Near Big Bear
Snow Summit guide

Solar observatory tours · Big Bear City

Big Bear Solar Observatory review

Big Bear Solar Observatory is an active NJIT solar-research facility on the lake's North Shore. It suits science enthusiasts who can obtain a summer reservation and manage the required walk and stairs, and is about 2.5 miles from Snow Summit's main address.

  • Best for: Science fans in summer
  • 2.5 mi from Snow Summit
  • Season: Summer tours only
  • Our score 7.8/10

At a glance

  • Working solar-research observatory
  • 40386 North Shore Lane, Big Bear City
  • Public tours on select summer dates
  • Reservations required
  • Best for: science fans in summer
  • Official website: bbso.njit.edu

Our score

7.8 /10

The research setting and specialized tour are distinctive, but the short season and scarce reservations limit access.

  • The experience itself 7
  • Value 7
  • Crowds and wait 9
  • Setting and access 9

What it is known for

The New Jersey Institute of Technology operates the observatory as a research facility and offers limited public tours led by volunteer docents.

Visitors interested in solar science value the telescope access and lakeside setting. Other visitors report disappointment when they arrive without a tour reservation and cannot enter.

Strengths and limits

Pros

  • Access to a working research facility
  • Focused solar-science interpretation
  • Lakeside setting

Cons

  • Very limited public-tour season
  • Reservations fill well ahead
  • Gravel walking and three flights of stairs are required

Before you go

Are reservations required?

Yes. Public access is through reserved tours, and the listed 2026 dates were fully booked when researched, per the observatory's own tour page.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

The observatory does not recommend the tour for children under five, per its own tour page.

What physical access does the tour require?

Visitors must be able to walk about 1,000 feet on a gravel road and climb three flights of stairs, per the observatory's own tour page.

Where it is

Open in Google Maps

Nearby alternatives

Who reviewed this

Jenna Whitcomb

Jenna Whitcomb

Local guide editor

Jenna Whitcomb edits Near Big Bear. Every place on this page was checked against the business's own website and OpenStreetMap on the date below.

Updated
September 22, 2026