I had the honor of escorting one very excited astrophotographer and his girlfriend (my Goddaughter)…read moreto experience a talk by Dr. Filipenko on the 150th anniversary of the James Lick Act of Congress. The talk started at 7:45 pm in the evening, and went well into 9 pm after the speaker allowed for a short Q&A session. I learned more about James Lick and how generational wealth was built than I'd ever imagined possible on a Sunday. Unfortunately for us, humidity was at an all time high, so we only had the opportunity to look at these massive telescopes, instead of gazing at the far away stars they were built to study. I did get to walk through The Chabot science center and see how fun it would be to come back with you get kids. Can you believe, you can even decorate a postcard that they will send to space. I would now like to design a piece of mail destined for space. Also, you can come out on Friday and Saturday nights and get the opportunity to look into the heavens with these giant creatures. I guess, this just means I have a rain check to visit Oakland in the near future.

I hadn't been to Chabot in a very long time. I took Empress and we had a pretty good time. Seems…read morelike there were more interactive exhibits back in the day but we still had fun. The exhibits are very educational and enlightening. I'd like to go back in the evening and experience the telescope views. There's plenty for the kids to experience! #GoSee

On top of Mount Hamilton lies the lake observatory. This was my third time visiting the…read moreobservatory, 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.

Took my "Goon Sqaud" Neo and laiza to come check out the Famous Lick Observatory. They've never…read morebeen 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!

Unfortunately I came on a weekend, and so the Observatory was closed, but it looked pretty cool…read morewhen I walked around it! The building right next to it is big enough for a classroom, but I am so curious to see what the Observatory looks like from the inside! It's an easy walk from the Evergreen campus, with two parking spaces (one is for disability access). At least from the outside, the Observatory looks great. Hopefully I can come by when there are students and faculty around, and maybe I can catch a glimpse of the Observatory!

I feel like I paid to be bored out of my mind. Was looking…read moreforward to look out of the telescope, but unfortunately it was too cloudy. That doesn't mean that the lecture should be something that should have been left in the 90s. Slide shows lacked pictures, the instructor lacked excitement and was so monotoned. If you want to see the telescope on a clear night, perhaps ditch the class, and arrive at 8:30pm.

We had reservations to go and my wife was sick that day. I called to cancel or switch and was told…read moreno. I told them I planned on attending several classes but we could not go that night. I was then told no again. After explaining our situation again the person laughed at me and said sorry. I hung up at that point. Laughing about my sick wife is sad. I would never recommend this place to anyone. I hope they enjoy their $50.

Chateau La Cresta was hands down one of the most memorable dining experiences we've had in the Bay…read moreArea. Tucked into the hillside at The Mountain Winery, the restaurant occupies the historic 1901 chateau built by Paul Masson himself, you can feel the history in every stone archway and wine barrel accent. We were seated on the outdoor patio just as the sun started dipping behind the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the view alone was worth the drive-up Pierce Road. We had the 3-course meal that started with a delicious watermelon salad moved to mouth -watering salmon and finished with scrumptious lemon Tiramasu! Every dish was prepared with fresh, seasonal, local ingredients, and you could tell real care went into the pairing with their estate wines. Service was attentive, warm and well-paced without ever feeling rushed, even with the Gladys Knight concert full house that night. If you're heading to a show at the amphitheater, do yourself a favor and book dinner beforehand, it turns a concert into a full evening out of joy! Between the setting, the food, and the sheer beauty of the property, Chateau La Cresta earns every one of its 5 stars. We'll absolutely be back.

We saw Fia here with a few island reggae/R&B openers, and the entire night felt magical. This is…read moreeasily one of the nicest venues and overall vibes I've experienced for this type of show. The grounds are gorgeous -- towering redwoods, beautiful lighting, huge wine barrels, and incredible views out over Silicon Valley. There are all these tucked-away little areas to wander, grab a drink, and hang out, which makes the whole place feel like a thoughtfully curated experience rather than just a concert venue. The venue itself is huge, and nothing felt crowded or corporate. The aisles were clean and spacious, there were plenty of bars, plus wine, champagne, and beer carts circulating through the venue. The bar menu also had actual food, not just snacks. Restrooms were clean, parking was easy for us, and we were able to park surprisingly close to the entrance. Every single person we interacted with -- security, bartenders, and other staff -- was genuinely friendly and helpful. People went above and beyond to show us around, explain the different areas, and recommend good spots to hang out. The crowd and programming felt very Bay Area, right down to an MC who clearly knew his audience. Combined with perfect weather and barely any wind, it was just an incredible night. I'll definitely be watching their calendar for more shows that fit my vibe and would love to come back for a daytime wine tasting too. The Mountain Winery is a magical place, and I really hope they maintain this level of experience for years to come.

Great night sky view, saw moon up close. Parking situation's good at night…read more Heads up that there's a lot people, with lines. Appreciate the staff there for hosting!

My boyfriend and I came over like around 6:30 friday We…read morewalked around before checking this place out Don't bother coming early because they definitely do not Don't bother making a line because the professor doesn't bother with it I give this a zero because there was no communication They didn't say anything about kids going first when they first opened the door nor when you go up the stairs and the professor is up there Two ladies were in front of us and they got to look into the telescope He proceeded to disregard my boyfriend and I. Even though we were standing right behind the two ladies I took my chance right away to look into it while he was talking to the ladies He then mumbled something and was trying to take the step stool away Let a little kid to see Then her father and when he finished. The professor was showing the kids the photo he took of the moon on his phone and was talking about how a meteor hit the moon and so forth I told my boyfriend to take the chance to see since no one was paying attention When he saw my boyfriend looking into it he immediately tried taking the step stool and mumbled to him that kids go first in a very low voice I felt disrespected and i was mad We walked out I get it.. I feel like I'm maybe over reacting But I don't like being disrespected when we did nothing wrong We waited, we were in line, we weren't talking at all when we walked in, he never mentioned that kids would go first when we got up there nor after the two ladies Definitely was not worth the disrespect

Great group of people. Wonderful observatory!read more

First time came to the observation deck, I think it is best spot to view the golden bridge, even…read morewas cloudy day we still able to get quiet a few very good shots of bridge, I can't imagine how great views would be in sunny days. It's very easy-accessible, you can drive and bike to there with short walk to the top, very windy at the top, bright a jacket and watch your hat is great idea. At almost 500 feet above the bay, this high cliff-top vantage point was a prime location for big coastal defense guns when the army was there.

Lovely group and hooray for raptors and good cause but the director is discriminatory…read more They gladly accept seniors with oncoming dementia but after training - an excellent veterinary fit volunteer as she was just getting diagnosed with sudden onset pots syndrome- and not aware what her limitations may be disclosed to the director He told her he "did not want to slow the group down" This is flat out discrimination .

Wow! It's beautiful! We've been here a lot of times but this was a good time to take pictures…read morebecause it was clear. There were no clouds or fog. The perfect time to take a picture is at sunset.

SOFIA or better yet the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy is a converted 747-SP that…read moreholds a telescope. The plane flies up to 40000 feet well above any atmospheric moisture for perfect conditions. The 747 SP #21441 began life as a special performance model of the 747 for Pan Am in 1977. Named in honor of Charles Lindbergh, The 'Clipper Lindbergh" was sold to United Airlines for its Pacific routes. NASA had the grandson of Charles rechristen the aircraft following its extensive modifications to honor the aviation pioneer. SOFIA carriers a 8.2 foot reflector telescope in the rear of the aircraft. A large moving door opens once the it reaches altitude and the observing begins! It replaced the Kuiper Airborne Observatory which can also be seen at Moffett Field.