While it may feel like the USA is teeming with people and urban sprawl, it’s also home to glorious stretches of wide open spaces. If you want to unwind away from bright city lights, consider going off-grid and disappearing into the night sky for a few days. The Dark Sky Organization has designated more than 60 Dark Sky Places in the USA. These are all places where star viewing is magical thanks to minimal light pollution. I’ve done my share of stargazing within the USA, and these are some of the best spots to see the sky shine.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Avoid nighttime driving in remote areas. Wildlife and unfamiliar roads can cause hazards when you least expect them. Area campsites and cabins will all offer exceptional night sky views.
The writer was hosted in Flagstaff, AZ, and West Virginia.
1. Flagstaff, Arizona
The dry climate and high elevation here make for clear nights, perfect for taking in the shining stars.
Why It Stands Out
Flagstaff is the first designated dark sky city in the entire world, and it’s also where the (former) planet Pluto was discovered. Light pollution in Flagstaff is almost non-existent, making the night sky burst with shimmering stars.
Best Ways To Experience It
- Take a peek through the super-powerful telescopes at the world-famous Lowell Observatory and the newly opened Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center. See if you can spot the rings around Saturn.
- Head to Wupatki National Monument for pristine stargazing from the parking lot. With no trees or other large items blocking the view, gaze upon the horizon.
2. West Virginia
West Virginia is one of the best-kept secrets for stargazing. The outdoorsy mountain state offers some of the darkest skies in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Why It Stands Out
This sparsely populated, under-the-radar destination delivers outstanding night sky viewing opportunities in a rugged environment.
Best Ways To Experience It
- Spend a day (or night) in New River Gorge National Park, our country’s newest national park, which offers more than 70,000 acres of land along the New River – much of it perfect for stargazing.
- Spruce Mountain is one of the darkest stargazing sites in the Mid-Atlantic. You can see the Milky Way come to life with the naked eye.
- Attend the annual Almost Heaven Star Party held each year on Spruce Knob, the highest point in the state at more than 4,500 feet in elevation.
- Visit Watoga State Park, an International Dark Sky Park, and West Virginia’s largest state park. Extend your stargazing trip with a stay in one of the cozy cabins, open year-round for that long weekend stay you’ve been thinking about!
3. Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
The Big 5 National Parks seem to get all the love in Utah, but if you’re looking for a remote stargazing experience, Escalante and Boulder, UT, are worth checking out. Near Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, both deliver pristine viewing and a whole lot of solitude.
Why It Stands Out
The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a majestic expanse of land that includes more than 1 million awe-inspiring acres across southern Utah. Small-town vibes abound in tiny Escalante and nearby Boulder, UT, where you’ll find everything you need for your stay.
Best Ways To Experience It
- Glamp under the stars. Escalante Yurts allows you to experience the brilliant night sky with all the comforts of home.
- When not taking in the stars, take your pick of exceptional outdoor pursuits, including hiking, biking, canyoneering, and fishing.
- Zen out and relish in the solitude.
4. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area Near Valentine, NE
The Sandhills region of Nebraska is North America’s most significant vegetated sand dune formation.
Why It Stands Out
This section of central Nebraska is so sparsely populated that it feels like you have the place to yourself. Merritt Reservoir, the 200th certified Dark Sky Place, is an off-the-beaten-path escape.
Best Ways To Experience It
- Grab your cooler and float down the scenic Niobrara River by day. Check out Smith Falls State Park in Valentine, home to Nebraska’s highest waterfall.
- Go to the weeklong Nebraska Star Party to learn about astronomy and participate in celestial seminars.
- Kick back and put on the s’mores at your campsite for nighttime stargazing snacks as you revel in the quiet.
5. Big Bend National Park, TX
Even in Texas, where wide open spaces reign, Big Bend National Park is huge. At more than 800,000 acres, Big Bend offers lots of ground and skies to explore.
Why It Stands Out
You won’t find a more remote space for stargazing, and just about anywhere you are within the park is pitch dark.
Best Ways To Experience It
- Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas is remote – the nearest city is more than 4 hours away by car. The park has the least amount of light pollution of any national park in the lower 48 states.
- Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park are both International Dark Sky Parks and showcase incredible views of the Milky Way.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Temperatures soar in the summer months. Other seasons may be better if you don’t love extreme heat.
6. Rhode Island
Due to dense populations, it can be tricky for East Coast travelers to find a perfect spot for stargazing. Rhode Island is home to a multitude of observatories and naturally dark sky areas.
Why It Stands Out
Despite its proximity to urban areas and its small size, tiny Rhode Island packs a punch with celestial viewing opportunities.
Best Ways To Experience It
- Block Island is located about 10 miles off the Rhode Island coast and is a popular spot for stargazing due to its naturally dark skies. Mohegan Bluffs is a prime viewing spot.
- In Providence, the Museum of Natural History. Located within Roger Williams Park, the museum offers an array of planetarium shows covering all things cosmic.
7. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Majestic Grand Canyon National Park is a must-visit for serious stargazers.
Why It Stands Out
This designated International Dark Sky Park is known worldwide for its stunning landscapes. No overhead street lights within the park means even less light pollution.
Best Ways To Experience It
- Mather Point and Moran Point at the South Rim offer spectacular stargazing viewpoints.
- Yavapai Lodge, within the park, offers a celestial adventure with a Stargazing Package that includes overnight accommodations and an array of stargazing must-haves, including celestial binoculars, an LED headlamp with night vision, a National Geographic Night Sky guidebook, and a pocket star finder.
- Enjoy the free monthly Night Sky Talks sponsored by Yavapai Lodge. These events feature a local NASA Solar System Ambassador, a James Webb Telescope demonstration, and a star-viewing party.
8. Death Valley National Park, California
Death Valley National Park is home to diverse and extreme landscapes from which to view the stars.
Why It Stands Out
The otherworldly landscape and typically clear skies of this designated Gold Tier Dark Sky Park make it a winner for stargazing. The park is less than 2 hours from Las Vegas and less than 4 hours from Los Angeles.
Best Ways To Experience It
- Explore the extreme landscapes by day before watching the stars light up the night sky.
- Join a ranger-led program to get a professional’s take on how best to experience the night sky within the park.
9. Yosemite National Park
California’s most visited National Park delivers stellar stargazing opportunities in a gorgeous, natural setting.
Why It Stands Out
With its remote location, high elevation, and low light pollution, iconic Half Dome is just one of the showstoppers here.
Best Ways To Experience It
- Glacier Point provides spectacular views of the night sky above iconic landmarks like Half Dome. During summer months join a Yosemite naturalist for a cosmic exploration at the Glacier Point Amphitheater.
- Choose Tenaya at Yosemite and their Night Sky Package for the ultimate celestial experience. Featuring a two-night stay at Tenaya, a cozy blanket, a National Geographic Star Guidebook, a Guided Flashlight Hike, and telescope viewing at Jackson Road Loop Trail Meadow, this package is brimming with everything needed to catch the shimmering stars.
- For a unique experience, try the “Yosemite After Dark” walking tour, an interesting look at light pollution and sensory adaptations in humans and living creatures.
Read More:
- How to Visit a National Park for Free in 2025
- Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park for a Rockin’ Good Time
- 9 Free Things to Do in Sedona, the Heart of Arizona Red Rock Country
- Yosemite National Park’s 5 Must-See Attractions and Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Visit
- Texas Road Trips for Families
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