Visiting Palomar Observatory 

Visiting Hours

The observatory is open daily except December 24 and 25. Yes, we are open 363 days a year. Visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. while on Standard Time and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. while Daylight Savings Time is observed.

The observatory will be closed if travel conditions are hazardous. Whenever possible our Public Information Recording phone number- (760) 742-2119-will be updated to reflect any closures. Please see our Driving to Palomar Observatory page for directions and information on any possible road closures.

During open hours visitors may take self-guided visits to the 200-inch Telescope. The gallery in the 200-inch dome affords visitors a view of the Hale Telescope. There is no viewing through the Hale Telescope.

Podcast for the Palomar self-guided tour:
Click here to listen (right click to save to your computer) to the 10 minute (9.2 mb) audio tour.

Please note that the interior of the 200-inch dome is kept at nighttime temperatures (for an elevation of 5,500 feet!). Dress accordingly.

Handicapped access is granted at the 200-inch dome at 9:30 am, 1:00 pm, & 2:30 pm.

The Observatory's Visitors Center is open daily (except December 24 and 25).  Currently on display are exhibits of astronomical photographs, discoveries made at Palomar Observatory, an exhibit on spectra, and more!

During most of the year the Observatory's gift shop is open only on Saturdays and Sundays. It is open daily from mid June through Labor Day.

The Palomar Observatory is an astronomical research facility.  As such, the Observatory grounds are closed to visitors after 4:30 p.m. Night-time visits cannot be accommodated without interfering with the scientific studies.

Public Information Recording: (760) 742-2119

The drive to the Palomar Observatory was featured in the Winter 2006 issue of Subaru Drive Magazine.