reserved seat.
What is the rescheduling policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule 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.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.
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Tips for Visiting Griffith Observatory in LA
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