Overview
Lick Observatory, at the peak of Mount Hamilton, is in California.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory
At the top of Mount Hamilton (Lick Observatory is at the top of the mountain) are beautiful views of the region. One of the main observatories is also located at the top, which has since been repainted and improved thank…
Shane Reflector
It's the other major observatory near Mount Hamilton.
Cycle up Mount Hamilton
For cyclists who want a real workout, this is a good place to cycle, although there is no proper cycle lane on the Mount Hamilton Road, and there are various banks and steep slopes off the side of the road.
San Antonio Valley Drive
The long drive along San Antonio Valley Road includes some of the Diablo Range's best scenery and the area's wildest countryside.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 40°F. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Los Gatos)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SJC Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Jose — 16 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SQL San Carlos Airport, San Carlos — 35 mi away. Directions
Getting to Lick Observatory is definitely possible, but it is difficult. The main road, CA-130 (Mount Hamilton Road), gets extremely twisty and steep near the top. The road is also very narrow, and has two lanes but no bicycle lane.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Lick Observatory, Shane Reflector
- Lunch Mount Hamilton Grandview Restaurant
- Afternoon Cycle up Mount Hamilton, San Antonio Valley Drive
- Dinner The Junction Restaurant
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
It's best to bring your own food if you're going to the mountain. However, there are some restaurants around the mountain.
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Lick Observatory is an observatory and small community near the top of Mount Hamilton, a 4,000-foot mountain several miles from the city of San Jose. The main observatory building is open to the public, and visitors can take a tour of the main observatory or do a self-guided tour of the community.
Get in
Getting to Lick Observatory is definitely possible, but it is difficult. The main road, CA-130 (Mount Hamilton Road), gets extremely twisty and steep near the top. The road is also very narrow, and has two lanes but no bicycle lane.
Mines Road goes south from Livermore. However, the road is one lane much of the way, and includes numerous mountain passes.
Del Puerto Canyon Road goes from the central valley, and merges with Mines Road into San Antonio Valley Road several miles from Mount Hamilton.
Get around
Lick Observatory is all within walking distance of Mount Hamilton. The far end of the Observatory region, on Mount Copernicus, is still less than a mile away.
See
See Lick Observatory (Lick Observatory Main Building)
At the top of Mount Hamilton (Lick Observatory is at the top of the mountain) are beautiful views of the region. One of the main observatories is also located at the top, which has since been repainted and improved thanks to help from Google.
Do
Do San Antonio Valley Drive
The long drive along San Antonio Valley Road includes some of the Diablo Range's best scenery and the area's wildest countryside.
Buy
Eat and drink
It's best to bring your own food if you're going to the mountain. However, there are some restaurants around the mountain.
Eat The Junction Restaurant
This restaurant is truly in the middle of nowhere. However, it is a popular restaurant destination and is fairly close to Mount Hamilton - although it's a slow drive there, following the mountainous route of San Antonio Valley Road.
Sleep
Although people live at Lick Observatory, there are no hotels. There are, however, several hotels in the fairly close city of San Jose. There is also a camping site at the Joseph D. Grant Park, which is close to Mount Hamilton.
Go next
- San Jose - major city to the west of Mount Hamilton
- Del Valle Regional Park - parkland to the north of Mount Hamilton
- Henry W. Coe State Park - large state park to the south of Mount Hamilton
- Joseph D. Grant County Park - large county park to the west of Mount Hamilton
Nearby
Henry W. Coe State Park
Park · 6 listings · 12 mi away
San Jose
City / town · 135 listings · 13 mi away
Morgan Hill
City / town · 26 listings · 15 mi away
Milpitas
City / town · 18 listings · 15 mi away
Campbell
City / town · 21 listings · 18 mi away
Del Valle Regional Park
Park · 24 listings · 18 mi away
Santa Clara
City / town · 40 listings · 18 mi away
Los Gatos
City / town · 22 listings · 19 mi away
My experience
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