High on Palomar Mountain, at an elevation of 5500ft to avoid light pollution, the Palomar Observatory is simply spectacular – as large as Rome’s Pantheon, with a classic design dating from the 1930s. Run by Pasadena’s prestigious California Institute of Technology , it houses five telescopes including the 200-inch Hale Telescope, once the world's largest.
On weekends, visitors can take guided tours. Bring a fleece jacket – temperatures inside the observatory hover just above around freezing during cooler months.
The observatory is between Temecula and Julian. From San Diego/Temecula, take the I-15 north/south to the Pala exit, and turn Hwy 76 eastbound. After about 20 miles, turn left onto County Rd S6, aka South Grade Rd, which climbs 11.5 miles up Palomar Mountain. Call ahead to check road conditions and opening hours before making the long, winding drive here.
