Observing Locations near San Francisco

Apologize for putting this in the Beginners Forum, but couldn't figure out where it fit best.

Looks like I'm going to be doing a significant amount of business travel to the San Francisco area. I know there are several astronomy clubs in that area, so I have two quick questions. What are some good public sites for observing? And are there any clubs in particular that you would recommend for a visitor?

Note: I'll be mostly on the south side of San Francisco (Sunnyvale, Cupertino, & San Jose).

Clear Skies,
Joe Edwards

Joe, to find any viewing sites that even remotely qualify for "dark" I would suggest driving West towards the Coast. South of Half Moon Bay. Pescadero Beach and down.. not too much farther though, because then you run into the lights of Santa Cruz!! Skyline (the highway that runs along the Coast Mountains) is a good dark refuge also, just have to find a clearing... thick old growth timber.. Good Luck, John Meiners, Astoria, OR

I've heard of a place called Monte Bello near there. It is a Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains just west of Cupertino. To get there, take I-280 to Page Mills Road in Palo Alto, and head south. About 6 miles up that windy road, turn left on Monte Bello Ridge Road (not sure of its real name, but if you get to State Route 35, you went about a mile too far). I'd look for a pull-out along the first 5 miles on that road, which are fairly level and tree-free. You will have great views to the south and west, with serious light domes to the north and east, but it is convenient to where you will be.

Hugh Bartlett