Southern California Day Trips
Palomar mountain Observatory can be found at the end of a twisting mountain drive up San Diego County Road S-6. At 5,500 feet above sea level expect the temperate to be 15 degrees cooler in the summer and snow and ice conditions in the winter. The observatory is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. The visitor center exhibits of astronomical photographs made at Palomar Observatory. A small gift shop is open on weekends and during the summer months. There is no admission charge to visit the observatory or see the 200-inch Hale Telescope from the visitors gallery. A self-guided galley tour gives you a peek of the 200-inch Telescope. For a closer look docent-led tours are given twice daily on Saturdays (11:30 am & 1:30 pm) from April through October. There is a picnic area but most of the grounds are off limits to the public. If you plan on doing some hiking head back down the road to Palomar Mountain State Park. The drive through the back country of San Diego County is half the fun of this day trip. Take your family on a trip that they won't forget enjoy the beautiful forests, meadows and wild flowers.

 
Palomar Observatory
 
End of the road S-6
200-inch dome
18-inch Schmidt Telescope
Palomar Mountain State Park
200-inch Telescope
Observatory's Visitors Center
   
Palomar Observatory is located within the Cleveland National Forest on Palomar Mountain in north San Diego County at an elevation of 5,500 feet above sea level. Directions: exit Interstate 15 at state highway 76 eastbound. Twenty five miles from the interchange, County Road S-6 exits to the left and climbs to the Palomar summit and ends at the Observatory gates. S-6 is a mountain road with many curves make sure your car is in good working condition before you attempt this day trip. Snacks and food are available at the Palomar Mountain General Store and there is also Mother's Kitchen Restaurant. No service stations are on Palomar Mountain be sure to fill up the tank before you head up the mountain.
Palomar Observatory 35899 Canfield Road Palomar Mountain CA 92060-0200
 
 
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