The views alone may be reason enough for some to make the drive up to the remote Lick Observatory, set atop the 4,200-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton, but don’t miss the opportunity to step inside. Founded in 1888 as a University of California multi-campus research facility, the observatory welcomes the public to visit the Shane Visitor’s Gallery, open daily, and the visitor center and gift shop, open on Saturdays and Sundays. For a chance to view the night sky through the observatory’s Nickel 1-m telescope and the Lick 36″ telescope, as well as several smaller telescopes, be sure to sign up for one of the summer evening events.