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Placerville Community Observatory

Community Observatory in Placerville. Look through big telescopes on a free public night.

Catch a free public viewing night at a hilltop observatory in the Sierra foothills, where volunteer astronomers point big telescopes at whatever's up: the rings of Saturn, craters on the Moon, star clusters and distant galaxies. Take turns at each eyepiece, ask the volunteers anything, and each pick the most amazing thing you saw. The photo to get: you beside the biggest telescope, with the dome open to the sky.

  • Date or adventure
  • 1-3 hours
  • Easy
  • Free
  • Outdoors
  • At night

Good with just you, friends, family, and kids

Check before you go: opening hours, and weather and trail conditions

Community Observatory, Folsom Lake College El Dorado Center, Placerville, El Dorado County6699 Campus Dr, Placerville, CA 95667
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Kids' version

Space night! Find each thing.

  1. A big telescope
  2. The Moon up close
  3. A planet
  4. A twinkling star
  5. A selfie under the stars!

Checked October 2026

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About this place

The observatory sits on the Folsom Lake College campus in the foothills, above much of the valley's haze and city light. It's run by volunteers who love showing people the sky, so don't be shy about asking questions.

Viewing nights depend on the calendar and clear skies, so check the schedule the day of. Dress warm, since it gets cold after dark even in summer. Entry is free; the college charges a small parking fee.

Also in: Free Date Ideas · Kid-Friendly Adventures

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