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Big Bear Solar Observatory
Photo via Wikimedia (Big Bear Lake, California)
FreeFree (donations encouraged); tours by reservationMuseums & Learning · Indoor

Big Bear Solar Observatory

Big Bear Lake, CA

Free (donations encouraged); tours by reservation

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Simir Shah

By Simir Shah

★★★★★4.4(213 Google reviews)

What parents say

AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these

You cannot go inside. Reviewers found a locked perimeter, so it is a look-from-outside stop with signboards explaining the telescope. It is a short drive from town and the lakeside path gives distant views. It gets cold up there, so bring jackets. A brief stop, not an outing.

This working research observatory juts out on a causeway into the lake, half a mile west of the Discovery Center, studying the sun using the steady lakeside air. Even without a tour it's a striking free photo stop from the shore. Summer tours are limited and book up fast, involving a gravel walk and stairs, so best for kids 5 and up.

40386 N Shore Ln, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA

(909) 866-5791

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What visitors say

  • Brooke Spickelmier★★★★★

    Not a dynamic stop as there is a locked gate around the perimeter to keep people out, but I did appreciate the signage that shared more about the telescope and how it works, as well as a link to the website to see recent photos taken. And, being honest, even if there were tours, I'm not sure there would be much to be seen, so I was content with the stop and what I learned. It's a very short drive from downtown to the viewing site, although the walking path by the lake also allows for good, distant views as well. If you're a science/space enthusiast, I say it's worth the stop.

    6 months ago

  • Juan Cardenas★★★★★

    Great place and amazing views, I couldn't stay long in the area but I did enjoy every minute of it. Also a very cold area, so bring plenty of jacket's. Will come back, don't know when... But I will.

    8 years ago

Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps

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