Visitor Gallery — Attraction in San Jose

It is necessary buy tickets in advance using the website for the night events. Great investment! We did the behind the scenes tour. Staff is great and we enjoyed understand the history and how all the buildings are used. My only "cons" is the unclear ending time, we get that people can enjoy. However, they can be more explicit about the steps/places to visit during the excursion to let people understand the activities to do. We ended with others just standing in the main hall for a while because the last telescope was closed and the message wasn't loud and clear for all group. Considering the distance/road back home + personal commitments, it would be...

The Lick Observatory is AMAZING! I have visited twice and have been blown away both times. The domes and telescopes are fascinating to learn about. The discoveries made at the observatory are quite impressive. The view from the observatory is also breathtaking.

Be ready to do some walking if you'd like to visit both domes (which I recommend). You will have to go up and down some stairs. Driving up Mount Hamilton is also a bit challenging, so give yourself plenty of time and go slowly.

All of the volunteers and tour guides do a great job. They are friendly and very...

When I was young, likely in the 1970s I prevailed on my parents to take me here. I remember them hating the drive up. I do not own a car. I went to the website where it is assumed you are visiting by car. I would have to rent a car to make the trip. Reading reviews, I hear the views are amazing, but if one is driving, this means stopping often to view. Are there pullouts or you just risk taking your eyes off the road? The expense of a small bus could...