Lick Observatory: Public Evening Tour: Sunday July 28, 2024

The "behind the scenes" style 4 - 6 hour walking tour of Lick Observatory starts at the main building's Visitor Center. You will learn about the history, technology, and current science being conducted at the various telescopes along the tour route. A highlight of the tour is admittance to the dome to view the mountain’s largest telescope up close.

After the walking tour you’ll have an opportunity to visit our Gift Shop and enjoy the sunset. During twilight, a history lecture will be presented about our founder, James Lick, and the extraordinary tale of the challenges that were overcome in the building of the observatory. Once the sky is dark (and weather permitting), viewing celestial objects through the 36-inch historic Great Refractor will commence.

Complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are included with the tour.

General Admission - $75.00/ticket, sales begin 4/17/2024 @ 12:00 PM PDT

PLEASE NOTE the following important information:

LIMIT OF FOUR TICKETS PER CUSTOMER. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR.

COVID-19 - Our upcoming Public Evening Tours will have the following safety protocols:

*COVID-19 safety protocols may change according to the conditions in Santa Clara County and the University of California Santa Cruz policies to ensure the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers. Ticket purchasers will be notified of the current safety protocols and masking rules shortly before the event.

*By purchasing a ticket, you agree to abide by the COVID protocols in place at the time of the event.

REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES

The event will be held rain or shine. Weather may restrict telescope viewing, but all other activities will still take place.

No refunds or exchanges on purchased tickets, unless the event is cancelled.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Due to historic construction of telescope domes and safety concerns, the telescopes are not wheelchair accessible at this time. Those having difficulty navigating stairs may also find the telescopes inaccessible.

The walking tour involves up to one mile of walking and some stairs.

Due to safety regulations, children must be at least 8 years of age for admission. No exceptions. Due to late hours the program may also be difficult for children under 12.

Allow for at least a one-hour drive from San Jose (depending on traffic conditions). Driving directions and parking information can be found. The event typically lasts between 4 and 6 hours; prepare to drive home late in the evening.

There is no food available at the observatory other than snack and beverage vending machines.

It can be surprisingly cool and windy on top of Mt. Hamilton at any time of year and much of the tour is outdoors or in unheated spaces, so please dress accordingly and plan to bring layers.

There is no gas at the observatory, be sure to have enough fuel before heading up Mt. Hamilton.

More Information: Visit us online for more details or email us at [email protected].

Photo courtesy of © Laurie Hatch

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