Griffith Park: Tours
Griffith Park, located in the Californian city of Los Angeles, is one of the largest urban parks in North America. Covering over 17 square kilometers of land, the park offers a diverse range of activities and attractions. Despite being close to the city center, the park maintains a rich natural environment with diverse flora and fauna. It serves as an important ecological space in the urban landscape of Los Angeles and hiking trails stretch in all directions, including to the famous Hollywood sign nearby. With its central location, tours to Griffith Park reveal a unique place of natural beauty in an urban center, making it a cherished Los Angeles experience.
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Griffith Park, located in the Californian city of Los Angeles, is one of the largest urban parks in North America. Covering over 17 square kilometers of land, the park offers a diverse range of activities and attractions.
Despite being close to the city center, the park maintains a rich natural environment with diverse flora and fauna. It serves as an important ecological space in the urban landscape of Los Angeles and hiking trails stretch in all directions, including to the famous Hollywood sign nearby.
With its central location, tours to Griffith Park reveal a unique place of natural beauty in an urban center, making it a cherished Los Angeles experience.
Here's your guide to Griffith Park, one of the most idyllic options for sightseeing in Los Angeles.
What are the best Griffith Park tours in Los Angeles?
Depending on your time, interests and level of fitness, there are a variety of tour options to choose between. Here are just some of the most popular tours to Griffiths Park:
Griffith Park tour
Join your guide and the rest of your group at the meeting point before setting off to explore North America’s largest urban park.
On this tour, you will take a moderately paced walk to some of the park’s most iconic sites such as the Greek Theater and the Griffith Observatory. You will learn some of Tinsel Town’s historic lore and view the city from the famous Hollywood Sign.
This family-friendly tour is a great option if you want an overview of Griffith Park’s top attractions.
Griffith Observatory guided tour
Add to the experience of the Griffith Observatory by booking a place on a guided tour. A visit to the observatory in the company of a guide gives you extra insight into the observatory and space exploration and discovery.
If you prefer to do your touring on a more exclusive basis, you can opt for a private tour where your guide is yours for the duration and you can tailor your time according to your own interests and that of your group.
Your tour may include the cost of a ticket to the 40-minute show in the planetarium which can be enjoyed by visitors over the age of 4 years.
Griffith Observatory hiking tour
With multiple trails to choose from, you will be able to explore the substantial wilderness area located right in the center of Los Angeles on a hiking tour in the park.
You can expect to see a variety of local fauna and flora, visit attractions such as the Hollywood Sign, Bronson Caves, the Greek Theater and Griffith Observatory.
If you still have energy once your hike is done, you can remain in the park to visit other places of interest or enjoy the entertainment on site.
Hollywood night tour with Griffith Observatory
On a night tour, you and your group will get to see Hollywood’s iconic spots by city lights on a bus tour before heading to Griffith Park where you will take in unobstructed views of the Los Angeles Basin from the Griffith Observatory.
The observatory is open until 10:30 PM, meaning you can appreciate the attraction and its exhibits and not just view it from the outside.
Getty Center Museum plus Griffith Observatory tour
The Getty Center is a must-see Los Angeles attraction and is home to various artworks and beautifully landscaped grounds.
Combined with a visit to the Griffith Observatory, the tour carefully curates a journey through art and space, and includes some sightseeing along the route between destinations.
Along with your guided tours, you will also have some time at each site for independent exploration.
Private e-bike tour to Griffith Park Observatory
An e-bike tour that starts on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a great way to explore the Hollywood Hills.
You and your private group will be accompanied by an experienced local guide and can customize your route to include Griffith Park and pass by film locations, celebrity homes and iconic Hollywood attractions. Up to 5 people can join this fun activity.
How much do Griffith Park tours cost?
A Griffith Park tour costs from US$40 per adult. The family-friendly tour charges children between the ages of 4 and 12 years US$30, while children under the age of 4 years can participate for free.
Griffith Observatory guided tours operate on a shared small group and private basis. The cost of a place on a small group tour is around US$35 per person, while private tours start from around US$55 per participant depending on the size of the group.
Griffith Observatory hikes range from US$30 to US$40 per person and may include walking to the Hollywood sign as well as other park landmarks.
A Hollywood night tour with Griffith Observatory includes operating in small groups and costs in the region of US$40 per person, while a tour of the Getty Center and Griffith Observatory will cost around US$90 per person.
Private e-bike tours to Griffith Park Observatory travel from the Hollywood Walk of Fame and through the city to the park and observatory. These excursions cost from US$135 per person aged 13 years and older.
Which places will you see in Griffith Park?
The Griffith Observatory is the primary highlight for many visitors to Griffith Park. As one of Los Angeles’s most iconic landmarks, it offers spectacular views of the city and the stars. There are daily programs that allow you to experience the universe. The observatory’s telescope, Planetarium, theater and exhibits combine to provide an immersive experience.
From the observatory, trails lead to sites in Griffith Park such as Mount Hollywood, the Greek Theater and Fern Dell. The park also houses the Los Angeles Zoo and the Autry Museum of the American West.
Although you may only visit some sites on your tour, you can extend your time in the park and enjoy a range of recreational activities such as horseback riding, golfing, and even steam-train rides. There are numerous trails, including some leading to the famous Hollywood Sign.
When is the best time to visit Griffith Park in Los Angeles?
The best time to visit Griffith Park is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are moderate, making it ideal to explore the outdoors. These months are also less crowded than the peak summer season.
What do Griffith Park tours include?
A tour to Griffith Park and its attractions typically includes the services of a knowledgeable local guide. Depending on the type of tour you choose, transport from downtown Los Angeles or Hollywood may be offered. On an e-bike tour, your e-bike, helmet and water are included in the cost.
Some tours include a ticket for the planetarium, while others do not. If you make your own way to the park by car, any parking fees will be for your own account.
What are the starting points of Griffith Park excursions?
Many tours use the observatory as their starting point, and you will be notified of the exact meeting point when you confirm your booking. E-bike tours begin at the operators offices on Hollywood Boulevard where safe parking is available for your vehicle.
What is the duration of Griffith Park trips?
Tours typically last for between 2 and 3 hours. A combo tour that also includes the Getty Center takes around 6 hours from start to finish. As tours usually take place regardless of the weather, heat and rain can affect the duration of the tour. If you have made your own way to the starting point inside the park, you can continue to visit at your leisure you’re your tour concludes.
Are Griffith Park tours wheelchair friendly?
Griffith Park tours that include hiking or cycling are not suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain and tour pace. Tours of the Griffith Observatory exclusively, are wheelchair accessible. There are designated parking bays for those with the necessary permits. These are available on a first come first served basis and having a disabled placard does not guarantee space will be available.
Service animals are permitted in the observatory.
Know before you go
- Given the park's size and the nature of its attractions, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Dress in layers, as temperatures can change, especially if you're staying from day to evening.
- It's a good idea to bring water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking or spending several hours exploring.
- If hiking, stay on the marked trails to protect the park's natural environment and for your safety.