Donna Sepe

Review of UCO/Lick Observatory

I'm really surprised by all the high ratings. I ki...

I'm really surprised by all the high ratings. I kind of hate to add something negative, but think it's important in case other families are making decisions about whether to go. Yes, the views on the way up and at the top of the mountain are beautiful, but that has nothing to do with the observatory itself. The building is old and outdated and the exhibits consist mainly of black and white pictures. (The facility likely works great for the college students and employees that work and study there, but I'm reviewing this while considering it as a "visitor center"). My 6-year old was super excited for the chance to look through any of the telescopes, but no one was allowed to look through the telescopes. (Chabot space center in Oakland gladly helped my son climb a ladder to peer through their telescopes and pointed out various planets and stars). Sure I shouldn't have assumed we'd be able to use the telescopes, but what exactly does Lick observatory offer if there's no opportunity to look through the telescopes? Just a musty old facility. We weren't even allowed in the room with the telescope when the docent wasn't there. Anyway, super disappointing experience greatly worsened by the incredibly long drive up. Highly recommend Chabot in Oakland for the kids.