Light pollution has dulled the starry nights for billions of people, but for those who long to marvel at the cosmos, there are still havens of darkness scattered across the globe. North America and Europe, though densely populated, offer some of the best destinations where light pollution is minimal and the stars shine brightly. These locations, ranging from remote parks to designated dark sky reserves, are perfect escapes for stargazing and reconnecting with the wonders of the universe. Below, we explore some of these breathtaking destinations, highlighting their features, celestial events, and tips for making the most of your visit.
Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA
Big Bend National Park, tucked away in western Texas, is one of the most remote national parks in the United States. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, it boasts some of the darkest skies in North America. On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way stretching across the heavens, and planets like Saturn and Jupiter glowing brightly.
The best time to visit Big Bend for stargazing is during the cooler months, from October to March, when the skies are often clearer. The park offers guided night programs, including ranger-led constellation tours and educational talks about preserving dark skies.
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania is a haven for astro-enthusiasts on the East Coast. This park is one of the first in the world to be designated as a Dark Sky Park. Thanks to its location atop a 2,300-foot plateau and minimal nearby development, it’s perfect for seeing meteor showers, star clusters, and deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies.
The park offers a dedicated Night Sky Viewing Area with amenities like benches and public telescopes. For serious stargazers, the Astronomy Field allows you to set up your own equipment for an extended evening under the stars.
Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Jasper National Park, located in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world. Its pristine wilderness and high elevation create ideal conditions for stargazing. This park is particularly popular in October during the annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival, which hosts events with astronomers, speakers, and interactive stargazing sessions.
During most of the year, you can see the Milky Way, and in the winter months, there’s even a chance to catch the aurora borealis dancing across the horizon. Bring warm clothes and prepare for a magical experience.
Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada, USA
Despite its name, Death Valley is full of life when it comes to stargazing. Its remote location and vast stretches of desert make it one of the darkest places in the United States. On clear nights, visitors can see the Andromeda Galaxy and the zodiacal light, a faint glow caused by sunlight reflecting off dust particles in the solar system.
The Furnace Creek Visitor Center offers night-focused programs during the cooler months, and the park's accommodations provide an excellent base for exploring the night skies.
Kitt Peak, Arizona, USA
Kitt Peak is renowned for its observatory, but the dark skies surrounding it are just as awe-inspiring. Located roughly 50 miles from Tucson, this area offers spectacular views of the stars and deep-sky objects. Visitors can take advantage of the nightly stargazing programs at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, where high-powered telescopes bring the mysteries of the universe into focus.
Winter and spring months typically offer the clearest visibility, with constellation-rich skies and a pleasant climate for outdoor exploration.
Galloway Forest Park, Scotland, UK
Galloway Forest Park was the first Dark Sky Park in Scotland, earning its designation in 2009. With over 7,000 visible stars on a clear night, this area offers some of the best stargazing in the UK. It’s even earned the nickname "The Highlands' Stargazing Capital."
The Milky Way is easily visible here, and during the winter months, there’s a chance of seeing the northern lights. The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, located within the park, provides telescopes, expert-led tours, and astronomy workshops.
Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, UK
Brecon Beacons National Park, located in Wales, is another stunning International Dark Sky Reserve celebrated for its unspoiled night skies. On clear nights, visitors can view planets, constellations, and the Milky Way in exquisite detail. The park also hosts several astronomy events throughout the year, from meteor-watching nights to expert-led astrophotography workshops.
Autumn and winter are the best times to visit for stargazing, as the longer nights offer extended opportunities to enjoy the stars. For those interested in tailored experiences, guided stargazing tours are available, providing telescopes and expert insights into the celestial wonders above.
Elan Valley, Wales, UK
Known as "Wales' Lake District," Elan Valley combines stunning natural landscapes with some of the darkest skies in the UK. The area is part of a designated International Dark Sky Park and offers outstanding views of celestial events, such as Perseid and Geminid meteor showers.
The Elan Valley Visitor Centre schedules regular stargazing events where you can learn from experts and use telescopes to spot distant galaxies. With its remote location, Elan Valley is perfect for a quiet, meaningful connection with the night skies.
Sark Island, Channel Islands, UK
Sark, an island measuring just over two square miles, has earned the prestigious status of the world’s first Dark Sky Island. Without cars or streetlights, Sark offers a truly undisturbed atmosphere for stargazing. Visitors can spot the Milky Way, countless constellations, and an array of shooting stars.
The most popular viewing spot is La Coupée, a scenic cliffside pathway. Local guides host regular star tours, providing fascinating insights into the cosmos. Highlight visits during meteor shower seasons, like the Perseids in August, for an unforgettable experience.
Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, Portugal
Portugal’s Alentejo region is home to the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, one of Europe’s most remarkable dark sky destinations. The area encompasses quiet villages and vast open landscapes, all with minimal artificial lighting. Here, you can see the Milky Way in stunning clarity, as well as star clusters and nebulae.
Alqueva offers night sky tours, stargazing boat trips, and even astronomy-oriented lodging, with some accommodations providing telescopes for guests. Spring and autumn are particularly recommended for their mild climates and cloudless skies.
