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    Big Bear Solar Observatory

    3.8 (4 reviews)

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    Ask the Community - Big Bear Solar Observatory

    Is the observatory open to the public? If so, when, how much and what events are available? Thanks!

    I just called and they said they have tours the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, but they fill up quickly, so you should call well in advance to make a reservation.

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    Observatory

    Observatory

    3.1
    (1.2k reviews)
    68.9 mi
    $$

    This is mostly for the VIP area. I'm at the age where I don't want to stand for an entire show nor…read moredo i want to push and throw elbows with fellow music fans. Bought reserved seats upstairs. Decent view of the stage. Great sound. I paid extra for premium parking. There is free parking within a couple of blocks. I think premium parking is worth it as I've heard there are predatory tow services that tow cars parked in lots of nearby CLOSED businesses. Douchey move. Enjoyed the show, food was decent "pub grub" but pretty limited menu. Nice selection of beers, cocktails and seltzers, really limited wine options.

    I never have been to the Observatory before. I've been to every type of venue over several decades…read moreand the way PARKING is handled is the WORST. I'm writing this in line. I'm not in the venue yet. I prepaid $10 for parking. The attendant at the lot on sight said this lot is VIP $30 parking. He directed me where to park; following the signs. I ended snaking through a industrial/commercial building area, passing several empty parking lots. Finally found where I'm allowed to park. It's a third of a mile walk. Not a problem for me but ridiculous. Let's hope the venues sound is good. This place has been in business a long time and from reading other people's opinion on parking, management still doesn't have a clue. edit: security would not allow a sealed plastic water bottle to be brought inside.

    Photos
    View from my seat.
    View from my seat.
    Venue clearing out after the show.
    Venue clearing out after the show.
    Table seating at the balcony.

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    Table seating at the balcony.
    Mount Wilson Observatory

    Mount Wilson Observatory

    4.5
    (82 reviews)
    64.9 mi
    $

    I went on the Docent led tour and we had a blast the man (I really wish I knew his name, he's a…read moreprofessor of physics). Such a fantastic tour and a lot of information to take in. The tour lasted 3 hours and we had two people that were using walkers and they were patient and got them up to the various areas, don't be discouraged, not a lot of walking. Though getting up the Elevator involved a pully system and we only had a few people almost fall off (kidding, you don't get to be on the elevator, the man you meet in the Sun Telescope room however does go up there to align the scope every day.) So yes your feet will be on the ground, aside from a few steps up to the main area. We plan to come up there at night, but it does require good driving skills to get up there, just drive safe and slow, you'll be okay. Was jazzed that I can see the Observatory from my location here at home w binoculars.

    Visiting Mt. Wilson Observatory is a great opportunity to learn about astronomical history, as well…read moreas the history of scientific endeavors in the Los Angeles area. Einstein was here, after all! The location itself is stunning, offering great views of the L.A. area. And the observatories, preserved by the valiant efforts of firefighters after too many wildfires to count, are something to see. We, unfortunately, sprung for the allegedly 2-hour tour at $20/person. The funds support the observatory, so no problem there. However, our docent was extremely long-winded and had no sense of time management whatsover, even on one of the hottest days of the year. After we were almost 3 hours into a supposedly 2 hour tour, we decided to leave early due to exhaustion and boredom. (We were starting to feel like we were on a cruise to Gilligan's Island......)To be honest, there was not much that we saw or learned on the tour that couldn't be seen just walking around and looking up information online. So, my recommendation is: donate money to the Observatory by all means but skip the docent tour unless astronomy is your biggest passion in life. Also, remember you'll need an Adventure Pass to park in the Observatory parking lot near the trailheads. Definitely worth a visit!

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    Mount Wilson Observatory
    Mount Wilson Observatory
    Matinee Event, screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey

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    Matinee Event, screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey

    Big Bear Solar Observatory - observatories - Updated August 2026

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