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.

People walking up stairs at Griffith Observatory

15 reviews

Private Griffith Observatory Tour

Your close-up with the real stars in LA

When

Flexible

Duration

3 hours

Meeting Point

Los Feliz (In front of the Astronomers Monument)

Local experts

Personal stories and insider travel tips

Top-rated

Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars

Worry-free booking

Flexible scheduling and refunds

Private Guided Tour of Griffith Observatory

Highlights
Itinerary
Reviews
FAQs

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 do

Griffith Observatory, famously known as “the hood ornament of Los Angeles,” is one of the largest observatories in the world. Beyond its iconic status, it includes a planetarium and 67,000 square feet of exhibition space, with much about it still unknown even to many

Telescope sign at sunset at Griffith Observatory

Daytime side view of Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles

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

Reviews

The best private tour ever! We got to see lots of great places of LA. Our tour guide, Gregory, was so informative and fun! He made the tour so much better with his narratives and commentary.

— Ellaine

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. Can't wait to go back and visit the observatory again. Beautiful venue, great tour.

— Hugh

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.

— Paul

Barry was extremely knowledgeable, put us at ease and was able to afford us an experience at the observatory that was far superior to just going around by ourselves. We were thrilled with the tour and would highly recommend it to anyone who is truly interested in getting the most out of the experience!

— AK

Anjelica was the perfect guide for us! She was amazing with my niece and gave us so much fabulous information. We will recommend her to anyone who will listen.

— Marla

Great tour! Our guide Estevan was extremely knowledgeable and loved to see his enthusiasm. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting!!

— Tom