Observation Deck San Jose Near Me

Peter Frey: You have to pay a fee to enter the State ParkVisited on Weekday Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $1–5 …

Melvin Shadrick: Beautiful & scary as hell at night

Hasan Costan: Nice view, but you can hardly see the sequoia trees from hereVisited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure …

Dinesh: Great view of the woods and the Pacific. Needs a bit of hike up, there is a paved road, but beyond a point its sand up there. overall the view was great.

葉競聲: An interesting place with a view of Monterey Bay. Drinking water is provided and there seems to be a place where horses can drink water. There is also a place for tying horses and picnic tables. It is so interesting. Let me tell you secretly that there are surveillance cameras to protect your safety.

Jim Holtan: Nice view of the region.

Dana Hutchinson: and hiked along the river to the Visitor Center. From there is the walk through the huge first growth redwoods, really magical. We went on from there along a paved road, then a dirt path to the Observation Deck. This is notable in that it is on a sandy mountain as well as there are ponderosa pines there that are unique to this area. This is a really beautiful hike!

Joey Brennan: A sandy uphill hike from Campground #62 side of the park. Took about an hour and a half with 3 kids under 6. That said it's a good mix of shade and sun and the return trip being almost all down hill makes it easier.A few picnic benches at the top and a good view of the area are a plus. Along with a permanent set of binoculars installed to check out the surrounding forest.It is not possible to use a stroller.

Kevin: Clean and quiet.

Tina Nguyen: Hiking to the Observation Tower at Henry Cowell State Park is must fun for all hikers.It has few different ways to get to the deck.it can be 6 miles,8 miles, and 10 miles.I started at parking area by the visitor’s center and heading to Mill Pond, Roaring camp, Bear mountain, river trail,Pipeline Road,overlook bench,powder Mill Road, Pine Trail, ridge fire road, and observation Deck.My hike was 10 miles out&back, 1,620 ft of the elevation gain.It was a long hike but a lot of fun and challenging, make for pretty decent workout.The path starts out with beautiful redwood trees, Wide and flat and mixture of hard- packed forest soil, gravel, and sand.Nothing can’t beat to explore miles of Santa Cruz Sandhills.we often separated the beach from the mountains, but the Santa Cruz Sandhills are proof that the two were once one.The observation deck offers 360 degree panoramic views of Henry Cowell State Park, Monterey Bay, and surrounding of Santa Cruz Mountain ridgetops.Overall this place was great, relaxing, peaceful, expanded knowledge,and I would definitely comeback.

Yuta Higuchi: Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No

Michael W: Public evening tour allowed for access to the observatory grounds and views of the aurora. Very interesting lecture about James Lick and got to view stars through the telescope.Visited on Weekend …

Hosh: It's hard to imagine anyone giving Lick Observatory anything less than a 5-star review! Set high up on one of the peaks of Mount Hamilton, this destination is a must-visit, by ANYONE AND EVERYONE!The drive up to the observatory is an adventure in itself, with twisty roads that really test your driving skills. The narrow roads climb steadily, offering stunning views that prepare you for the spectacle ahead.At the summit, Lick Observatory stands as a landmark of historical significance and a hub of cutting-edge astronomical research, dating back to the late 18th century. Among its collection of telescopes is the Great Lick 120 inch Refractor, once the largest refracting telescope in the world, and still a marvel of historical and scientific importance.Nighttime visits are especially magical. The observatory’s summer stargazing programs allow guests to peer through telescopes at distant galaxies and stars, with expert explanations from the observatory’s knowledgeable staff. It’s an educational and intimate experience that connects visitors with the vast cosmos.Whether you’re a stargazing enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience, Lick Observatory is an excellent choice. It’s a perfect spot for families, dates, friends, or even solo adventurers. You won’t be disappointed.A few tips for your visit:1. Drive carefully. The roads up the mountain attract fast drivers who can make the narrow, two-lane road tricky, especially at parts where it's impossible for wide cars to pass without crossing into the oncoming lane.2. Watch for unprotected turns along cliffs with 1,000+ foot drops. If you're heading to the observatory, stay alert and cautious.3. Share the road respectfully with cyclists, who are vulnerable and move slowly. The road includes several blind turns, so when in doubt, slow down. There’s no need to rush—with so much beauty and excitement ahead, the drive is part of the adventure.

DebC Baker: The drive up is rather scary with very tight sharp hairpin turns, but once you get up to the observatory, it is worth the drive. Check out their website for tour hours to view their telescopes.

Denni: Worth seeing! The path from San Jose to the observatory is impressive in itself - great views.The observatory is very interesting, you learn a lot about the history and what they actually do.Parking is free and there is no entrance fee, you can donate something if you want.

Anu Rao: Mount Hamilton offers a thrilling drive up to the Lick Observatory, perched above 4,200 feet. The winding road provides breathtaking views of the mountains and city below. While the observatory visit is optional, the panoramic vistas from outside are stunning on clear days. Watch out for cyclists along the narrow road and drive cautiously. Overall, it's a worthwhile visit for the scenic drive and spectacular views.

Sola Sai Sindhu: Beautiful drive in between mountains to reach this observatory. View of bay area is breathtaking!Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait …

Matty B: , and the place was quite deserted but for a few cars I passed on the way down.

Stinger GT2 tv: and the 120-inch Shane reflector are impressive! 🌠🚴‍♂️ Cycling: The journey up the winding Mt. Hamilton Road is an adventure—watch out for cyclists! 🚲🌲 Nature: At 4,209 feet, the cool, changeable weather adds to the experience. Bring a sweater! 🧥🎨 Gift Shop: Grab souvenirs like sweatshirts, T-shirts, and astronomical photos. 🛍️🌌 Night Visits: Don’t miss the Summer Series for stargazing—Lick Observatory comes alive after dark! 🌙Remember, Lick Observatory combines science, nature, and cycling vibes! Bicycle 🚲

Wei Li: Visited on Weekend Wait time Up to 10 min Reservation recommended No

Matt Hamilton: I went here February, 2022. I love snow!

Francis A Cheap: Visited on Weekday

Walt A.: It was a great area to watch planes come and go from the Livermore airport.

Andrew Rogers: I always love watching airplanes takeoff and land, and this is the first airport I've ever seen with a viewing platform.All airports should have a viewing platform!

Greg Swarthout: Very cool experience! We were able to watch planes take off and land for 30 minutes.

Sims Bed: Nice spot

Jose Guzman: Great spot to have your kids view small airplanes

John Kreslake: I love love love this platform! Livermore Airport did an excellent job renovating the platform. Also, the public terminal is really snazzy with the new Elevation Cafe.

Kevin Wang: Very good place for my kid to watch air plane! If you walk down the road a bit you will get even closer.

Michael “M.J.” Mercier: Memorial Day air show...