On top of Mount Hamilton lies the lake observatory. This was my third time visiting the observatory, I came here with my four year-old daughter, and it was her first coming here. She was surprised and excited to see the telescope. Inside the observatory it's packed up but fascinating information regarding the meteors stars lots of scientific discoveries. This place also tells you about James Lick's achievements the way he brought the astronomy into reality and his life struggle. There are plenty of parking near Observatory just that while driving, you must be bit careful those were the newcomers because the road is very narrow once you get on the hill. There is a small gift shop inside the Observatory you can grab souvenirs like sweatshirt, T-shirt, magnets, some jewelries which was mentioned was made out of meteors which I found it fascinating and some kids related item, etc. read more

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Took my "Goon Sqaud" Neo and laiza to come check out the Famous Lick Observatory. They've never been here before. Make sure to go on a weekend because during the week you won't be able to see the telescopes! It's about an hour drive once you start from 130 or from quimby rd. Make sure to ask someone from the area to give you the history behind Lick Observatory. I'm sure you'll find it interesting! read more

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Amazing place to visit. Make sure to check the weather before visiting. Bring some snacks water. read more

Lick Observatory - Observatories Near Me - Mount Hamilton, California

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Attended the Music of the Spheres event this past Saturday with the White Album Ensemble Chamber Orchestra performing an hour long show for a medium-sized audience. The setup and sound system for the musical performance was less than ideal, but the musicians were decent, lovely sounds of the keyboard, bass, and violin being played on a makeshift stage. Among the various tunes, a medley of music by the Beatles, including In my Life, Across the Universe, and Something. Our paid tickets also included telescope passes for two different telescopes, the 36" Refractor and 40" Reflector. But the system they used for visitor viewing was inconvenient and inefficient. Let's just say if you're #150 or above, you'll be waiting a while. Because of this ridiculous system, we opted to just visit one of the telescopes (the one with less people and a shorter "line"), and I'm glad we chose the Refractor. Inside the dark space, they shared interesting information about the science and history of the piece and about this unique setting, the first mountaintop observatory, with James Lick's tomb buried underneath this particular dome. After guests' questions were answered, visitors could then climb up a platform ladder, one-by-one, to peek through the giant telescope, on this day viewing M5, a cluster of stars 20,000 light years away. While waiting for our turn for telescope viewing, we were able to explore the other rooms, listen to a lecture by an astronomy speaker on site, check out views from the smaller telescopes outside, and visit the gift shop. They also had a few snacks and coffee for sale, as well as drinks from a vending machine available. For special events here, I felt there were a lot of negatives. They don't have enough parking to accommodate the number of tickets they sell and don't inform visitors that there will be at least a quarter mile walk uphill if not more, the seating for concerts and system for telescope viewing is flawed and unnecessarily complicated, and the drive up here caused some of the worst motion sickness I've ever gotten. I still gave 4 stars because the volunteers and staff were helpful for the most part, the views from Mount Hamilton are magnificent, and the experience is quite unique. Also admission to the visitor center is typically free. Can't complain about that. read more

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It's incredible the the things that are here in our backyard of the greater Bay area. Gazing down at us from is this incredible observatory. As someone from San Jose I would see this building all the way from my corner of Los Gatos/Campbell/San Jose. I took a drive up here yesterday to clear my head, I went up Quimby which I don't recommend unless you are a very skilled driver and enjoy twisty roads which I actually do. It was a clear day so the driving conditions was perfect. Anyway look Observatory was incredible well they do have limited hours I recommend you get here before 5:00. I was able to check out the visitor center learn more about the telescope and how the building was built I even got to chat with some of the researchers who were wandering the grounds. There are many signs that actually say quiet day sleepers which indicate that the researchers and the scientists sleep during the day and then do their work at night. So try to be respectful when you visit. Anyhow the views are stunning and breathtaking. There are some binoculars attached to a stand that you can check out some of the other mountain peaks too. You can see Joseph D Grant Park and the lake down below, and some of the greater Bay Area in the distance. My favorite experience was seeing the Marine layer. read more

Lick Observatory - View from the side of the observatory. - Observatories Near Me - Mount Hamilton, California

This facility has limited public hours. Their inly open to the public during the day time. We came there earyl evening but the observatory was closed. Although my main purpose was to stargaze. Make sure you come here with a full tank of gas or a full charge cause there is nothing here but the observatories. The view is great. read more

Great view! The inside of the observatory is nostalgic of the 1900s and I imagine it hasn't been renovated since it was built. The women's bathroom only consists of two stalls and the non-handicap one was very narrow. The gift shop had some cool stuff! The drive gets more crazy and curvy the last 30 mins of the drive. I took Dramamine and felt ok. If you drive up and park directly in front of the observatory, please note that the road is one way only and you'd have to make space for cars going the opposite direction or back up. We also got attacked by gnats when we were peering into the sightseeing binoculars they have onsite (this was January 2025). If I had anticipated getting bugs caught in my hair or the sherpa lining of my jacket, I would've worn clothes that had smooth material like puffer jackets. read more

Fun place but lost track of time. the observatory area closed and I was kicked out by a man around his 40s I left the observatory without a hassle as I make it down to mt ham rd the worker then tells me I have to start making my way down the rd or he'll call sheriff. I simply wanted to rest and catch my breath from climbing all the way up but the worker refused.yes I get you are trying to do your job but you don't have to abuse it.do better. read more

Lick Observatory - Observatories Near Me - Mount Hamilton, California

My husband and I attended a photography night event at Lick Observatory and it was no less than amazing. It was our first time at Lick Observatory and the drive was quite harrowing. For someone who gets carsick, I was very paranoid about making the trip up, so I stocked up on ginger chews. It took what felt like an eternity to get up there and about 1-2 miles from our destination, I had a bit of a panic attack, but with some steady breathing and once we arrived, I mellowed out and was fine to enjoy the rest of the evening on top of the world. They allowed up to 20 cars up for the evening and had things lined up specifically for photographers to take advantage of the location and evening. There were people with a wide variety of experience and gear up there with us. We found a great spot to each set up our tripods and cameras to enjoy and capture the sunset. I packed some hot ginger tea and layers and am SO glad I did. It got mighty cold and breezy up there. We caught a beautiful sunset of pinks, purples, and oranges that transitioned into a beautiful evening sky with a few streaks of clouds. They turned off the building lights, interior and exterior, so that we could get some cool shots of the 36" telescope dome. They had an infrared light inside the dome and opened it up, so people could shoot inside or outside the dome. We couldn't look or shoot through the scope, unfortunately, but it was still a neat experience. Once we were in the 10-11PM hour, they turned on the light in the dome and did a planned long exposure setup with us to create what they called a "Ghost Dome" image which was meant to be at a 2 minute shutter speed and F4 aperture. I unfortunately didn't have a remote trigger to set the shutter for that long, so I was just taking 30 second shots at a time, but it was still a neat experience. They gave us 2 (but really, 3 because one was a bit messed up) shots at it and it was great. The staff there were all super-knowledgeable and informative. It was really lovely being welcomed to the observatory for such a special experience. The car ride home was much better than the ride up, but it is a looong way from town. I would love to go back someday, but I don't know if I could stomach the ride. It was truly a night to remember, though. read more

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Very nice place to spend your hour on a weekend afternoon. Also, a very scenic route. Be careful driving up to the mountain road with bikers and narrow roads. The only problem is the windy road, and if you have motion sickness, avoid it. read more

It's hard to imagine anyone giving Lick Observatory anything less than a 5-star review! Set high up on one of the peaks of Mount Hamilton, this destination is a must-visit. The drive up to the observatory is an adventure in itself, with twisty roads that really test your driving skills. The narrow roads climb steadily, offering stunning views that prepare you for the spectacle ahead. At the summit, Lick Observatory stands as a landmark of historical significance and a hub of cutting-edge astronomical research, dating back to the late 18th century. Among its collection of telescopes is the Great Lick Refractor, once the largest refracting telescope in the world, and still a marvel of historical and scientific importance. Nighttime visits are especially magical. The observatory's summer stargazing programs allow guests to peer through telescopes at distant galaxies and stars, with expert explanations from the observatory's knowledgeable staff. It's an educational and intimate experience that connects visitors with the vast cosmos. Whether you're a stargazing enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience, Lick Observatory is an excellent choice. It's a perfect spot for families, dates, friends, or even solo adventurers. You won't be disappointed. A few tips for your visit: 1. Drive carefully. The roads up the mountain attract fast drivers who can make the narrow, two-lane road tricky, especially at parts where it's impossible for wide cars to pass without crossing into the oncoming lane. 2. Watch for unprotected turns along cliffs with 1,000+ foot drops. If you're heading to the observatory, stay alert and cautious. 3. Share the road respectfully with cyclists, who are vulnerable and move slowly. The road includes several blind turns, so when in doubt, slow down. There's no need to rush--with so much beauty and excitement ahead, the drive is part of the adventure. read more

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If California were a nation (it kind of is) Lick Observatory would be a national treasure--an engineering marvel, truly stunning setting, and fascinating history all rolled into one. So why is it then that they are so cash strapped that they can't show a more updated video in their makeshift museum then one from the 90s, chairs in 'theatre' are shreaded and held together with duck tape, and per the docent-- they are still trying to raise the $2 million required to fix the elevated walkway in historic dome. With all the $$$ in this region why and how is fundraising even an issue? read more

Lick Observatory - James Lick telescope - Observatories Near Me - Mount Hamilton, California

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This place is on the top of the mountain. The road to the top is the hardest that we have ever driven on. It's so narrow and steep with a lot of sharp turns and without any fences along the cliffs. There are so many skid marks and you can imagine what have happened here. The mountain top is very cold. The wind is so strong and sometimes it's even very hard to walk straight. The observatory is actually very small. It does smell like history. The souvenirs in the gift shop are expensive like crazy. read more

Super crowded but the experience it was spectacular, we were able to saw juniper and Saturn my kids were astonish the service, security were amaizing this is the tepe.pf place you must go Everytime you can. We will come back again read more

Lick Observatory - The view from the observatory, spectacular!!! - Observatories Near Me - Mount Hamilton, California

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Snow!!! The drive may be treacherous, and pretty scary at times, but this is such a beautiful place tucked into the mountains in the South Bay! Obviously due to covid the actual observatory was closed, but the views were breathtaking and the little pockets of snow all the way up at the top was so fun to see! Lick Observatory is a really cool spot with such a rich history that not many people know about! Also, there are hiking trails nearby in the beautiful nature that I cannot want to try next time. read more

What an amazing place! So clean & breathtaking. I plan on visiting every weekend! The staff is so kind and helpful. This place is just missing a hotel or restaurant. read more

Looking at the mountains, I've always wondered what those bulb-y looking things were. Little did I know it was Lick Observatory! Unfortunately the observatory was closed when we arrived so this review is based on the outside only haha. It was a nice day for a motorcycle ride and well, my bf decided to come all the way up here! The turns and twisties make the ride even more fun haha. There's some cyclists that travel up these hills so be careful! One thing we noticed was that when we were getting closer to the summit, the air was nicer and we got so far up that the trees started looking like broccolis to me haha. There was plenty of parking when we went and we were free to walk around the area. Those bulb-y buildings were HUGE. I mean, they looked huge from afar but damn when you get there you'll literally just ooooh and ahhhh at it. Overall, it's a great escape from the city but not too far. Highly recommend to everyone! read more

Lick Observatory - Observatories Near Me - Mount Hamilton, California

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It's a bit of a drive from Milpitas up to the observatory, but very much worth it. The road is narrow and winding, so when your navi tells you that it's going to be an hour to get there, it's correct. On the bright side if you drive an electric vehicle up there, on the way down your battery will likely be at a higher percentage after the trip down than it is when you leave the observatory. The old telescope is the gem here. It's absolutely beautiful. If you can, catch the tour that the gift shop puts on. It's more of a talk than a tour, but worth it nonetheless. Make sure to look at the floor! It's almost as marvelous as the scope. There's a newer and still-in-operation telescope a short walk from the old observatory. It's very industrial but some of the posted material is really interesting to read if you're even remotely into astronomy. read more

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Drive up there was so calm and relaxing. Beautiful location. Not much to do though. So bring Lunch.

I've lived in the Bay Area my whole life, and I had no idea this place even existed! I've lived off of Tesla Road in Livermore for a while now and I'm just now finding out that Mines Road will take you right up to the Lick Observatory. So cool! We went here on a Saturday afternoon with excellent weather; I can only assume people don't know about this place, but it wasn't crowded at all. There weren't very many people here and the weather was about as perfect as could be expected! Clear skies and great views as far as the eye can see. You really get a wonderful view of the Silicon Valley. They have tours as well where they take you into the actual observatory itself and provide a brief history of James Lick and the construction of the observatory. They have a small donation box where you can leave contributions, as they don't charge an entrance fee. There's also a small gift shop and bathrooms as well -- they have all of the standard amenities and it's all very well maintained. Water fountain is fresh spring water! Definitely give this place a try if you've never been before. The drive up can be a bit sketchy since the road becomes narrow and windy and people often take the turns too fast. You'll also find a lot of bicyclists here, so be weary when going around sharp turns. read more

This is a beautiful place to visit. We tried our best to get there when the presentation was happening and boy was it worth it. The presenter was super informative and gave so many fun facts and history on the place and telescope itself. I highly recommend going at least once. I would like to go back at some point during the summer series they have to look through the telescope but tickets sell really fast. Im sure it would be fun and with lots of information for astronomy enthusiasts. read more

Lick Observatory - Telescope built in the 19th century and still works! - Observatories Near Me - Mount Hamilton, California

The educational and entertainment benefits for the public are astronomical. We spent the entire afternoon enjoying the exhibits and experiments performed by the dedicated staff. read more

Lame ass people Refused to let anyone up to the snow while it was the closest snow in the entire bay area for hours, i would understand a capicity limit or a fee or charge per car but letting no one go up is just sinister. I saw countless toddlers and kids crying and completely balling their eyes out because they were turned back from the snow. Moreover i drove 2 hours from mountainview just to get turned back and averted from the snow. Also lied and showed it was open on google and google maps. -kyle read more

We had a few hours to kill so why not take the windy road up to Mt Hamilton? I'll tell you why...you might end up with a strong case of sea sickness....but the vistas are second to none as you snake up Mt Hamilton road. From sea level to one of the highest peaks in the Bay Area at nearly 4300 ft! We saw the 132 year old 36 inch refractor that was in pristine condition balanced on a 7ton cantilever which discovered among other things the one of the moons of Jupiter but there is a host of remarkable discoveries. Arriving at 3pm we managed shop briefly in the gift shop before squeezing in the tour at 3:30pm. This was a very cool attraction. read more

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I've been wanting to come to this place ever since I moved to San Jose and finally did so this past weekend. If you're even remotely interested in astronomy (who isn't?) you will love this place. The 36-inch refractor telescope is such a cool sight and so is the 120-inch one. And lots of other interesting things and displays and information. The drive up is quite windy, but beautiful once you get up there. We packed a picnic and enjoyed the view. Our energetic 19 month old was with us and while he is a bit too young to understand most of that was there, he now knows what a telescope is. Definitely coming back when he is older. read more

Be warned the car ride to this historic gem was incredibly nauseating. The roads are now evenly paved with side reflectors, so it's much safer than years prior. I drove up Mt. Hamilton on my own once... I don't know why we even decided to go up to the Observatory this time. But it's probably going to be a once in a lifetime thing to do. The lovely tour guide (and gift shop owner) piqued my curiosity of the quirky nature of James Lick after providing an overview of the observatory and his life in the Bay Area. (He was definitely very passionate about the telescope and James Lick's life) After the trip, I did a lot of reading on him.... and briefly here's what I've gathered: James Lick was once the most affluent entrepreneur of California during its early years after the Spanish American war. He came around the time when California was acquired by the United States and the Gold Rush was booming. His main residence was here in San Jose, Santa Clara and San Francisco, and he acquired a lot of land around here (also owning Catalina Islands in SoCal). He had a son with his sweetheart, but her father rejected James' proposal to marry her... he ended up starting his personal business in piano making in Buenos Aires, Argentina and then moved to Chile. There in Chile he was friends and neighbors with Domenico Ghiradelli (Yes, ghiradelli chocolates). James sold his business many years later and moved to California in the mid 19th century. He later convinced Domenico to move to Oakland to start his chocolate business in the United States from Chile. The observatory is an important landmark... James Licks coffin was exhumed from a San Francisco location and his coffin now rests beneath the telescope in the Observatory. When visitors arrive, you are able to not only view such a magnificent invention from the 1800s but also pay respect to James Lick himself... read more

Lick Observatory - Observatories Near Me - Mount Hamilton, California

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Love to reflect and learn about astronomy great to take your kids for like half a day type thing

This place is so cool! I can't believe I've lived in the Bay Area for so long without really knowing this existed. I was reminded of it again this week when I heard there was snow up here, so my friends and I made a weekend trek up the mountain to see a tiny bit of snow. (Side note: their website has a link to check if the road is open, which it won't be if there's fresh snow. Check before going, and don't be deterred by a "road closed" sign blocking the road if it's supposed to be open. They tried to fool us!) The observatory is open Thursday-Sunday, as well as most Monday holidays. The drive up takes an hour from downtown San Jose on a long and windy road. Luckily there aren't too many other cars around, but be warned that there are a lot of turns on the drive up. We brought sandwiches and fruit up with us, and enjoyed a really nice picnic on tables that they have in a small courtyard. I would highly recommend doing that! There are tours every hour, on the half hour, where you get to go inside the dome to see the huge telescope that was built in the late 1800s. It's crazy that they built this whole thing when horse and buggies were the only way up the mountain. The views from the top are also pretty incredible. They're open at night only on certain days in the summer, and you have to buy tickets for those nights far in advance. My friends and I definitely want to come back for that! If you love astronomy or not, Lick Observatory is a great place to visit. It seems like a place a world away, even though it's just an hour drive (and technically in San Jose!). I definitely recommend that everyone who lives in the area make a drive up here at some point! read more

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Beautiful and fun drive up! Not for those who do not like windy roads. The road is quite dark once the sun sets. Also, wifi goes in and out so it is best to load a map in advance! Great views, and the observatory is informational (lots of text to read). It is chilly outside and inside, so bring a jacket. We thought we would get a chance to look through the Lick telescope, but that wasn't the case on the tour we went on. Best to keep a look out for events that allow for viewings through the telescope. read more

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Although a very long and windy drive to get here; it is very worth coming up to visit at least once in your life. I think astronomy is cool and love learning more about it. There is so much information here that you can spend all day here reading and watching videos about space exploration. Being up so high in the mountains also makes you feel calm since it is super quiet all around. They have a free tour which was my favorite, the lady tour guide was super friendly and very knowledgeable. Ps..if you get car sick easy this might not be the best place to visit. read more

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This was a weird experience. We drove all the way up to Lick observatory on Thursday. It was after 10 am. I'm not sure if they were closed because there was snow on the ground or what, but all of the gates were closed and nobody was around. There were signs posted that said "day sleepers, be quiet". So it kind of felt like we were trespassing. The website says outdoor public areas are open from 8-5 and the Shane visitors gallery is open from 10-5. Yelp says another thing. So maybe we came on an off day, but there was literally no one there. If it wasn't for the beautiful scenery during the drive, and the left over snow on the ground, this would have been a huge disappointment. read more

As the passenger in the car, driving up here through the hills was terrifying. There are so many curves and at times the lanes aren't big enough for your car or there aren't guard rails. That's the only reason I probably won't come back to Lick Observatory. As for Lick Observatory itself, it's free admission with donations encouraged. We had a nice time looking around and they have these showings every hour for you to see their telescope. It lasted about 30 minutes with a rep talking about the history. We ended our visit with eating lunch by the fountain and taking scenic pictures. I like this place, I just don't like the drive. read more

From San Jose, look to the east at the top of the mountain, see those white thiings that look like clouds that NEVER move, That my friends, is Lick Observatory! I have driven up here only a handful of times (4 times), and every single time I enjoy myself! The drive up there is a trek, but I absolutely love it! I went up there on Sunday morning with my good friend Maddy, and there was a very soft brisk blanket covering the summit on our way up, but it was gorgeous. The road is trecherous and curvy all the way up the summit, so I recommend you be an experienced driver. On that note, PLEASE BE COURTEOUS of cyclists and hikers on the way up AND the way down. When passing them, try to not do it on blind turns as you may hit an oncoming car or cyclist! The drive up gets me every single time! I drive up the Alum Rock side and sometimes drive down the Evergreen hills side. As you progress towards the summit, you will see the air become nicer, and the sky become bluer (on nice days). Even the trees and leaves near the summit change, becoming red. The trees themselves are red! Once you reach the peak, there is a small town that surrounds the Lick Observatory, with a small school, and a few houses. It is eerie up there, quiet and calm. There is so much peace up there. I have only been inside the actual observatory once, becasue it is usually closed when I get up there, but it is really neat! It has the massive telescope, and a richter scale or seismographer. The people are all very welcoming and informative! The tour is free, but short. The view from the peak outside the Observatory is breathtaking in whatever direction you look, may it be to the east and see Stockton, or to the South and you can see Morgan hill and Mt. Uhumunum, or to the west and see San Jose nestled in the valley. Sunset up there are a mavel as well. The stars and city are also something to definately check out, may it be from the summit or even on the drive up there! Overall; this place is a very nice escape for me, and I enjoy it very much. The drive, the scenery, the people up there are also really nice. The Observatory has LOADS of history which to be frank, is all really interesting! I place to definatly check out if you have a few hours to kill, a full tanks of petrol and a camera read more

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The road to the Lick observatory has many twists and turns. if you haven't been there before, you should leave some time for driving. Lick Observatory gave me an excellent experience for astronomy and stargazing - I joined "Public Evening Tours at Lick Observatory" event in June. The astronomers guided us to visit Visitor Center, given lectures for telescopes' structures, history and functions. After seeing around tool setting and different buildings, they delivered a short history lecture of Lick Observatory, with some hot chocolate and tea - that's lovely! In the final round, they showed all participants the amazing amounts of stars in the thousands miles away dark sky through a huge, historical telescope, may over hundred years, the stars looked so surreal close. Great place for chilling, sunset and gaining some knowledge, will visit again for sure! read more

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This is in the hills of San Jose, but will take you about an hour to get to even if you live in San Jose like I do. It's a twisty winding road getting here, so if you have a problem with long twisty roads, this journey might not be for you. We reached the top and surprisingly the parking was free, as well as the entrance fee. So technically there is no entrance fee! They do take donations and would like you to buy something from their shop to support this place. The story goes that James Lick was old and dying and wanted the world to remember him. He had no kids and was alone. His original thought was to build a giant statue of himself at the ports of SF, his second idea was to build a pyramid in the heart of SF, and his final choice which he went with was to build the worlds largest telescope of the time. It's a breathtaking piece and they give tours every hour. The views are amazing here and you can't believe you're in San Jose. Can't imagine how it looks at night or when it snows. Either way, if you're in SJ give it a go. read more

Lick Observatory - Observatories Near Me - Mount Hamilton, California

In all fairness, this review is a combo of my two visits... Once when I was 10 and the other a few weeks ago (I'm now 48, BTW.) What a cool place - and I'm not even into astrology (heh, heh...yeah, I know it's astronomy...I think.) I rode my bike from San Ramon to the top of Mount Hamilton (whew!) with some friends (we travelled the less-frequented road up the backside.) It's a great ride, but travelling by car is probably easier. Upon arriving at the top of the mountain, I was amazed to see the little village scattered about - observatories, sleeping quarters, a schoolhouse, the visitor's center, assorted houses and various other structures. The main observatory is a fascinating place to visit - check out the telescope - wow! From the mountaintop, San Jose is an afterthought - hardly noticeable off in the distance. What a great place to explore and get away from town. It was just as cool the second time as when I first visited 38 years ago! 5 gazillion stars in the galaxy...seems like a 5 star review on Yelp hardly compares. read more

Lick Observatory - Observatories Near Me - Mount Hamilton, California

Wow. Love this place. It truly is worth the windy-ass drive. We took the Quimby Rd route going up and although the views are gorgeous, I just about had a heart attack on some of the steep switchbacks. Skip the steep route and take Alum Rock Rd via 130 to get there - just as scenic minus the crazy-steep road. I saw hardcore cyclists and even a few hikers coming up the mountain - kudos to them. Like most folks, you'll drive up there. Parking is limited, but there are designated Handicap parking for those who need it. The bathrooms are clean, there are snacks in the vending machine and a cute little gift shop selling something for everyone - postcards, Tshirts, tote bags, posters, books, etc. Take time for the tour of the 36-inch Refractor. It's free and the guide is knowledgeable. The view from the Observatory is totally worth the drive. It's breathtaking. Since we just had some rain, the hills are green right now which makes the drive up even better. Bring a light jacket even when it's hot in the valley, you never know if it's going to be chilly up there. read more

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Came here with my bf. I'm taking astronomy and my teacher suggested coming here for extra credit. I also want to mention that the drive SUCKS. Its a very windy road so beware!!! Head aches, dizziness and nausea may happen to you! You also have to be very focused driving these roads because you could definitely drive off the mountain. Anyway, we finally reached the top and it is very peaceful, cleansing and BEAUTIFUL!!! We got there at 3 and watched the sunset. We finally went in to see the telescopes a little after 4 (they close at 5) there wasn't much t see. There also was only one worker there, that ran the gift shop. We went to see the old telescope and she also showed us in. The old telescope is pretty magnificent. We went to the newer telescope and it wasn't as interesting as the old one. Would I return? Probably not. If you have patience to drive a long ways and if you love astronomy, you should go up and see it. read more

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The ride to get to the summit of Mt Hamilton can be a little pain...even for a motorcyclist! but the view is like..."Woah" ! amazing all way long! You can get an outstanding free tour of the 1888 telescope (a gem of historical astronomy) given by a passionate astrophysicist. The lecture is interesting and easy to understand. The telescope and it's surrounding building are an archive of technological development. You need to tour and read by yourself (the guide is only here to give an history lecture about the telescope), they trace back from the construction era to newest techniques developed for space observation through photos, old prototypes and antiques, and TV/slide show presentations. Do visit this place. You'll see some really interesting innovation (for the 19th century!), enjoy a great view and get smarter ;) Small snacks, souvenir shop. Visits are free. read more

Lick Observatory - 1888 36 inches refractor Lick telescope - Observatories Near Me - Mount Hamilton, California

Once you get over sharing the curvy, spaghetti road with bicycles and other road warriors you are greeted with an AMAZING view! I was seriously white knuckled on the way up ( and down), so thankful that my hubby is a great driver. It took us about 45 minutes to reach the top via Quinby Ave in San Jose. Very scenic and beautiful drive, but once you start climbing there are major areas where you are on the edge of distinction!!! No room for error as you're climbing up the steep, two lane road. I really applaud all of the cyclists that ascend and descend this path! The grounds are beautiful and the buildings are full of rich California history. James Lick did not make his fortune with the CA Gold Rush, but through real estate...he was even instrumental in bringing his chocolate making friend, Ghiradelli, to San Francisco...and the rest is history. This facility is free to the public, but donations and purchasing something at the gift shop is highly recommended. They even rent it out for weddings and special events. I hope this gem remains open to the public for many generations. read more

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