GTT
17132 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone: 714-848-1255
info@goodtimestravel.com
Mount Wilson Observatory & Historic Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain with Included Boxed Lunch & Ice Cream Treat
Experience a nostalgic blast from the past as we visit two historic sites today that are each over a century old! A visit to Mt. Wilson Observatory is a voyage through time to not only learn about the discovery of the universe but also to see the instruments that led to some of the most important astronomical finds of the early 20th century. We’ll join an experienced docent for a two-hour walking tour of this historic astronomical research facility that was founded in 1904 on the summit of Mount Wilson (elevation 5,715 feet) above Pasadena. We’ll walk on the same paths of the astronomical pioneers as we learn the fascinating story of the observatory’s founder, George Ellery Hale. Hale was responsible for the construction of four massive telescopes which at the time were the largest working astronomical telescopes in the world. Two of those instruments are still located at the Mt. Wilson Observatory – the 60” and 100” telescopes. It was through the 60” telescope that astronomer Harlow Shapley discovered the size and shape of the Milky Way Galaxy and the location of our solar system within the galaxy. Commissioned in 1917, the 100” telescope, also known as the “Hooker” telescope, was the instrument used by Edwin Hubble to discover that the universe was larger than our own galaxy and that the universe is expanding. We’ll visit the Astronomical Museum to see the historic photographs of the earliest telescopes and astronomers on the mountain, as well as the photos of deep space objects taken using the observatory’s largest telescopes. After an included boxed lunch picnic at the observatory, this afternoon we’ll travel down the mountain to South Pasadena and “get our licks on Route 66” at another historic landmark – Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain. This charming establishment situated on the famous “Route 66,” has been in the same location since 1915. We’ll enjoy their famous root beer float featuring a softball sized scoop of vanilla ice cream. Take a step back in time in the Pharmacy’s gift shop full of authentic tin toys, old fashioned candies, gag gifts, candles, jewelry and other novelty items 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 and safety measures in place.
Thank you for your patience while we process this...