Palomar Observatory

Observatory · San Diego County

Palomar Observatory

Observatory · San Diego County

1

35899 Canfield Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060

Photos

Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
Palomar Observatory by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
Palomar Observatory by UCSD
Palomar Observatory by Cal Tech
Palomar Observatory by AIP.org
Palomar Observatory by Cal Tech
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null
Palomar Observatory by null

Highlights

Observatory operated by California Institute of Technology known for the 200-inch Hale Telescope.  

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35899 Canfield Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060 Get directions

sites.astro.caltech.edu

Information

Static Map

35899 Canfield Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060 Get directions

sites.astro.caltech.edu
palomarobservatory

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
assistive hearing loop
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible seating

Last updated

Jul 12, 2025

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@atlasobscura

"The Palomar Observatory was once the world’s largest astronomical observatory, and remains one of the world’s finest. Nestled in the mountains of Southern California north of San Diego, the Palomar Observatory was built by famed astrophysicist George Ellery Hale, whose home in Pasadena featured its own observatory for his personal use. Palomar was the second location of three at which Hale constructed what would be, at the time, the world’s largest observatory – a record which was only broken by Hale each time during his era. The Palomar Observatory is still a working location to this day, aiding scientists from Caltech and all over the world in their search for new insights and information somewhere in the starry depths of the sky. The observatory operates several telescopes, including the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope (5.1 m) and the 48-inch Samuel Oschin Telescope (1.2 m). In addition, other instruments and projects have been hosted at the observatory, such as the Palomar Testbed Interferometer and the historic 18-inch Schmidt telescope (0.46 m), Palomar Observatory’s first telescope, dating from 1936." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

20 Out-of-This-World Stargazing Spots
View Postcard for Palomar Observatory

grant I

Google
Disappointed !!! Drove a few thousands kilometers to get here to see a place I've wanted to visit since i was kid. Saw it was closed on Saturday, online. Checked again for Sunday and all appeared normal hours. Drove up to only find it CLOSED. No notice on line no signs on thr road. My one chance and missed it. Disappointed.....

Rhyan Adams

Google
This was such a great observatory to visit. I went here on a field trip with my school, and it was only $5 a ticket for a one hour tour. The gift shop was pretty small but had a lot of great options. I got a super cool glow-in-the-dark constellation shirt, along with some constellation deck cards, a postcard, and some stickers! The tour guide was super nice and informative, giving a great history lesson on the observatory and its contributions. I would’ve loved to be able to look through the telescope, but it is a research telescope, so I get why no one was able to. I would suggest bringing a jacket with you if you go anytime besides the summer, because the observatory itself was pretty chilly. The surrounding plants outside the observatory were also pretty cool, and overall this was a great experience! I’d definitely recommend this as a quick weekend trip.

Margaret Roslik

Google
This is a beautiful observatory, and, at least when we went, it didn't appear to be one that is visited often. The drive up was amazing, and I can completely understand why people with high-performance sports cars might desire to visit. However, it was extremely foggy on our way up, so we couldn't test the performance of our rental...SUV. we essentially had the place to ourselves, and we made the most of it. We spent a lot of time reading through all of the exhibits. It was rather chilly as we went in March, and it was overcast, but we enjoyed the trip nonetheless.

theshukans - films & photos

Google
It’s a great place to visit & enjoy the nature, science ✨ Loved it a lot! Check out our instagram @theshukans.weddings

James Bray

Google
Such a wonderful visit here! John, (the janitor), greeted us and stayed and answered numerous questions, provided tons of information and ensured our visit was absolutely perfect! Hard to imagine why John isn't working in PR or in another area. He was that good and made our visit very special! Only negative comment concerns the challenging hike up from the parking lot and stairs needed for visitors. Wheelchair-bound visitors may find it difficult or impossible to visit inside the dome, except the museum which does have a ramp and restroom facilities for ADA visitors. They set aside two times per day for elevator use, if an employee is available. Absolutely a must visit!

JitkaKac

Google
The biggest telescope I've ever seen. Tons of information at the visitor center, a gift shop and walk to the observatory is just 300 yards. They close at 3:30 pm.

F .Porti

Google
If you are going to the tour , buy the tickets at the gift shop, before going to the dome, we have to go back to buy it and then go again to the dome, which is like 6 to 8 minutes away. Beautiful experience, lot of new information from the guides. Interesting place.

Selena Gomez

Google
A great place to visit during the weekend. Need to buy the tour tickets at the gift shop. The staff explained everything thoroughly. He has great passion for the observatory and the science they do there. The lens is 200 inches and transported from Boston to SD. It was a beautiful drive in the mountains.