1 / 3Mount Wilson Observatory Museum
đ Mount Wilson, CA
Free entry astronomy museum set inside a working 1904 observatory, featuring century-old telescope photographs and documentary histories. Weekend guided tours access additional telescopes. Star parties for families run seasonally.
Highly recommend going to Mt. Wilson. And try their guided tours, which start at 11:30 AM (on weekends?) to access more telescopes. The views from Mt. Wilson point are amazing. The parking feed can be purchased at the Cafe. There are no gas/diesel/EV chargers up on the mountain, so better fill the tank/full charge before getting to the area.
đ Family Action Verdict
Best for families with curious kids aged 6 and up who have a genuine interest in science or space. The historic scale â facilities built 115 years ago that remains contribute to global astronomical research â lands differently than a typical museum replica.
âšī¸ What to Know Before You Go
đŦ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews â109 Google reviews
Sateesh Peddini
2 years ago
âHighly recommend going to Mt. Wilson. And try their guided tours, which start at 11:30 AM (on weekends?) to access more telescopes. The views from Mt. Wilson point are amazing. The parking feed can be purchased at the Cafe. There are no gas/diesel/EV chargers up on the mountain, so better fill the tank/full charge before getting to the area.â
NGK
9 months ago
âEinstein was there. Not for everyone. I enjoy nature and to know random things. I liked it a lot. I saw these before the Griffith and it was quite astonishing to understand lenses sizes. The hot dogs were pretty good, the view and the experience was amazing. I recommend if you are into random things.â
Shahana khan
10 months ago
âWe had such a fun time visiting the Museum. I would recommend everyone to go here . The drive up was so beautiful. Make sure you plan your trip and check the routes before you head up cause sometimes the roads are closed due to various reasons .â
TIM XU
a year ago
âGreat place to bring kids here for educational astronomy. Amazing the majority of the facilities had been built 115 years ago. And the observatory institute still taking a very important place across the worldwide astronomical network!â
Reviews from Google
Overview
Built in 1936, the museum chronicles Mount Wilson's role in modern astronomy through historic photographs, instrument displays, and documentary histories of the telescopes remains operating on site. A 256-seat auditorium hosts lecture series and film screenings. Weekend guided tours start at the visitor centre and access additional telescope domes. Seasonal star parties give families hands-on viewing time with telescopes under dark skies.
