Above the streets of San Francisco are magnificent telescopes at Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton. This is not a place that is frequented by many, yet Lick Observatory deserves special attention when in search of things to do in the San Francisco bay area.
Lick Telescopes on Mt. Hamilton
Lick telescopes on Mt. Hamilton, is not just a tourist attraction, it is also part of the everyday life of residents in San Francisco bay area.
Astronomers work at night at Lick Observatory using superb conditions this region offers of clear skies, steadiness of atmosphere, and dark skies. It is because of this that the city of San Jose ensures a unique correct light pollution is enabled in evenings.
A Scenic Drive to the Lick Observatory
A scenic winter drive to Mt. Hamilton (only 20 miles from San Jose), is usually clear, warm and sunny with lush green hillsides all around the San Francisco area. It is a spectacular drive that finishes with a visit of the telescopes at Lick Observatory.
Remember at 4,230 feet, weather on Mt. Hamilton may be cool, so bring a sweater or coat. There is wheelchair access to the main Lick Observatory building from the back. There is no gasoline or food service at Mt. Hamilton or anywhere along the road outside of San Jose.
Drive to Mt. Hamilton
Bicyclists and cars share the road with 365 curves on the way. Elevation of Mt. Hamilton of 4,360 ft (1,330 m) makes it the tallest peak above the San Francisco bay area. The next highest peaks are Mt. Helena, in Sonoma Co, Mt. Diablo is 3849 Ft, and Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County is 2571 Ft.
Lick Observatory a Tourist Attraction
Lick Observatory at the top of Mt. Hamilton in the Diablo Range leads as a astronomical research observatory and is a part of the University of California. The Lick Observatory was created by a donation from James Lick, an eccentric California millionaire of San Francisco bay area in the 1800’s.
Great Lick Refractor
There are nine research-grade telescopes in total, which are used by different astronomers in the University of California system. Largest among its nine research-grade telescopes is the Shane 3-meter Reflector, active since 1960. A short walk to see the 120-inch Reflector telescope is stimulating. This telescope is used to view planets outside our solar system.
Visitors enjoy free tours of the Great Lick Refractor in the 36-inch telescope dome which begin at the Gift Shop, on each half hour starting at 1:00 pm on weekdays and 10:30 am on weekends, continuing until 4:30 pm. Each 15 minute talk is given by one of the astronomers themselves.
Other Tourist Attractions on Mt. Hamilton
- Laurie Hatch’s photographs are now on permanent display next to the gift shop.
- Gift shop is open to purchase educational toys, astronomy-related items, clothing, posters and souvenirs.
- Summer Visitors Program is a series of lecture programs Friday and Saturday nights where ticket-holders are allowed to view through two of the Lick telescopes.
- Music of the Spheres is a series of summer concerts. Tickets need to be reserved well in advance (2008 summer tickets were sold out well in advance).
Lick Observatory is open to daytime visitors every day of the year except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, and at night after 5:00pm.
This tourist attraction or day trip to see the telescopes at Lick Observatory on Mt Hamilton is a great way to pass some quality time with family when exploring the San Francisco Peninsula.
Other Day Trips San Francisco bay area
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