Discover the Best Stargazing Sites in the U.S.

targazing is one of the most rewarding activities that you can do, but it's not always easy to find the right spot to stargaze.

These are some of the best spots in the United States where you can see stars in all their glory!

1. Death Valley, California

Death Valley is arguably the best place in the world to see stars. The dry, clear air makes it possible to see stars that are invisible in other places. It's also one of the lowest, driest, and hottest places on earth, so you'll be able to imagine how far away they are!

The best time to go stargazing in Death Valley is during a new moon (when there is no moon) because there will be more darkness. If you're planning on visiting during this time period, make sure you book your accommodations well in advance—it gets busy!

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park is a great place to stargaze. It’s located in Arizona, U.S., and it’s also one of the best-known national parks in the world. With its winding, colorful layers of rock and its incredible views in every direction, it's no wonder that it's been a popular tourist destination for over a century.

But did you know that it's also one of the best places in the world to stargaze? That's right! The Grand Canyon is so remote and so vast that it's extremely easy to get away from light pollution and enjoy some truly spectacular views of the stars above. In fact, there are several campgrounds near the park where you can pitch your tent and enjoy an amazing view of the night sky!

Learn More: Travel to the National Parks

3. Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Sitting at an altitude of 13,796 feet (4,205 meters), Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in Hawaii and also the highest point in the state. It's a dormant volcano that last erupted some 4,500 years ago.

Mauna Kea offers some of the best stargazing conditions on Earth—so much so that it's home to several telescopes used for research and observation purposes by astronomers from around the world. The mountain is also known as a great place to see the Milky Way galaxy up close and personal!

The summit of Mauna Kea offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains against clear blue skies—it's no wonder why this place is often referred to as “the birthplace of stars."

4. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Cherry Springs State Park is a 48-acre park located in rural Potter County, Pennsylvania. It is known for its exceptionally dark skies, making it one of the best places to stargaze on the East Coast. The park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association, which recognizes locations that offer exceptional stargazing experiences due to their lack of light pollution.

Visitors can bring their telescopes and observe the stars from various locations within the park, including the Night Sky Viewing Area, which has an observation deck and restrooms. The park also offers several educational programs and stargazing events throughout the year, including guided tours and astronomy workshops.

5. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California and covers over 790,000 acres of the Mojave and Colorado deserts. The park is known for its unique landscape of twisted Joshua trees, rocky outcroppings, and vast open spaces. Due to its remote location and lack of light pollution, the park offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the United States.

Visitors can stargaze from various locations throughout the park, including the Cottonwood Campground, Jumbo Rocks Campground, and Black Rock Campground. The park also offers several guided stargazing tours and educational programs, including astronomy talks and night sky photography workshops.

One of the unique features of stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park is the opportunity to observe the park's nocturnal wildlife. Visitors can spot animals such as coyotes, kangaroo rats, and bats as they roam the park at night.

Learn More: 10 Must-See National Parks to Visit This Summer

For city dwellers, the starry skies seem long forgotten.

But the U.S. is well stocked with some of the best places to stargaze in the world. If you haven't seen the stars in a while, now is the right time to go stargazing! Get out there and see the wonders of this beautiful world that we live in.

Learn More:

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• 7 Affordable Midwest Getaways