From Los Angeles: Griffith Observatory Open-top Sunset Tour

Traveling through Hollywood and up into the hills for a sunset view of Los Angeles sounds like a classic bucket-list experience, and this tour aims to deliver just that. Priced at $56 per person for a 1.5-hour ride, it promises a blend of scenic vistas, insider stories, and a chance to explore one of LA’s most iconic landmarks — Griffith Observatory.

What really catches the eye about this experience is the open-top vehicle. Riding in a luxury Mercedes minibus with a panoramic roof means you’re guaranteed impressive views and a sense of adventure. The tour’s highlight is, of course, the visit to Griffith Observatory, where you get some free time to explore and soak in the skyline.

However, potential travelers should note the timing of the sunset tour can affect what you see—some reviews mention it starts a bit earlier than actual sunset, which might mean you miss the Hollywood Sign in its golden glow. It’s best suited for those who love cityscapes, learning about LA, and don’t mind a quick, casual exploration rather than an in-depth visit.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Expect panoramic vistas of Downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood Sign.
• Small Group Comfort: The open-top minibus is noted for being comfortable with USB outlets for charging devices.
• Expert Guides: Guides share interesting facts and stories, adding depth to the experience.
• Limited Time at Observatory: Only 30 minutes to explore Griffith, which may limit some activities like visiting outdoor telescopes.
• Timing Considerations: The sunset may occur before or after the scheduled start time, affecting the lighting and views.
• No Restroom Facilities: The tour office lacks bathrooms, so plan accordingly before boarding.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey kicks off at the Big Bus Visitor Center on Hollywood Boulevard. From here, the group boards a sleek open-top Mercedes minibus, which makes a substantial difference in comfort and viewing. According to reviews, the small group size helps facilitate a more intimate and engaging atmosphere. The buses are equipped with USB outlets, a thoughtful touch for keeping your devices charged during the 1.5-hour adventure.

The ride begins through some of Hollywood’s most famous streets, including Hollywood Blvd, before winding through the Hollywood Hills and Los Feliz neighborhoods. This route alone is a sightseeing treat, as the guide shares snippets of LA history and fun facts along the way.

The Scenic Ascent to Griffith Observatory

The drive up Mt. Hollywood is where the tour truly shines. The cliffs and winding roads offer spectacular views, and you’ll feel the thrill of being high above the city. The open-air nature of the bus means you’re exposed to LA’s fresh mountain air, but be prepared for possible chilliness, especially at dusk.

Arrival at Griffith Observatory

Once you reach Griffith Observatory, you get about 30 minutes of free time. This is enough to snap photos of the Hollywood Sign and take in the sweeping views of Downtown LA and the coast on clear days. The observatory itself is a striking building, perched atop the hill, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Inside, visitors can explore the exhibits about space and astronomy. However, a common critique from reviewers is that the short time limits much of the exploration. Some, like a reviewer named GetYourGuide traveler, wanted more time inside to enjoy the outdoor telescopes and other exhibits, but found their window was limited to just five minutes before lines and closing.

Sunset and Lighting Challenges

Because this is marketed as a “Sunset Tour,” timing is key. Some reviews note that the tour starts about 15 minutes before sunset, which means the group arrives at the observatory after it has already darkened. This limits the ability to see the Hollywood Sign in its golden glow, which is a big disappointment for sunset enthusiasts. Adjusting start times to match sunset variations across seasons could improve this aspect.

Views and Photo Opportunities

The panoramic views from Griffith Observatory are simply breathtaking. You’ll see the sprawling city, the distant mountains, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean. The Hollywood Sign makes for an iconic backdrop, and the city lights come to life as the sun dips below the horizon.

While the views are generally praised, the timing caveat is important. One reviewer mentioned that the tour’s start time should be adjusted depending on the month so visitors can catch the sunset glow on the Hollywood Sign.

The Return Journey

After spending some time at Griffith, the bus winds back down the mountain and returns to the original starting point. The entire experience wraps up around 8:00 pm, giving you a full evening of LA sights and stories.

Practical Details and Considerations

Price and Value

At $56 per person, this tour offers a decent value considering the scenic views and guided experience. The small group size and open-top vehicle contribute to a more personal feel that bigger bus tours might lack. However, with only 30 minutes at Griffith, you might find your time limited if you’re hoping for a thorough exploration of the observatory or outdoor telescopes.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price covers 90 minutes of sightseeing, live commentary, and the luxury open-top Mercedes minibus. Not included are hotel pick-up/drop-off services, so you’ll need to make your own way to the starting point. There are no restrooms at the office, which is worth noting before the 60-minute ride — a quick bathroom stop might be wise beforehand.

Accessibility and Timing

The tour operates in English only, and the minibuses cannot accommodate wheelchairs or strollers. The timing is roughly 90 minutes total, with the departure happening in the early evening, making it suitable for sunset viewing but perhaps not for early or late sunset times in the year.

Reviews and Real-Life Insights

One reviewer praised the comfortable, small-group environment and the friendly guide, highlighting that the experience felt intimate and relaxed. They also appreciated the USB outlets, making it easy to document the scenery. On the flip side, another pointed out the timing issue—the start time was too early to catch the sunset properly, resulting in a dark view of the Hollywood Sign, which was disappointing.

Another minor inconvenience mentioned was the lack of restrooms at the office, meaning travelers should plan ahead before the ride. The 30-minute window at Griffith also means you’ll need to prioritize what you want to see — outdoor telescopes or photo spots — as there’s little time to do everything.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This sunset tour offers a comfortable, scenic overview of LA’s most famous sights from a unique vantage point. It’s best suited for those who want a quick, visually stunning experience without the need for an in-depth exploration. If you’re after perfect timing to catch the Hollywood Sign in its sunset glow, you might want to check the start times carefully or consider adjusting your expectations accordingly.

The small-group, open-air ride makes it ideal for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic outing with a knowledgeable guide. The ease of door-to-door drop-off and the chance to learn snippets about LA’s history add value, especially if you’re short on time but want a taste of the city’s scenery.

However, if your priority is a detailed visit to Griffith Observatory or catching the sunset in perfect lighting, this could feel a bit rushed or mis-timed. Those with a keen interest in astronomy or outdoor telescopes might find the limited exploration time a drawback.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
While the tour itself is family-friendly, the minibuses cannot accommodate strollers or wheelchairs. Plus, children should be comfortable with a 1.5-hour ride and outdoor exposure in cooler mountain air.

Are there restrooms at the starting point or observatory?
There are no restrooms at the office, so it’s wise to use facilities beforehand. The observatory itself has facilities, but they are not part of the tour and may be crowded.

Does the tour include hotel pickup or drop-off?
No, the tour does not include hotel transfers. You’ll need to meet at the designated starting point on Hollywood Boulevard.

What time does the tour usually start?
Start times vary; you should check availability for the specific date. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, with an emphasis on catching sunset views, so timing is important.

Can I see the Hollywood Sign clearly during the tour?
Yes, from Griffith Observatory and the surrounding viewpoints, the Hollywood Sign is an excellent photo subject, especially if timed during daylight or sunset (though timing issues have been noted).

Is there any indoor activity or exploration included?
Only 30 minutes are allocated for exploring the Griffith Observatory itself, which is enough for quick photos and viewing exhibits but limits deeper exploration or use of outdoor telescopes.

Is the experience suitable for non-English speakers?
Currently, the tour commentary is only in English, which could be a consideration for non-English speakers.

To sum it up, this tour offers a pleasant, scenic way to see LA’s iconic sights from a fresh perspective. The open-top vehicle and expert guides make it a comfortable way to enjoy the city’s best viewpoints, especially if you’re short on time. Just be mindful of the timing — especially for sunset— and plan ahead to maximize your visit. It’s a perfect choice if stunning vistas, a relaxed group atmosphere, and a quick introduction to LA’s landmarks are your priorities.