Entry No. 42 — the San Francisco file — filed under: observatory

Fremont Peak Observatory Star Parties

Up an 11-mile stretch of winding San Juan Canyon Road sits a volunteer-run observatory housing the 30-inch Challenger Telescope, opened to the public on scheduled star-party nights that begin before sunset and run until the amateur astronomers pack up their own scopes from the surrounding field.

The move: Pack a jacket, drive up as the sun sets, and split the evening between the Challenger dome and the dozen or so private telescopes local astronomers set up on the grass beside it — completely free, no reservation needed, just a $6 state park parking fee.

• 📍 Fremont Peak State Park, near San Juan Bautista
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Fremont Peak State Park, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: fpoa.net

last checked: 2026-07-20