Do you enjoy stargazing? Do you want to witness some of the most beautiful night skies from different regions of the world? We have got you covered with some of the best recommendations.
Stargazing is one of the most amazing experiences or hobbies for many people, as it can offer a cosmic feeling. Seeing the other planets, stars, and galaxies from Earth is an unusual experience, and this feeling of being alone in the world fades away when you understand how big the cosmos really is. The infinite nothingness of space lights up at night when you get to see the brimming starts from millions of light-years away, and many of them are also dead stars, but their light is still passing through the universe. If you are also an enthusiast of cosmic things or just an admirer of star-studded night skies, here are the top 20+ best places around the world where you can enjoy the best stargazing experience. There are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the list as well.
- Northumberland, England
The United Kingdom has many places from where you can enjoy a clear night sky, and Northumberland is one of the best of them. This place is situated in the most northerly county in England, and it can offer the best stargazing experiences in the whole country. The place is famous for the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, which is a must-visit destination for everyone. It is Europe’s largest area of protected night sky, where you can witness crystal clear views of the Milky Way, shooting stars, and distant galaxies. There are many observatories all over the country, and some of them are situated in the coastal castles, wild uplands, and lakes. The two most popular observatories are Battlesteads Observatory and the Kielder Observatory.
- Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Wales
You might not be aware of it, but Wales can also provide spectacular views of the night sky. The Brecon Beacons National Park is situated in Wales, and this park is considered to be the ultimate destination for stargazing. It is one of the most stunning parts of the country where you can witness clear night skies without any light pollution. The undisturbed views of the sky will put you in awe because it is not something that you can see every day. In 2012, the Brecon Beacons National Park was announced as an International Dark Sky Reserve where people can see meteor showers, constellations, and falling stars. You can also find many cabins here for accommodation.
- Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
If you are up for some Scottish adventure, it is highly recommended to visit Dumfries and Galloway in southern Scotland. It is the place where the Galloway Forest Park is situated, and it is also the first Dark Sky Park in the country. Offering the darkest European sky, here you can find a stunning view of the night sky where you are able to see more than 7000 stars with just the naked eye. Clatteringshaws Loch can be considered a sweet spot in the park where you can enjoy an intriguing stargazing experience. It might be a remote location, but it is also jaw-droppingly beautiful at the same time. Make sure to visit the Galloway Astronomy Centre to find more adventures in astronomy or astrophotography.
- Isle of Lewis, Scotland
The Isle of Lewis is quite a popular place in Scotland, which is an island situated in the northwest of the country. It is considered to be one of the best destinations for stargazing, which has almost no light pollution. It is said that the sky is so clear here that you can also witness the northern lights in the months of winter. While there are no organized tours for stargazing, you are always welcome to bring your own equipment and stay there for hours of stargazing. A good spot to place your telescope would be the beautiful Tolsta Beach. You can also head to Stornoway with the help of a ferry.
- The Alps, Switzerland
Switzerland has a lot of beautiful things to offer, and stargazing can be one of those elements. This country, which is praised for its unpolluted natural beauty, is also capable of offering an impactful cosmic experience. The Alps are one of the most scenic views in the daytime, and it gets even more captivating at night with zero light pollution and clear skies. The Alps, with their mild climate, offer the perfect situation for stargazing, and the locals are very appreciative of star-watching events. The locals and some of the cities also keep their main lights shut when there is a stargazing event going on. When you are 900 meters above sea level, you can get even closer to the sky.
- Rhodes, Greece
Other than the Greek Gods, Greece also holds a lot of beautiful places, such as Rhodes, which is famous as a stargazing destination. It is highly recommended to visit an Astronomy Café in Rhodes, which can offer you a wonderful experience that you hold for the rest of your life. The café is situated on an elevated location, which makes it perfect for stargazing, and the outdoor museum experience is also well designed to make sure visitors can enjoy a captivating experience. The observatory comprises powerful telescopes that are open for all, and you can witness the celestial bodies in a greater magnification than your average telescope can offer. Guess what? The café also offers intoxicating astro-themed cocktails.
- El Torcal de Antequera, Spain
Spain is best known for its bullfight and the La Tomatina festival, but the country can also offer some amazing places to enjoy an impactful stargazing experience. El Torcal de Antequera in southern Spain is a magnificent place to witness the celestial bodies, and this popular tourist destination is revered for its unique karst formations. This remote destination offers clear night skies without any light pollution, and you can enjoy the best experience during the months of summer. You can book the telescopes at the observatory in advance, and the remote location can only be visited by car. This place is around 45 kilometers away from Malaga, and the elevation makes it cold even in the summer nights.
- Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
You might have already seen this place in many movies for its iconic rock formations. You can go for stargazing on Mount Teide, which is the highest mountain in the country with an elevation of 3,718 metres above sea level. This height, along with the co-ordinates of Tenerife’s latitude, is considered to be the best situation for recognized constellations. You can get some of the best views of the night sky from here. The Teide Observatory particularly focuses on solar observations and is equipped with powerful telescopes. The entire Teide National Park is perfect for night excursions, along with some added cosmic adventure. This volcanic landscape against the bright night sky looks absolutely magical.
- La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
La Palma in the Canary Islands is one of the best and most significant places for stargazing, where the first Starlight Reserve in the world was built, and it is absolutely beautiful. The island is protected by the government with strict laws to make sure there is no excess light pollution. At the highest point of the island, the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is situated, which consists of several powerful telescopes. This hub for astronomical research has gained much popularity among global stargazers, and thousands of people visit here from diverse countries. You can also book guided tours that take place on the island.
- Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
A lot of global stargazers are searching for the Northern Lights every year, and one of the best places to witness them would be Jasper National Park in Canada. This national park is a protected Dark Sky Preserve where light production is kept at the lowest level to make sure people can enjoy a magnificent night sky full of stars. Some of the best places to witness the star-studded sky would be Medicine Lake, Lake Annette, or Pyramid Lake, where you can get a beautiful sky and a bright reflection of the sky on the lakes. Make sure to visit the Jasper Planetarium, where you can find many powerful telescopes and elements to gather more cosmic knowledge.
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota, USA
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a sanctuary in America that is protected for its amazing views and scenic beauty. It is the 13th International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2020, where a 1-million-acre federal wilderness area is designated for stargazing by Dark Sky International. The best thing about Boundary Waters is that you can plan your trip independently, as there are many outfitters located on the edge who offer canoes and camping equipment for rent. While the summer nights are easier to reach the place, winter nights can offer you a magical experience that you will never forget.
- McDonald Observatory, Texas, USA
Other than just burgers, you can also have a ‘Big Mac’ enjoyment at the McDonald Observatory, which is located in Fort Davis, Texas. The location is way out in west Texas, which is not too far from the beautiful town of Marfa. This iconic observatory is built upon a hill to make sure visitors can witness a clear and spectacular night sky. People in Texas take pride in this establishment, where many outdoor Star Parties are hosted by the Observatory. This place is classified as a Class 1 Dark Sky area, and it can offer super clear views of the night sky, along with stars, planets, and galaxies. The show takes place at the outdoor amphitheater, and it moves around based on the part of the sky it is focusing on for the night. The observatory is equipped with a highly advanced Hobby-Eberly telescope, which can offer greater magnification in higher resolutions.
- Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Utah is a place of wonders, and this place in the USA is also comprised of Zion National Park. Designated as an International Dark Sky Place, this national park can offer magnificent views of the night sky that are captivating for all. The Zion Canyon is the biggest highlight of the park, where the red walls can be seen standing at a height of 4,000 feet above the floor. It is recommended to reach the park early and set up a sweet spot from where you can enjoy the sunset against the red walls. Soon after the sun sets, you will get to see the dark night sky studded with millions of stars. The sky of Zion National Park can offer you clear views of the Milky Way even with the naked eye. During special times of the year, you can also witness the Geminid Meteor shower and the Andromeda galaxy.
- Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
Have you heard about the Joshua Trees? It is a unique tree that grows in the dry desert areas, and Joshua Tree National Park is a protected place for these special trees. A lot of people come here for rock climbing, but this park can also offer a spectacular experience of stargazing. The high altitude and low levels of light pollution make it the perfect spot for astral photography. Some of the popular spots in the national park are Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Arch Rock. It is highly recommended to visit the Sky is the Limit Observatory, and it is open to all on the weekends. If you are willing to enjoy the annual event in Twenty Palm Springs, make sure to visit the park in mid-October.
- Arches National Park, Utah, USA
Arches National Park is a popular place in the USA that is visited by thousands of people every year. This national park is located near Moab, Utah, and it is highly popular for its amazing dark skies. Its remote location and high altitude are best for stargazing, and there is an iconic slogan called “Half the Park is After Dark”. You definitely need to spend one night in this park in April so that you can get the perfect photograph of the Milky Way. The best time for photography would be between 1:00 am and 4:45 am, and some of the best viewpoints in the park would be the Balanced Rock Picnic Area, the Garden of Eden Viewpoint, The Windows, and Panorama Point.
- Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, USA
This park is one of the best places in the world to enjoy stargazing in Pennsylvania. This place is situated beside the Mississippi River. There are two perfect spots in the Cherry Springs State Park where you can enjoy a perfect stargazing night. The first one would be The Astronomer’s field, where you can stay overnight and enjoy the night with your own equipment. With a strict no-white light policy, this place remains dark and offers a spectacular view for the visitors. On the other hand, there is the observation field where anyone can come at any time, but they are not allowed to stay for the night. The park’s commitment to preserving its pristine night skies has earned it the Gold Level International Dark Sky Park designation, ensuring an unobstructed view of stars, planets, and celestial phenomena. Bring your telescope or join one of the park’s organized stargazing events to delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe.
- Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA
This mountain has a height of 13,798 feet, and it is the highest point of the Big Island of Hawaii. This place is for world-class stargazing, and the mountain is considered to be one of the world’s largest astronomical observatories. Here you can witness the thousands of stars and even the Milky Way with just your naked eye. At the Visitor Center, you can find industrial telescopes that are especially reserved for scientific research. The center is situated at approximately 9,000 feet and offers a spectacular view of the night sky. You can get a guided tour from towns such as Hilo and Kona to this observatory. Late afternoon is considered to be the right time to arrive at this place.
- Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California, Mexico
Mexico is one of the most beautiful countries in North America, which can offer plenty of places of interest. Located in Baja California, Bahia De Los Angeles can also be considered as one of them, which is a semi-off-grid town along the Sea of Cortez. This place is far away from the big cities, and there is absolutely no light pollution here, which makes it perfect for stargazing. The incredible night sky in Bahia De Los Angeles is absolutely magical and capable of captivating everyone. The desert surrounding Bahia De Los Angeles is perfect for stargazing, and the best part is that you can do it on your own since no guided tours are needed. It is a remote town, and it is recommended to bring food, water, and gear to sustain the night.
- Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert of Chile is globally popular for its endless scenic beauty, and it is the highest non-polar desert in the world. You can easily reach here from Santiago, and most people fly to San Pedro de Atacama to save time. No matter how you reach, be prepared for the night sky, as it can blow your mind. The best is the Valle Overlook next to the Valle de la Luna, also known as the Moon Valley. The height of this place is around 8,200 feet, and the desert stays completely dark during nighttime. Bring your binoculars or telescope along with an astronomy app on your phone or notebook. Depending on the time of the year, you can see the Southern Cross and other southern constellations.
- Tatacoa Desert, Colombia
Let’s find another desert in Colombia that can offer you similar ethereal feelings of stargazing. This desert in South America is considered to be one of the best spots for stargazing, where you can find clear night skies and incredible landscapes. It feels like nature has created its own art installations here. Make sure to visit the Tatacoa Desert Observatory, but to be honest with you, you can see millions of stars in the sky with your naked eyes only. The observatory is along the main and only road through the Tatacoa Desert, a short drive from Villavieja. You can easily visit this place from Bogota.
- Sandoval Lake, Peru
If you are planning to visit Peru, make sure to visit Tambopata National Reserve, which is the perfect spot for every stargazer. Although the whole reserve offers breathtaking starry night skies, one of the best places has to be Sandoval Lake. In order to reach here, you will have to take a boat from Puerto Maldonado and then hike for 3 km (1.8 miles) to reach the lake. It is one of the best experiences of stargazing that you can enjoy in the wilderness. You can also witness many wild animals in this region, such as alligators, bats, and giant otters. Make sure to follow your guide at every step and do not roam in the jungle alone.
- Merzouga Desert, Morocco
It seems like deserts can offer spectacular night skies for stargazing, and this Moroccan desert proves that again. The Merzouga desert is a popular tourist spot for camel rides and dune buggy day trips, but its best activity is often skipped: going on a Berber campout. You’ll stay in a giant tent in the desert playing music with the local Berber people and get to see the clearest stars of your life. It’s an easy 2 or 3-day experience from Marrakech. However, you cannot do it independently, and it is recommended to take professional guides if you are visiting here for the first time.
