Discover one of Los Angeles's most beloved and iconic landmarks with the Griffith Observatory Los Angeles Ticket — an expert-guided journey through Southern California's gateway to the cosmos, perched on the south side of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. Explore 67,000 square feet of astronomical exhibits, experience a live show in the legendary Samuel Oschin Planetarium, gaze at the Hollywood Sign from the terraces, and look through the famous Zeiss refractor telescope — all at one of the most visited observatories in the world
Key Highlights
- Explore 67,000 square feet of exhibits with an expert guide — covering the Hall of the Sky, Hall of the Eye, Foucault Pendulum, Tesla Coil, the Big Picture, and more in a curated journey designed by former observatory employees
- Catch a live narrated show in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium
- Admire breathtaking views of the Hollywood Sign, the Los Angeles basin, and the Pacific Ocean from the observatory's iconic Art Deco terraces
- Discover the science, history, architecture, and film legacy of one of the most visited observatories in the world
- Small-group format led by knowledgeable guides — the most efficient and rewarding way to experience the observatory without missing any highlights
About Griffith Observatory Ticket
The Griffith Observatory has been Southern California's gateway to the cosmos since 1935 — a gift to the people of Los Angeles that has remained free to the public for nearly 90 years. With 1.5 million visitors annually and 67,000 square feet of exhibition space spanning multiple levels, the building is large enough that self-guided visitors routinely miss some of its finest exhibits. The guided tour solves this entirely — a curated journey designed by former observatory employees that connects every highlight into a single coherent and deeply enjoyable experience.
The tour begins in the central rotunda where the Foucault Pendulum swings its endless demonstration of the Earth's rotation, before moving through the astronomical galleries covering the daily and seasonal movements of the sky, the history of telescopic observation, and the science of light and space. The Tesla Coil — a 50,000-volt electrical demonstration — is one of the most dramatic moments on any visit. The guide's expert commentary weaves together astronomy, architecture, LA history, and movie trivia throughout, giving the observatory's exhibits context and meaning that most visitors never get from reading the panels alone. The terraces provide the most famous views — the Hollywood Sign on the western hillside, the full sweep of the Los Angeles basin, and on clear days the distant gleam of the Pacific Ocean — before the tour concludes in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium for a live narrated show that uses the building's state-of-the-art dome projectors to bring the same sky visible from the terraces to life in extraordinary detail.
The guided tour format requires a minimum of two participants and runs in a small group — ensuring personal attention from the guide and a pace that suits the group rather than the crowds. Planetarium show tickets purchased separately on-site sell out regularly, making this combined ticket the most reliable way to guarantee both experiences in a single visit. Book your Griffith Observatory Guided Tour and Planetarium Show Ticket now on Thrillark and save up to 15%.
The tour begins in the central rotunda where the Foucault Pendulum swings its endless demonstration of the Earth's rotation, before moving through the astronomical galleries covering the daily and seasonal movements of the sky, the history of telescopic observation, and the science of light and space. The Tesla Coil — a 50,000-volt electrical demonstration — is one of the most dramatic moments on any visit. The guide's expert commentary weaves together astronomy, architecture, LA history, and movie trivia throughout, giving the observatory's exhibits context and meaning that most visitors never get from reading the panels alone. The terraces provide the most famous views — the Hollywood Sign on the western hillside, the full sweep of the Los Angeles basin, and on clear days the distant gleam of the Pacific Ocean — before the tour concludes in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium for a live narrated show that uses the building's state-of-the-art dome projectors to bring the same sky visible from the terraces to life in extraordinary detail.
The guided tour format requires a minimum of two participants and runs in a small group — ensuring personal attention from the guide and a pace that suits the group rather than the crowds. Planetarium show tickets purchased separately on-site sell out regularly, making this combined ticket the most reliable way to guarantee both experiences in a single visit. Book your Griffith Observatory Guided Tour and Planetarium Show Ticket now on Thrillark and save up to 15%.
Inclusions
- Expert guided tour of Griffith Observatory
- Samuel Oschin Planetarium live narrated show
- Science, history, architecture, and film legacy commentary throughout
- Small-group format
Exclusions
- Evening Zeiss telescope viewing
- Food and beverages
Insiders' Tips
The tour covers a lot of ground across multiple levels — wear comfortable shoes and arrive a few minutes before your start time. Planetarium show tickets purchased on-site sell out regularly on weekends and during summer, so the combined ticket eliminates the anxiety of securing both independently. After the tour and planetarium show, spend time on the terraces at dusk — the transition from the Hollywood Sign in golden hour to the LA city lights after dark is one of the most memorable urban views in the world.
Additional Information
Operating Hours
Child Policy
Accessibility & Facilities
Restrictions
- Tuesday to Friday: 12:00 to 10:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Closed Mondays
Child Policy
- Children under 5 years are free of charge.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout
Accessibility & Facilities
- The building and exhibits are fully wheelchair accessible
- Service animals welcome
- Cafe on site
- Photography permitted inside and outside
Restrictions
- Minimum two participants required
- No food, drinks, smoking, or vaping anywhere on the grounds
- No tripods inside
- Drones banned throughout Griffith Park
Cancellation Policy
- cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Griffith Observatory Guided Tour and Planetarium Show?
This is a small-group expert-guided tour of Griffith Observatory's 67,000 square feet of exhibits — designed by former observatory employees — combined with a live narrated show in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. The tour covers the Foucault Pendulum, Tesla Coil, Hall of the Sky, Hall of the Eye, and the Art Deco terraces with Hollywood Sign views, before concluding with the planetarium dome experience.
Why take a guided tour of Griffith Observatory instead of visiting independently?
The observatory spans 67,000 square feet across multiple levels and is large enough that self-guided visitors routinely miss significant highlights. The expert guide connects the science, history, architecture, and film legacy into a single coherent story, ensures you see every major exhibit, and saves the time typically lost navigating a large and often crowded building independently. The planetarium show inclusion eliminates the risk of tickets selling out before you reach the box office.
What is the Samuel Oschin Planetarium show like?
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium uses state-of-the-art projectors and live narration to bring the night sky to vivid and immersive life in the domed theatre — transforming the same sky visible from the terraces outside into a rich cosmic journey that consistently moves and surprises visitors of all ages. Planetarium show tickets sold on-site regularly sell out on weekends and during summer, making the combined ticket the most reliable way to guarantee your show.
What does the guide cover during the Griffith Observatory tour?
The guide covers the science of the exhibits — the Foucault Pendulum, Tesla Coil, Hall of the Sky, Hall of the Eye, the Big Picture, and more — alongside the observatory's history as a gift to the people of Los Angeles, its architecture, its role as a filming location in Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land, and the story of how Griffith Park came to exist on the hillside above the city.
Can I see the Hollywood Sign from the Griffith Observatory?
Yes — the Hollywood Sign is clearly visible from the western terraces of the observatory on most days, and the guided tour includes time on the terraces for views of the Hollywood Sign, the full LA Basin, and on clear days the distant Pacific Ocean. Daylight or golden hour provides the best Hollywood Sign photographs as the sign is not illuminated after dark.
What is the Tesla Coil at Griffith Observatory?
The Tesla Coil is a 50,000-volt electrical demonstration and one of the most dramatic moments on any Griffith Observatory visit — a scheduled exhibit that consistently generates the most enthusiastic reactions from visitors. The guide provides the scientific and historical context before the demonstration that makes the experience significantly more rewarding.
Is the Griffith Observatory guided tour suitable for children?
Yes — the expert guides are experienced at making astronomy and physics engaging for visitors of all ages, and the combination of dramatic demonstrations, incredible views, and the planetarium show is consistently described by families as one of the best science experiences available in Los Angeles. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.
How long does the Griffith Observatory Guided Tour and Planetarium Show take?
The guided tour runs for approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on group questions and pace, followed by the Samuel Oschin Planetarium show of approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Budget approximately 2.5 to 3 hours in total for the complete experience, plus additional time on the terraces before or after.
Do I need to book the Griffith Observatory Guided Tour and Planetarium Show in advance?
Advance booking is essential — guided tour spots are limited by the small group format and sell out regularly on weekends and during the busy summer season. Samuel Oschin Planetarium tickets purchased on-site also sell out, making this combined advance booking the most reliable way to guarantee both experiences on your chosen visit day. Booking through Thrillark saves up to 15% on the standard rate with instant confirmation.
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