This is a unique place. Our guide Marianne was very friendly and knowledgeable. The observatory is located at the end of a steep winding road, what makes the place even more special. The low temperatures inside may cause some inconvenience to young visitors.

This is a neat place to visit. It does take considerable driving on mountain roads, but it is worth the effort. It has a very interesting and informative visitor center as well as the observatory itself. There was a docent at the observatory who was excellent at answering questions.

With WWII, the atomic program, the space program, mapping the human genome and other large, often international scientific programs it is easy to forget how special, how challenging and how valuable the building of the Palomar Observatory was ... and how it contributes today. A lovely road leads to the top of the summit and the site of the Observatory... More 

If you're a stargazer you will enjoy this. Definitely fill up the gas tank in Pala before going up. I started up with a half tank and sweated it the whole way down. Also it's cold at 5000+ft so take a coat.

it is a beautiful drive up. When you arrive it is just breathtaking. The observatory is historic and very informative exhibition in the visitors' center. The only disappointment was that there was a very loud family and they ate and yelled up in the telescope room. why were they there??and there was no staff to ask them to leave.

My husband the engineer was particularly interested in visiting the Palomar Observatory. There is no entry fee. We enjoyed looking at the telescope, etc. through the window. When we were there a group went inside the room, apparently for some kind of special tour. When we were there, we were on our own. The museum at the entrance has lots... More 

This is a must see for history and science lovers. The bonus will be some scenic views during the drive. There are small, but informative displays about the people involved and discoveries made with it. But seeing the giant telescope and walking around gives you a better sense of the size and scale of the effort and the engineering that... More 

Nestled in a canyon. This is a small campground with 360 degree of mountains, trees and the great outdoors. Beautifully maintained but you are definitely on your own. We did not see one ranger pass by or the campground host. You better pray your neighbors are cordial and respectful of others because there is no authority out there.

This is a great piece of history set atop a beautiful mountain range. Great for the entire family and friends with a great visitors center. You can go in and see this massive telescope first hand and see how it rotated and see pictures from the telescope in the visitors center. This is very educational for all.