Palomar Observatory
Palomar Observatory, located atop Palomar Mountain at an elevation of 5,598 feet in north San Diego County, is a center of astronomical research owned and operated by Caltech. The Observatory is home to three active research telescopes: the 200-inch (5.1-meter) Hale Telescope, the 48-inch (1.2-meter) Samuel Oschin Telescope, and the 60-inch (1.5-meter) telescope.
Guided tour tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are sold in the Observatory Gift Shop in the Greenway Visitor Center the day of the tour. Children under 5 years of age are not admitted on guided tours.
Guided tours of the 200-inch (5.1-meter) Hale Telescope will be offered on weekends, from June 10 to October 29, 2023. There is no viewing through the telescope on guided tours.
In the winter months, the Observatory is occasionally closed to the public due to severe weather and/or dangerous conditions. Visitors are encouraged to check the website or call the information number before departing to Palomar.
Palomar Observatory
35899 Canfield Road
Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
(760) 742-2119
