⏰ Allow at least one hour from San Jose, please drive carefully the road is scenic, but winding.
📍 Street address for GPS and mapping apps: Lick Observatory, 7281 Mount Hamilton Rd., Mount Hamilton, CA 95140
🗺 Getting to Lick Observatory
Lick Observatory is located atop Mt. Hamilton in the Diablo Range, east of San Jose.
From the Bay Area:
Take I-101, I-280, or I-680 to the Alum Rock Ave exit, head east, then turn right onto Mt. Hamilton Road (CA-130). Drive 18.5 miles to the observatory.
From the Central Valley:
Take I-5 to the Patterson exit, then go west on Del Puerto Canyon Road. At the Junction Café, turn left to stay on CA-130. Allow about 1 hour and 45 minutes for the drive—roads are long, winding, and scenic.
🚗 Parking
All parking is free.
Spaces are available near the main building and across the road near the school.
Visiting with a group or club?
car, bike, and motorcycle clubs must arrange parking in advance.
Please contact us at: giftshop@ucolick.org