






Griffith Observatory: Guided Tour
- Los Angeles
- United States
Enjoy an informative and engaging guided tour of Griffith Observatory. Explore the exhibitions, public observatory, and planetarium with insights from former employees. The tour covers science, history, architecture, and Hollywood trivia, providing a comprehensive and fascinating experience of this iconic Los Angeles landmark.
About
Duration:
1 hour 30 minsSmartphone tickets accepted
Instant ticket delivery
Wheelchair accessible
Kid friendly
Best times:
Early morning, Late afternoon.Free cancellation
Free rescheduling
Live Guide:
English.Highlights
- Delve into the universe with a guided tour of Griffith Observatory.
- Discover the Astronomers Monument and Central Rotunda's Greek mythology murals.
- Explore East Hall’s Tesla Coil and the Griffith Observatory Roof with Zeiss and solar telescopes.
- View the night sky from the Samuel Oschin Telescope and capture the Hollywood Sign from the observatory.
- Optional add-on: immerse yourself in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium show.
Overview
Griffith Observatory is one of the most popular attractions in LA. This historic landmark features 67,000 square feet of exhibition space. It can be hard to fully explore it without missing anything in a single day. However, this guided tour lets you get the best experience.
Join a small-group tour led by former observatory employees for an insider's trip through this iconic landmark. Explore the exhibition space, visit the public observatory, and engage yourself in the planetarium. The tour covers science, history, architecture, and even movie trivia, offering a comprehensive experience.
What's Included
Admission to the Griffith Observatory
1.5-hour guided tour
Knowledgeable guide
What's Not Included
Gratuities (optional)
Planetarium ticket (available for purchase onsite, minimum age: 5 years)
Instruction
- Show your smartphone voucher to the tour guide at the meeting point: In front of the Astronomers Monument, outside Griffith Observatory
Additional Info
This tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs
Itinerary
Astronomers Monument – Honoring the world’s six most famous astronomers
Central Rotunda & Pendulum – With overhead murals inspired by Greek mythology
East Hall – Including the Tesla Coil, Nikola Tesla’s 50,000-volt invention
Griffith Observatory Roof – Where you’ll learn about the Zeiss and solar telescopes inside the copper domes
West Hall – Including the interactive periodic table of elements
Edge of Space – Feature some of the world’s most sophisticated astronomical instruments
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
Scale Model of Planets – Where your weight changes as you travel through our solar system
Hollywood Sign – One of the best views of this LA icon
Add-on: Samuel Oschin Planetarium – A show in an immersive theater with a high-tech star projector
Children under 5 years join for free, please select a free ticket for them.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation is possible until 24 hours before your visit.
- Rescheduling is possible until 24 hours before your visit.
Tips
- Arrive early to secure a good spot and get the most out of the tour.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved.
- Bring a camera to capture stunning views of the Hollywood Sign.
- Take advantage of the guide's knowledge to ask questions about the exhibits and the history of the observatory.
- Consider adding a planetarium show for a complete experience.
How to Get There
Frequently Asked Questions about Griffith Observatory: Guided Tour
The guided tour includes a 90-minute exploration of the Griffith Observatory, covering key features like the Astronomers Monument, Central Rotunda, East Hall with the Tesla Coil, and the Griffith Observatory Roof. The tour also provides insights into science, history, architecture, and Hollywood trivia.
Highlights include the Astronomers Monument, Greek mythology murals in the Central Rotunda, the Tesla Coil in East Hall, the Zeiss and solar telescopes on the Griffith Observatory Roof, and stunning views of the Hollywood Sign. An optional add-on is the Samuel Oschin Planetarium show.
The guided tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
The tour starts in front of the Astronomers Monument outside the Griffith Observatory. Show your smartphone voucher to the tour guide at the meeting point.
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium show is an optional add-on and is not included in the standard tour. Tickets for the planetarium show can be purchased onsite.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a camera to capture views of the Hollywood Sign. It’s also a good idea to bring a jacket or layers, as the weather can change.
The tour is suitable for all ages. However, children must be at least 5 years old to attend the Samuel Oschin Planetarium show.
Cancellations are possible up to 24 hours before your visit. Refunds are not available for cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour.
Rescheduling is possible up to 24 hours before your visit. Contact the tour provider for assistance with rescheduling.
The itinerary includes the Astronomers Monument, Central Rotunda with Greek mythology murals, East Hall's Tesla Coil, Griffith Observatory Roof, West Hall, Edge of Space, Depths of Space, Albert Einstein statue, Scale Model of Planets, and views of the Hollywood Sign.
Arrive early to secure a good spot and get the most out of the tour. Take advantage of the guide’s knowledge by asking questions about the exhibits and the history of the observatory. Consider adding the planetarium show for a more immersive experience.
Gratuities are optional and not included in the tour price. If you enjoyed the tour, you may choose to tip your guide.
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