For most of us, city lights hide all but a handful of stars. But across the United States, protected dark sky parks and wilderness areas still offer skies so dark you can see the Milky Way stretch from horizon to horizon. Astrotourism, or traveling to see the night sky, is booming, and the US has some of the best places in the world to do it. Here are the best places for stargazing in the USA, region by region, plus tips for planning your trip.
What Is a Dark Sky Place?
DarkSky International certifies parks, reserves, and sanctuaries that protect their night skies from light pollution. Many of the places below have this status. Astronomers also use the Bortle scale to measure sky darkness, from Class 1 (the darkest) to Class 9 (inner-city skies).
Best Places for Stargazing in the Northeast
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
One of the darkest places east of the Mississippi River, Cherry Springs is a legend among East Coast astronomers. Its Astronomy Field sits on a mountaintop with 360-degree views, and on clear summer nights, the Milky Way is bright enough to cast shadows. Combine your visit with Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or the Pocono Mountains.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine
This remote forest wilderness in northern Maine is a certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary. With almost no artificial light for miles, the Milky Way, planets, and meteor showers appear with remarkable clarity.
AMC Maine Woods, Maine
New England's first International Dark Sky Park covers a vast area of forest owned by the Appalachian Mountain Club, with lodges where you can stay. Add a visit to Acadia National Park, where Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the US Atlantic coast.
Best Places for Stargazing in the Midwest
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
This Dark Sky Sanctuary covers more than a million acres of lakes and forest along the Canadian border. Paddle by canoe, camp on a lakeshore, and watch the stars reflected in the still water.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Nearly 40% of this park is water. For the ultimate experience, rent a houseboat and sleep under the stars. Its northern location also gives you a chance to see the northern lights.
Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, Michigan
On the shores of Lake Superior, the Keweenaw Peninsula is one of the best places in the Midwest to see the aurora borealis during strong solar activity, as well as the Milky Way over the lake.
Newport State Park, Wisconsin
On the tip of the Door Peninsula, this park has miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and dark skies. Bring insect repellent in summer.
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Illinois
A few hours' drive from Chicago, this preserve proves you can find dark skies even in the heartland, and it regularly hosts public stargazing events, ideal for beginners.
Best Places for Stargazing in the West
Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada
Low humidity, few clouds, and vast open spaces give Death Valley some of the darkest skies in the country. Visit from fall to spring, as summer temperatures are extreme.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
One of America's least-visited national parks has high elevation, dry air, and very dark skies. Join a ranger-led astronomy program, then visit the ancient bristlecone pines, some over 4,000 years old.
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Utah has more dark sky places than almost anywhere. At Capitol Reef, red rock cliffs by day give way to dazzling starry skies at night. Nearby Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands are also excellent.
Maunakea, Hawaii
Rising 13,803 feet (4,207 meters) above sea level, Maunakea's summit is home to some of the world's most important observatories. The road to the summit requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and the altitude can cause sickness. The easiest way to go is on a sunset and stargazing tour. Check the latest visitor information before you go. See our Hawaii travel guide.
Best Places for Stargazing in the South
Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the world's largest dark sky reserve. It includes Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, where the skies are among the darkest in North America.
Cosmic Campground, New Mexico
This International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the Gila National Forest has 360-degree views and no permanent outdoor lighting for miles around. Facilities are basic, so come prepared.
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, Tennessee
Together with the neighboring Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area on the Cumberland Plateau, this park is one of the darkest spots in the eastern United States.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida
Away from Florida's theme parks and cities, this remote prairie offers flat, wide-open views of the sky and a dedicated astronomy pad for stargazers.
Tips for Stargazing in the USA
- Go around the new moon for the darkest skies.
- Check the weather and cloud cover forecasts before you set off.
- Use a red-light flashlight to protect your night vision, and never shine white lights at the sky or other stargazers.
- Dress warmly. Even deserts get cold at night.
- Use a stargazing app such as Stellarium in night mode to identify stars and planets.
- Look out for events such as ranger-led programs, star parties, and meteor showers like the Perseids in August and the Geminids in December.
- Stay connected. Many dark sky sites have little or no signal, so download offline maps before you go. An egoViet USA eSIM keeps you online on the way. Compare options in our guide to SIM cards and eSIMs for USA travel.
Hooked on the night sky? See where to watch the northern lights in Europe, and plan the rest of your trip with our USA travel guide.
FAQs: Stargazing in the USA
Where is the best stargazing in the USA?
Top spots include Big Bend in Texas, Death Valley in California and Nevada, Great Basin in Nevada, Cherry Springs in Pennsylvania, and Maunakea in Hawaii.
When is the best time to go stargazing?
Around the new moon, on a clear night. Summer is best for the Milky Way's bright core, while winter brings long nights and crisp air.
Do I need a telescope to stargaze?
No. Your eyes and a pair of binoculars are enough to enjoy the Milky Way, planets, and meteor showers.
What is a Dark Sky Park?
A park certified by DarkSky International for its exceptionally dark night skies and its efforts to reduce light pollution.