I missed the last guided tour of the day but you can buy an informative self-guided tour book in the gift shop for $5. The sheer size of the telescope and the dome is impressive. The drive and the grounds are beautiful and worth the trip. Visit the website for directions before visiting; do not rely solely on a GPS.... More

Visiting friends rented a Harley in San Diego and I rode chase behind them in the convertible up to Julian for lunch and then to the Observatory. Excellent twisty road and stunning vistas as you climb to 5000 feet. Nice sunny Saturday but there was still snow on the sides of the road approaching the Observatory. I did not realize... More

The observatory itself will not take much time to look round during the day - an impressive telescope in a very cool dome with a few other bits of info. The museum is not very big, though what there is on display is interesting enough. It would all probably be much better if you could go at night and actually... More

You really need to ring the telephone number and check the recorded message if they are opening! We just looked at a local webcam - beautiful clear day, checked that there were no road closures and turned up to find they were 'closed due to bad weather'. OK there had been a flurry of snow and it was only 38f,... More

Visiting the telescope during daytime hours is interesting, but for the best experience, you must join the Friends of Palomar. In return for your membership donation you will be invited to tours, lectures, star parties and maybe even a peek through the 60" telescope, though it's been over a year since they offered that last one. When we visited in... More

Visited their today - great drive from Escondido. Address given left us about 4 miles from the actual site using a GPS unit. Just keep on driving. Gift shop was open and easily ADA. There is handicap parking near this area but U will need to get instructions on how to get to the Observatory handicap parking or you will... More

I love the drive up the mountain side, and a visit to the Observatory. This is one big telescope, and you get to see it. There isn't much else to do there, so pack a lunch and enjoy the picnic area next to the Observatory.

After seeing the PBS special "Journey to Palomar", I had to bring my family for a visit. The road up here was quite an experience with a number of bikers and bicyclist zooming up and down the switchbacks on the "Road to the Stars" (now called South Grade Rd.) Once we made it to the top at 6000 ft elevation,... More

If you are into this kind of thing, this is a must do.