Observatories to Visit in Washington, D.C.

Observatories are home to some of the biggest and most impressive telescopes in the world. As many amateur astronomers know, there are numerous ways to experience the night sky beyond looking through a telescope in your own backyard. Washington, D.C. has impressive observatories that offer a wide variety of star parties, tours, and observatory programs that will expand your knowledge of astronomy and your love of the night sky, whether you are new to astronomy or have been in the hobby for years.

For your convenience, we have compiled an alphabetical list of observatories in Washington, D.C. that offer programs for the public.

Disclaimer: This information was collected from the observatories’ websites in April 2024. Some information may be subject to change if the websites are updated. If interested in visiting one of the listed observatories, please contact the observatory for the latest information before you visit.

Heyden Observatory

3920 Yates Road, Washington, DC 20057

The Heyden Observatory, one of the 24 sites in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2013 Partners in Preservation Program, is the third oldest observatory in the country. In 1973, it was designated a national landmark, but it was founded by Rev. James Curly, S.J in 1844.

Visiting

The observatory is currently used for weekly meetings and other stargazing and educational activities. There are speakers and cookouts hosted on the lawn.

U.S. Naval Observatory

3450 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20392

The U.S. Naval Observatory, one of the oldest scientific agencies in the country, was established in 1830 as the Depot of Charts and Instruments. In 1893, the U.S. Naval Observatory moved to a hilly terrain north of Georgetown. Today, it is the preeminent authority in the areas of timekeeping and celestial observing.