GTT
17132 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone: 714-848-1255
info@goodtimestravel.com
Mount Wilson Observatory & Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain
With Included Boxed Lunch & Root Beer Float
Thursday, May 21, 2026 (1-Day Tour)
Just Added
Tour Price
Tour Package
$149
p.p.
Activity Level
Experience a nostalgic blast from the past as we visit two historic sites that have stood as California landmarks for over a century! Our journey begins with a voyage through time at the Mt. Wilson Observatory, where the secrets of the universe were first unlocked. Founded in 1904 on the 5,715-foot summit above Pasadena, this world-renowned research facility was the epicenter of early 20th century astronomy. We’ll join an experienced docent for a two-hour walking tour, following the same paths tread by astronomical pioneers as we uncover the fascinating story of the observatory’s founder, George Ellery Hale. Hale’s vision led to the construction of four massive instruments which were, at their inception, the largest working telescopes in the world. Two of these giants remain on the mountain today: the 60-inch and 100-inch telescopes – both helped redefine our place in the cosmos. It was through the 60-inch lens that astronomer Harlow Shapley mapped the size and shape of our Milky Way Galaxy and the location of our solar system within it. Even more profound was the work done on the 100-inch "Hooker" telescope – commissioned in 1917, this was the very instrument Edwin Hubble used to prove that the universe extends far beyond our own galaxy and is continually expanding. Our visit includes the Astronomical Museum, featuring historic photographs of the mountain’s first astronomers and breathtaking images of deep space captured by these legendary telescopes. After an included boxed lunch picnic amidst the crisp mountain air, we’ll descend to South Pasadena to “get our licks on Route 66” at another century-old icon: the Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain. Serving the community since 1915, this charming establishment is a living time capsule situated on the famous “Mother Road.” We’ll celebrate the era with their signature root beer float, featuring a “softball sized” scoop of premium vanilla ice cream. Before we depart, take time to explore the Pharmacy’s gift shop, filled with authentic tin toys, old fashioned candies, and nostalgic novelties that will transport you back to a simpler time. The century-old facilities at Mount Wilson Observatory are not ADA-compliant and extensive walking, multiple flights of stairs and standing is required on the two-hour walking tour.
To ensure a healthy and enjoyable travel experience for our guests, this tour will operate with additional health & wellness measures in place.
Visit our Departure Points page for more details on each location.
| Depart* | Departure Location |
|---|---|
| 7:15 a.m. | LHS – Laguna Hills Mall Northeast Parking Lot |
| 7:45 a.m. | FV – Fountain Valley at Good Times Travel |
| 8:15 a.m. | LBCC-O – Long Beach City College Lot "O" |
| Return** | 6:00 p.m. |
*Please arrive 15 minutes prior to listed departure time
**Return time is approximate and dependent on your drop-off location and traffic
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