Julian's Star Treatment

Stay and Stargaze at the Observers Inn

Want the full celestial experience where you can spend the night or just drop in for an experience that'll have you all starry-eyed? There's a cozy B&B for that. Nestled under the straggly pines and scrubby oaks of Julian, the 4.5-acre Observer’s Inn is a bed-and-breakfast catering to everyone from the backyard stargazing enthusiast to the full-on astronomy buff.

Owner Mike Leigh has studied astronomy for more than 52 years, and his stargazing tours are some of the best. Stay overnight at the inn and you're guaranteed a discounted night sky tour. But even those not spending the night can get in on the tours, which are $30 per person. With a 15-person maximum, the 60-minute tour is personal, private, and begins right from the inn. An observatory built from scratch by Mike includes a sliding roof that allows visitors to view the night sky from the comfort of a warm room, with a couch and a range of high-power telescopes. And because you're at altitude, there's even less atmosphere between you and the stars. Most visitors see an average of 12 celestial objects—from a planet to a nebula to a galaxy. Starry night, indeed.

TIP: Time your trip to hit the Julian StarFest, August 1-3, 2019. A variety of telescopes will be set up for a free public viewing of the night sky.

Observer’s Inn is at 3535 Hwy. 79. The inn is small, with a maximum of two couples per night. Call for reservations: (760) 765-0088. May be weather permitting for stargazing tours. No dogs. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View