Observatory Visits in the USA — Our Top 8

1.Griffith Observatory Hike: Guided Tour through Griffith Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,020 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $34Our pick

Join a first-aid and CPR-certified local guide, such as Michael, Josh, Chris, or Sarah, for a 3.5-mile hike through Griffith Park. Expect uphill sections, Hollywood history, Hollywood Sign photo stops, views over Los Angeles, and entry to Griffith Observatory. Morning and sunset departures are offered.

“Uphill hike for about 30 min. Manageable but may be tough for some. It was all worth it for the view though! Our guide Michael was great! Shared some Hollywood stories along the way and helped me with my bags as well!”

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2.Griffith Observatory Insider Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 306 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Explore Griffith Observatory with a small group of up to 15 people and a guide such as Estevan, Barry, or Angelica. You’ll begin at the Astronomers Monument, see the Foucault Pendulum, Tesla Coil, Einstein statue, and Hollywood Sign views, then attend the Samuel Oschin Planetarium show when included in your booking. Allow extra time for parking.

“Estevan was great. He made the experience fun for the whole family. Kids were very engaged and the adults were getting some higher level information. The observatory was really cool as well but having a guide seemed to be critically important. Give yourself time for parking.”

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3.Griffith Observatory Insider Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 287 reviews · 1h 30m · from $52

Spend 90 minutes exploring Griffith Observatory with a live English-speaking guide and an itinerary designed by observatory employees. See the Hollywood Sign and LA beaches, learn about astronomy, architecture, history, and films, then use your included ticket for a 40-minute Samuel Oschin Planetarium show. Guides have included Barry, Angelica, Estevan, Oscar, and Matt.

“Estevan is an amazing guide, great mix of science and culture facts, great experience”

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4.Griffith Observatory Guided Hike/Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 199 reviews · 2h 30m · from $34

Join an English-speaking local guide such as Michael, Noelle, Katie, or Mark for a 2.5-hour Griffith Park hike to the Observatory. Expect film locations, Hollywood history, city views, Hollywood Sign photo stops, steady uphill walking, and entry into the Observatory building.

“Phenomenal views!! Our guide, Stephen T, was entertaining and very knowledgeable of the history of LA and Hollywood. This hike was the highlight of my four day trip to LA.”

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5.Private Getty Center to Griffith Observatory Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 185 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $172

Spend six hours exploring Los Angeles by private vehicle, from the Original Farmers Market to the Getty Center and Griffith Observatory. Guides such as Brian, Matt, Gregory, and Estevan are praised for lively local stories. Expect museum highlights, Hollywood views, and time to explore, but bring lunch and allow for traffic delays.

“Brian is so awesome,professional and nice!!! He is so enthusiastic and nice!! We are looking forward to seeing him again on our next trip!”

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6.Hollywood Sign Hiking Tour to Griffith Observatory

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 106 reviews · 2 hours · from $613

Walk from Franklin’s Cafe in Los Feliz through Griffith Park to the Griffith Observatory, with a private English-speaking guide. You’ll climb the equivalent of 12 flights of stairs at a slow pace, see the Hollywood sign and Ennis House, hear stories about old Hollywood, and choose between visiting the observatory or walking back with your guide.

“My best friend and I toured with Matt! He was so awesome, friendly, and very knowledgeable. From old time Hollywood to current - Matt knows his stuff! He also recommended different restaurants for my friend who was staying for the week! 10/10 would recommend! Thanks for making our LA experience wonderful =)”

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7.Hollywood Sign Hiking Tour to Griffith Observatory

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 99 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $39

Walk with a local guide such as Paul, Lisa, Matt, or Chris through Griffith Park and Los Feliz to Griffith Observatory. Expect a moderate-to-strenuous climb, city views, Hollywood Sign photo stops, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House from outside, and plenty of LA stories. The sign remains at a distance.

“Our guide was very informative and patient. Had a great time!”

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8.Private Tour of Griffith Observatory

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 58 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $349

Spend three hours exploring Griffith Observatory with a private guide for your group of up to 10. Former observatory employees help explain the Foucault Pendulum, Tesla Coil, astronomy displays, and Los Angeles views. Guides including Estevan, Angelica, Matt, James, and Jeff have led this experience. A 40-minute planetarium show is available as an on-site upgrade.

“I love going on tours and got lucky with this tour company. Our guide was an employee of the observatory, and his background knowledge and experience made this tour outstanding. He was able to give us information that most other companies could not and his relationship with others gave us an advantage.”

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