Northern California
Mendocino's Little River Inn
Little River Inn, located on the coast of Mendocino, offers a stargazing package complete with two nights lodging, a Little River Inn travel blanket, a borrowed stargazing kit, hot chocolate and popcorn. The inn features 65 guest rooms, each with a view of the Pacific, and amenities such as a chef-driven restaurant, spa services and a golf course. Family and pet-friendly, this resort is perfect for a peaceful retreat under the stars.
Ferguson Observatory in Sonoma
Robert Ferguson Observatory, in Sonoma County's Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, provides hands-on experiences with telescopes to observe planets, stars and deep-sky phenomena. In association with the nearby Flamingo Resort and Spa in Santa Rosa, star parties and solar observing sessions are held at least once a month near the New Moon.
Sierra Sunset BBQ and Stargazing Adventure
Available every Friday evening until October 11, Echo Adventure Coop's Sierra Sunset BBQ and Stargazing Adventure in Tuolumne County offers a unique experience that combines a BBQ picnic with a cultural and historical tour of the night sky. Kennedy Meadows Resort is a secluded spot perfect for stargazing enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy serene views of the stars reflected in the river, making it an ideal escape for those seeking quiet nights under a brilliant night sky.
Desolation Hotel Hope Valley
Desolation Hotel Hope Valley, located south of Lake Tahoe, is a prime stargazing destination due to minimal light pollution. See meteor showers, including the Draconids and Orionids in October and the Taurids in early November. The hotel's S'mores and Stargazing package provides telescopes and almanacs for viewing stars, with added amenities such as a sauna and access to various outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and fishing.
Celestial Phenomena in Mendocino County
Mendocino County is a prime destination for stargazing with 24 state and national parks, minimal light pollution and perfect conditions for observing the 11-year Solar Maximum cycle. With simple stargazing gear, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the cosmos during the darkest phases of the moon.
Henry W. Coe State Park in Morgan Hill
With more than 90,000 acres of backcountry wilderness and set in the Diablo range east of Morgan Hill, Henry W. Coe State Park is the largest state park in Northern California offering vast wilderness and high elevations ideal for stargazing and observing the Milky Way. Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve near Morgan Hill offers ideal stargazing conditions 30 minutes from downtown San Jose. Partnering with the San Jose Astronomical Association, the preserve hosts star and meteor watch parties with telescopes provided, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the Milky Way.
Stargazing in North Lake Tahoe
The Tahoe Star Tours at Northstar California Resort offer a fascinating way to learn about space with star guide Tony Berendsen, using a powerful telescope. For a quieter stargazing experience, Secline Beach in Kings Beach offers stunning views of the cosmos with easy access, no parking fees and minimal light pollution. The beach also features picnic areas and barbecue grills, ideal for a relaxing evening under the stars. For a unique summer adventure, the Tahoe Adventure Company offers Full Moon Kayak Tours, combining stargazing with a serene paddle on the lake.
Stargazing Parties at Presidio Lodging
The Inn and Lodge at the Presidio in San Francisco offers unexpectedly good stargazing opportunities, despite their urban setting. The Presidio’s low light pollution and open spaces provide clear views of the night sky, perfect for its free astronomy programs and stargazing events. On Sept. 14, the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers will host a free public stargazing party of the moon, planets and more at the Presidio Tunnel Tops.
Cosmic Yoga and Stargazing at Alila Ventana Big Sur
Alila Ventana Big Sur offers a unique Cosmic Yoga experience that combines stargazing and mindfulness. Visitors can engage in private yoga sessions under the redwoods or in a glass house overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This experience, which blends the bohemian spirit of Big Sur with celestial exploration, allows guests to attune both body and mind under the stars.
Yosemite After Dark
Yosemite National Park offers a magical stargazing experience, thanks to its remote location, high elevation and minimal light pollution. Glacier Point provides spectacular views of the night sky above iconic landmarks like Half Dome. From June through September, join a Yosemite naturalist for a cosmic exploration at the Glacier Point Amphitheater. For a unique experience, try the “Yosemite After Dark” walking tour, which explores the importance of protecting dark skies and the sensory adaptations of both humans and animals.
Astronomy Nights at Rush Ranch
Spend a cool night under the stars at Rush Ranch in Suisun City, just outside Fairfield, for Astronomy Night, hosted by Solano Land Trust and led by local astronomy enthusiast Jon Pannier. Hosted various dates in September, guests are welcome to bring their own telescope.
Tenaya at Yosemite New Night Skies Package
Yosemite offers some of the state's darkest skies, making it perfect for stargazing, and Tenaya at Yosemite has launched a Night Skies Package to enhance the visitor experience. The package includes a two-night stay in newly remodeled rooms, a cozy Tenaya blanket and a National Geographic star guidebook. Guests can enjoy telescope Milky Way viewing at Jackson Road Loop Trail Meadow and a guided flashlight hike to explore Tenaya’s nocturnal wonders.
Central California
Channel Islands National Park
Right off the Ventura County Coast, the Channel Islands National Park, known as "the Galápagos of North America," is renowned for its pristine stargazing conditions. Visitors can witness breathtaking views of the Milky Way, constellations and meteor showers enhanced by overnight camping on the islands. The serene environment makes it an ideal spot to relax under a brilliant night sky.
Stargazing in Modesto
The Beckwith Wildlife Observation Area in Modesto serves as a prime spot for birdwatching by day and stargazing by night. Located in the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, the area offers clear skies far from city lights, perfect for amateur astronomers to set up telescopes and explore the night sky.
SLO CAL's Wide-Open Spaces
SLO CAL offers incredible stargazing experiences for all. At Oceanpoint Ranch in Cambria, gather around a campfire to enjoy the stars. At Vespera Resort in Pismo Beach, explore the night sky using advanced Vaonis Vespera Pro smart telescopes. Join stargazing events hosted by the Cal Poly Astronomical Society, or head 15 minutes outside Downtown San Luis Obispo to Prefumo Canyon Road for panoramic views of Morro Rock and the Nine Sisters. At Calcareous Vineyard in Paso Robles, enjoy an annual Stargazing Dinner featuring award-winning wine, a four-course meal and a guided tour of the stars led by the Central Coast Astronomical Society. For a truly remote adventure, visit Carrizo Plain, California's largest native grassland, where you’ll find breathtaking Milky Way views free from light pollution.
Cuyama Buckhorn
Cuyama Buckhorn, located in the high desert, offers some of California's darkest skies, perfect for stargazing. Visitors can unwind by the pool or gather around a fire for s'mores while enjoying incredible views of the stars. Nearby Mt. Pinos, an 8,800-foot peak, provides a prime location for stargazing, with unobstructed night sky views.
An Evening with the Stars in Cambria
Beautify Cambria will host its annual “Evening with the Stars” in October, offering a guided night sky tour, presentations on astronomy and discussions on the effects of light pollution. Held at Santa Lucia Middle School, the event features powerful telescopes and refreshments like hot cider. A donation of $10 is requested to support Cambria's certification as an international dark-sky community.
Soak Up the Stars at Skyview Los Alamos
Skyview Los Alamos in the Santa Ynez Valley provides hotel guests with stunning stargazing opportunities, thanks to its low light pollution and location above Highway 101. Guests can stargaze from private patios, outdoor fire pits or the hotel's scenic grounds, enjoying the unique atmosphere of this renovated 1950s motel. With 33 rooms and an original pool, it blends historic charm with modern luxury.
Southern California
Hiking Under the Stars in LA Quinta
La Quinta offers guided night hikes along the Cove Trail from November to March, where visitors can experience stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains under the full moon or starry sky. These family-friendly hikes include telescope viewing for a closer look at celestial wonders, making for a memorable outdoor adventure.
SoCal’s Cal-A-Vie Health Spa
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa’s Observatory, situated on 500 private acres, offers guests weekly stargazing and sun-gazing programs with advanced telescopes. The two-story structure features eight flat screen TVs, a state-of-the-art Takahashi telescope and imaging technology, as well as 26 seats from the original Houston Astrodome. The Celestial Experience includes observations of deep space objects and the solar system during the day and at night, enhancing guests' spiritual and emotional well-being as part of the spa's holistic wellness approach.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Nestled in the hills of North County San Diego, Rancho Bernardo Inn provides a serene environment for stargazing, with clear night skies visible from private balconies. The 265-acre resort offers luxury amenities including golf, spa services and farm-to-table dining, making it a perfect escape for relaxation and stargazing.
The Oasis at Death Valley
Death Valley National Park, the largest Dark Sky National Park in the U.S., offers prime stargazing conditions with minimal light pollution, thanks to efforts by The Oasis at Death Valley and the National Park Service. Situated far from city lights but within reach of Las Vegas and Los Angeles, the park provides clear views of the night sky. Its designation as a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park makes it a top destination for astronomy enthusiasts.
The Great Park Balloon in Irvine
The Great Park Balloon in Irvine offers a unique stargazing experience from 400 feet in the air. The helium balloon provides unobstructed, panoramic views of the night sky, far from city lights. Available Thursday to Sunday, this free experience, sponsored by FivePoint, allows visitors to float above the landscape while enjoying the stars in a serene and magical atmosphere.
Sleep Under the Stars at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel
A hidden entrance accessed only by a wrought-iron and marble stairway leads you to the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel’s legendary Veranda Suite. Guests can enjoy a night under the stars in a lavish tent with a queen-size bed, luxurious linens and elegant furnishings. This exclusive, old Hollywood-inspired experience allows guests to enjoy the night sky in style.
S'mores and Stargazing at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort
At Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort, guests can enjoy an evening of stargazing with the help of an expert astronomer. After observing the stars and constellations through high-powered telescopes, guests can relax around a firepit and make s'mores. The event is available to resort guests and members on various dates in September through November.