Entry No. 53 — the Los Angeles file — filed under: after-dark

Mount Wilson Observatory 60-inch & 100-inch Public Ticket Nights

High above the city on a forested ridge, this historic observatory opens its century-old giant telescopes to small ticketed groups after dark. The 100- and 60-inch instruments are the two largest telescopes in the world dedicated to public viewing, and sessions are kept to small groups. A telescope operator and session director run the night, picking the best objects and weaving in the observatory's history (this is where Hubble proved other galaxies exist).

The move: Book a 60-inch ticket night, bundle up, and take turns climbing the ladder to peer at nebulae and galaxies through a telescope older than your grandparents.

📍 Before you go Reserved/ticketed only, sells out fast; sessions run spring through fall. The drive up the Angeles Crest is winding and the summit is cold at night even in summer, so bring layers.

• 📍 Mount Wilson (Angeles National Forest)
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Mount Wilson Observatory, Mount Wilson, CA 91023

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

last checked: 2026-06-23