Guided Griffith Observatory Insider Tour with Optional Planetarium Ticket
Highlights
-
90-Minute Guided Tour led by an expert Griffith Observatory employee with exclusive insights
-
Explore over 67,000 sq. ft. of exhibits, including the Tesla Coil, interactive periodic table, and advanced astronomical instruments
-
Learn about Griffith Park’s history, gifted by philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, and its role in LA’s cultural legacy
-
Uncover movie trivia about the observatory’s appearances in films
-
Enjoy panoramic views of the Hollywood Sign and the LA Basin from the observatory’s roof
-
Optional 40-minute immersive show with live narration, featuring the high-tech Zeiss Mark IX Planetarium Projector (ideal for ages 5+)
What To Expect
Get ready for a journey through time and space on the Griffith Observatory Insider Tour, led by observatory employees who know this historic landmark inside and out. As part of an Insider Collection, this small-group tour gives you a true behind-the-scenes look at one of LA’s most iconic attractions. Covering 67,000 square feet of exhibition space, a public observatory, and a world-class planetarium, your expert guide will lead you through a curated experience blending science, history, architecture, and even movie trivia. You’ll gain insider knowledge about the secrets and tips that will help you make the most of your visit—and your time in LA.
While exploring the observatory, it is highly recommended to catch a 40-minute immersive show in the Zeiss Mark IX Planetarium Projector. With live narration, this out-of-this-world experience is ideal for guests ages 5 and up. Your guide will help you secure tickets for a seamless experience. Best of all, Griffith Observatory tickets are free, so you can spend your time enjoying the exhibits and stunning views without worrying about extra costs. This tour is the only comprehensive, guided exploration of the observatory, offering a personal and thought-provoking experience that will leave you in awe of LA’s true stars.
Plan Your Visit
-
Operating Hours Daily at 2 PM or 5:30 PM except on Mon
-
Duration 90 minutes (guided)
-
Accessibility Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible -
Meeting Point Astronomers Monument, Griffith Observatory
-
End Point Griffith Observatory, East Observatory Road
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
Features 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
Ticket option: Samuel Oschin Planetarium
A show in an immersive theater with a high-tech star projector
How It Works
1. Plan your visit
Select and reserve your preferred date
2. Grab the Deal
Proceed to checkout to buy & book your Groupon!
3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket
Scan your Groupon upon arrival
4. Enjoy the Experience!
FAQs
Are tips included?
Gratuities are not included, but are welcome for outstanding guides
Is parking available?
Parking is not included; it is available for $10/hour, but spaces are limited. We recommend using public transit or rideshare options
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, the tour is engaging for all ages, and the planetarium show is suitable for children ages 5 and up
How much walking is involved?
The tour involves less than 1 mile of walking at a leisurely pace
Are planetarium tickets included?
Planetarium tickets are available for optional purchase
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is fully accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers
Highlights
-
90-Minute Guided Tour led by an expert Griffith Observatory employee with exclusive insights
-
Explore over 67,000 sq. ft. of exhibits, including the Tesla Coil, interactive periodic table, and advanced astronomical instruments
-
Learn about Griffith Park’s history, gifted by philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, and its role in LA’s cultural legacy
-
Uncover movie trivia about the observatory’s appearances in films
-
Enjoy panoramic views of the Hollywood Sign and the LA Basin from the observatory’s roof
-
Optional 40-minute immersive show with live narration, featuring the high-tech Zeiss Mark IX Planetarium Projector (ideal for ages 5+)
What To Expect
Get ready for a journey through time and space on the Griffith Observatory Insider Tour, led by observatory employees who know this historic landmark inside and out. As part of an Insider Collection, this small-group tour gives you a true behind-the-scenes look at one of LA’s most iconic attractions. Covering 67,000 square feet of exhibition space, a public observatory, and a world-class planetarium, your expert guide will lead you through a curated experience blending science, history, architecture, and even movie trivia. You’ll gain insider knowledge about the secrets and tips that will help you make the most of your visit—and your time in LA.
While exploring the observatory, it is highly recommended to catch a 40-minute immersive show in the Zeiss Mark IX Planetarium Projector. With live narration, this out-of-this-world experience is ideal for guests ages 5 and up. Your guide will help you secure tickets for a seamless experience. Best of all, Griffith Observatory tickets are free, so you can spend your time enjoying the exhibits and stunning views without worrying about extra costs. This tour is the only comprehensive, guided exploration of the observatory, offering a personal and thought-provoking experience that will leave you in awe of LA’s true stars.
Plan Your Visit
-
Operating Hours Daily at 2 PM or 5:30 PM except on Mon
-
Duration 90 minutes (guided)
-
Accessibility Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible -
Meeting Point Astronomers Monument, Griffith Observatory
-
End Point Griffith Observatory, East Observatory Road
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
Features 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
Ticket option: Samuel Oschin Planetarium
A show in an immersive theater with a high-tech star projector
How It Works
1. Plan your visit
Select and reserve your preferred date
2. Grab the Deal
Proceed to checkout to buy & book your Groupon!
3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket
Scan your Groupon upon arrival
4. Enjoy the Experience!
FAQs
Are tips included?
Gratuities are not included, but are welcome for outstanding guides
Is parking available?
Parking is not included; it is available for $10/hour, but spaces are limited. We recommend using public transit or rideshare options
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, the tour is engaging for all ages, and the planetarium show is suitable for children ages 5 and up
How much walking is involved?
The tour involves less than 1 mile of walking at a leisurely pace
Are planetarium tickets included?
Planetarium tickets are available for optional purchase
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is fully accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers