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Mount Hamilton, California
Stargaze at Lick Observatory
Originally added by Pine Watt
Incredible star gazing opportunity under the telescope domes of Lick Observatory. Check out the Milky Way and explore the Observatory. Arrive before 5pm to tour a telescope or arrive late at night to do some quality star gazing.
Hop on Road 130 heading out of San Jose and follow the winding two lane road up, up, up to to the top of Mt. Hamilton and the Lick Observatory. There are lots of deer, wild turkey, and pigs in the area. If you are lucky you will get to see a herd of deer grazing in a meadow. But be careful that you don't hit any wildlife while driving up, especially at night.
The drive up to the Lick Observatory is a phenomenal drive with switchback curves and winding roads perched right on the edge of Mt. Hamilton. I would not recommend this drive for those who suffer from motion sickness, or at least take a few motion sickness pills before starting the drive.
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