Private Guided Tour of Griffith Observatory

Your close-up with the real stars in LA

$49 per adult €48 per adult £40 per adult C$71 per adult A$79 per adult
review-star
  • Local experts

    Personal stories and insider travel tips
  • Top-rated

    Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars
  • Worry-free booking

    Flexible scheduling and refunds

$49 per adult

€48 per adult

£40 per adult

C$71 per adult

A$79 per adult

$49 per adult €48 per adult £40 per adult C$71 per adult A$79 per adult
review-star
  • 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

  • Astronomers Monument

    Honoring the world’s six most famous astronomers

  • Central Rotunda

    With overhead murals inspired by Greek mythology

  • Tesla Coil

    Nikola Tesla’s 50,000-volt invention

  • West Hall

    Including glimpses of sunspots through telescopes (weather and schedule dependent)

  • Samuel Oschin Planetarium

    An immersive theater featuring a high-tech star projector

  • Depths of Space

    A view of the night sky as seen from the Samuel Oschin Telescope at Palomar Observatory

  • Albert Einstein Statue

    Photo op with one of the greatest minds in history

  • 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
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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

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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 cancellation policy?

We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.

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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