Julian's Star Treatment

Want the full celestial experience where you can spend the night or just drop in for an experience that'll have you all starry-eyed? There's a cozy B&B for that. Nestled under the straggly pines and scrubby oaks of Julian, the 4.5-acre Observer’s Inn is a bed-and-breakfast catering to everyone from the backyard stargazing enthusiast to the full-on astronomy buff.

Owner Mike Leigh has studied astronomy for more than 52 years, and his stargazing tours are some of the best. Stay overnight at the inn and you're guaranteed a discounted night sky tour. But even those not spending the night can get in on the tours, which are $30 per person. With a 15-person maximum, the 60-minute tour is personal, private, and begins right from the inn. An observatory built from scratch by Mike includes a sliding roof that allows visitors to view the night sky from the comfort of a warm room, with a couch and a range of high-power telescopes. And because you're at altitude, there's even less atmosphere between you and the stars. Most visitors see an average of 12 celestial objects—from a planet to a nebula to a galaxy. Starry night, indeed.

TIP: Time your trip to hit the Julian StarFest, August 1-3, 2019. A variety of telescopes will be set up for a free public viewing of the night sky.

Observer’s Inn is at 3535 Hwy. 79. The inn is small, with a maximum of two couples per night. Call for reservations: (760) 765-0088. May be weather permitting for stargazing tours. No dogs.