8 Stargazing Locations Around the U.S. for an Outdoor Adventure

Stargazing is a fun way to relieve stress and connect with nature while escaping our busy lives. According to research, the night sky provides an unexplainable sense of peace to our brains and bodies. When you gaze at the stars, the stress you’ve built up for many causes will dissipate.

Looking at the stars inspires wonder and inspires us to pause, observe, and think, which has various advantages for our physical and mental health. One of the winter activities that might help us live a happy life is stargazing.

Connecting with the enormous black sky reminds us that there is more to life than our rushed lifestyles, and this sensation of wonder promotes kind and helpful social behavior. For example, taking a break from our packed schedules and finding a quiet spot might help us reduce stress and enjoy mental quietness. When we look at the stars, our conscious mind quiets, our subconscious mind comes into play, and our imagination may run free.

Stargazing is a lovely and affordable hobby we may enjoy throughout the year. Although a modern telescope provides a beautiful view of the stars, binoculars can get a close-up picture of the moon and its craters. If you’re wondering when the best time to go out to see the stars is, many skywatchers prefer fall since it gets dark sooner and the night temperatures are still pleasant.

According to studies, eight percent of Americans can’t view the Milky Way from their houses. It’s now challenging to stargaze in our backyards because of light pollution. However, we only need to get away from the big cities to have a nice view of the stars. For those who wish to see numerous dazzling stars and various planets and constellations, here is a list of 8 stargazing spots in the United States and the finest places to stay during your excursion.

Colorado

There are several unique areas to stargaze in Colorado. One example is the Animas Mountain Trail, a 6-mile circle trail in Durango, Colorado, that is ideal for stargazing at night. You’ll have a clear 360-degree evening view after going more than 1,500 feet up the mountain and enjoying beautiful vistas.

Because of the proximity to a great vacation destination like Durango, where there are numerous accommodation possibilities, you may transform your excursion into a nice trip. For example, you may continue staring at the black sky by staying in a five-star resort like Madeline Hotel & Residences or a private mountain view property like the Lake of the Pines Cabin.

California

California offers several fantastic locations, making it a refuge for stargazers and people who like connecting with nature. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s most extensive and has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. If you want to understand more about what you’re seeing, you may take a night tour with an astronomer or go to the modest observatory at The Springs at Borrego, which holds public viewings and presentations.

Exploring this Park is a great way to visit a luxurious Californian destination like Palm Springs, where you may find magnificent vacation rentals with resort-style amenities like The Hendrix property.

Texas

Night sky enthusiasts will discover Fredericksburg as one of the best places in Texas to stargaze. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is an International Dark Sky Park outside Fredericksburg. There are frequent stargazing events. Before visiting Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, it is strongly advised to make a reservation.

Fredericksburg is Texas’ most picturesque town, with lovely shops and great restaurants. Furthermore, this location has several great B&B rentals ideal for a stargazing vacation like the Bijou Whole House.

Hawaii

At 9,000 feet, you can view hundreds of stars when stargazing on Mauna Kea. A few telescopes are accessible for public use surrounding the Visitor Center but expect long lines. The most excellent part of stargazing high up in the mountains is that the sky is so clear that you can see the stars with your bare eye.

When you visit Hawaii to experience its stunning black sky, you will have a limitless supply of high-quality lodgings, ranging from 5-star resorts like Four Seasons Resort Hualalai to private beachfront rentals like the Pikake Place Home.

North Carolina

Duck is a small town on the Outer Banks noted for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and prime position for stargazing. We can view constellations annually due to two massive bodies of water on both sides. Duck beach is undoubtedly one of the loveliest sites on the east coast to take in the night sky.

Going on this outdoor trip does not limit you from remaining comfortable and stylish. In the OBX, there are several vacation home rentals like Bella Baycove property, where you may stay.

Utah

Jordanelle State Park’s darkest skies can be seen at the Nature Area, which has held dark sky events for over a decade. Jordanelle State Park is near Park City, Midway, and Heber City. The surrounding hills and mountains limit the influence of artificial light these cities provide, giving them a great location to admire the night skies. Visitors come to boat, fish, camp, picnic, view wildlife, hike, and stargaze on the Park’s 6,704 acres of land and water.

If you want to make your stargazing adventure into a celebrity-style escape, book a stay in Park City, which is recognized for holding the Sundance Film Festival.

Arizona

Whether a newbie or a veteran astronomer, Phoenix and its distinctive surroundings are great for discovering new stargazing experiences, the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory, located in the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, is a must-see for anybody interested in learning about the night sky. Guests can visit the observatory every Friday and Saturday evening at dark.

You may boost your stargazing in Arizona excursion by staying in one of the multiple pleasant hotels in the area, like Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa.

Oregon

The University of Oregon owns and operates the Oregon Observatory at the Sunriver Nature Center, located about 19 miles southwest of Bend. They have the most extensive collection of public-use telescopes in the country. In addition, an unimproved US Forest Service campsite close to the observatory is available for guests who want to combine professional stargazing with sleeping under the sky.

When you visit this observatory, you will be delighted by the beautiful accommodations that Bend offers. Luxurious condominiums, quaint cottages, and stylish rental houses like the Pine Knoll House.

Go Stargazing in the U.S.

Start organizing a unique trip to go stargazing, grab your telescope, consult the International Dark-Sky Places map, and hit the road to discover fantastic stargazing locations in the U.S.