In today’s modern world of artificial lights, pristine nightscapes are rare and hard to come by. Unless, of course, you travel away from the lights of major cities, deep into the heart of remote locations, to discover sandy deserts and massive mountains where dark skies abound. But even that name is a bit deceptive because while these skies may be free of city lights, in reality, they’re filled to the brim with thousands upon thousands of stars lighting up the night sky. And it’s here that wonders await. If you want to count your lucky stars, then consider doing so at some of the best and most incredible places to stargaze in the entire world.
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Table of Contents
- The 7 Best Places To Go Stargazing
- Where Is the Best Place in the World for Stargazing?
- Which State Has the Best Stargazing?
- Stargaze Around the World and Count Your Lucky Stars with Next Vacay
The 7 Best Places To Go Stargazing
From lush islands displaying glittering constellations to desert plains unveiling distant galaxies, we’ve gathered some of the best places to see the stars. Prepare to travel to arid plains, mist-covered volcanoes, and colorful canyons to be dazzled not only by the breathtaking settings but also by their twinkling, nebulous skies.
Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
The Avenue of the Baobabs is known for its unique baobab trees and gorgeous sunsets and sunrises, which people flock to book tours to see. What’s less well known, but just as magnificent, is the Avenue of the Baobabs at night. Madagascar is one of the darkest countries in the world. With minimal light pollution surrounding these ancient sentinels, the night skies above remain crisp and clear, unveiling a jaw-dropping number of stars and an unobstructed view of the Milky Way. With serene surroundings, unique beauties, and a tapestry of stars unfolding, the Avenue of the Baobabs is easily one of the best places to stargaze.
Fairyland Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Many of the night sky’s wonders are hidden from a vast majority of the US population living in bright cities. But if you want to trade in the glow of street lamps for the dark skies of yore, Bryce Canyon National Park delivers. Considered stargazer heaven, hikers can see a startling 7,500 stars in the night sky of Bryce Canyon! Thanks to its remote location, high elevation, and low light pollution, the skies above Bryce Canyon make it one of the best places to stargaze in the US.
For the best experience, take the Fairyland Loop. This eight-mile trail takes visitors past the stunning hoodoos the park is famous for. Set off at sunset to watch the sky shift from yellows to purple as you climb steep inclines, and the moon appears like a shimmering beacon. As deep blues stretch across the skies, the only sounds heard are the calls of animals and the crunching of your hiking boots. Find a fallen tree branch or a boulder, settle in for nightfall, and enjoy gazing up at a sea of stars.
Pro-tip: Ask the park rangers when the Milky Way will be the brightest overnight for the best views!
Atacama Desert and Elqui Valley, Chile
Luxury probably isn’t the first thing on your mind when you think about appreciating the night sky, but if it’s up there, then the Atacama Desert is a must-visit spot for stargazing. From geodesic domes that open up to star-studded views to al fresco bathrooms that let visitors shower under the starry heavens, the options to peruse the night skies from the comfort of your room are endless.
But, those who manage to drag themselves away from bed won’t be disappointed, with countless options for observatories and astro-tours. Several offer travelers an Indigenous perspective, with performances and talks about how they viewed the stars centuries ago and how they impacted agricultural practices.
Other observatories near Elqui Valley have guided tours that give insight into the Indigenous culture, the lives of renowned astronomers, and what they’re searching for in the night sky. It’s in Elqui Valley, in particular, that visitors will find one of the best places to stargaze in the Atacama Desert, with astonishing views of the nebulous galaxies above. So, all that’s left is to choose your perfect stay, curl up, and gaze upon the marvelous blanket of glittering stars above.
Mount Bromo, Indonesia
Click. Click. Click. That’s the sound of hikers and photographers clamoring to book a stargazing tour at Mount Bromo. From July through October, tourists and photographers visit the beautiful volcano and camp out to glimpse the Milky Way from its towering peak at over 7,600 feet. Hikers will bring blankets and chairs to relax on after an early day of sunrise hikes up the volcano while photographers set up their cameras to capture the oncoming magic.
This far up in the clouds, the tranquility of the night is interrupted only by excited travelers waiting for the sky to reveal itself in all its glory. And when it does, it doesn’t disappoint. Thousands upon thousands of stars streak across the night sky, making the distant galaxies appear not so far away. And if you time it right, you may see the peaks of all three volcanoes—Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru—piercing the starry night sky. The beauty of Mount Bromo and its star-filled galaxy is undeniable and certainly deserves a spot on everyone’s stargazing list.
La Palma, Canary Islands
Protected from light pollution by law, it’s no surprise that La Palma’s skies are ready to dazzle and amaze. From the coast to the mountains of La Palma, clusters of brilliant stars light up the night sky, making it one of the best places to go stargazing in the world, whether you’re up for a relaxed stargazing experience or an avid stargazer. Observatories offer tours explaining the history and culture of astronomy, while stargazing tours take you through panoramic routes that end with astounding views and night photography.
Head to the Mirador Astronómico del Llano del Jable, a lookout over the unbelievable vistas, or head to Mirador el Time, a scenic mountainside terrace for stunning views of the Milky Way. Experienced hikers wanting a challenge can hike to Pico de la Nieve for a spectacular view of the stars, while those who prefer an easier trek should aim for the peaks of Volcán San Antonio for gorgeous views. No matter where you go in La Palma, dark skies and shining stars abound.
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Legends, hot pools, and galaxies—Takepo Springs has it all, making this out-of-the-way island nation one of the best places to star gaze. Settle in by the lake to get great views, or put in a little effort to hike to Mount John and enjoy the stunning night sky views as your reward.
But the hot pools are the creme de la creme of stargazing in Lake Tekapo. Here, you can relax in your pool floaties as you bask in the beauty of one of the largest Dark Sky reserves in the world. Beside the pools sit guides waiting to regale you with fascinating astronomy facts and tales of New Zealand myths and legends. Between the swirling galaxies, hazy heat, and mythical stories, Lake Tekapo is sure to leave an impression.
Gobi Desert, Mongolia
The Gobi Desert is the largest desert in Asia and the fifth largest in the world. So it’s no surprise this place has made a name for itself as a stargazer’s paradise. The Gobi Desert appears otherworldly, with its remote location and ethereal plains of golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see.
The best way to experience the desert’s dramatic skies while weathering its unpredictability is by staying in a yurt. From there, you can explore the desert easily, from the velvet dunes to granite formations, all while waiting for night to fall. Between the remoteness and the red sand dunes, you may even mistake your setting for Mars. However, this is one spot where you won’t want to be rescued from anytime soon as you enjoy the night sky’s plethora of stars.
Where Is the Best Place in the World for Stargazing?
The answer differs depending on what you want out of your stargazing experience. The Atacama Desert in Chile has one of the largest telescopes and unparalleled skies. Mongolia is an otherworldly experience in the far-off deserts, while national parks in the US offer nearly just as much beauty alongside a similar feeling of remoteness—and best of all, they’re a lot easier to get to.
All in all, there are many Dark Sky-certified areas in the world to stargaze. So whether you want luxury, affordability, or an experience you’ll never forget, you can chart a course to virtually any dark sky and be treated to a night sky like you’ve never seen before.
Which State Has the Best Stargazing?
States in the Desert Southwest region of the United States are the best for stargazing: Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California, the southern tip of Nevada, the southern edge of Utah, and the basin range of Texas. Low population density and low pollution make the night skies here glitter boldly like nowhere else in the United States. And all of these states have amazing national parks with superb stargazing conditions, making them the best places to stargaze in the US.
Stargaze Around the World and Count Your Lucky Stars with Next Vacay
Though the stars are light years away from Earth, they’re only a few clicks away from you. Our talented team of deal hunters finds low airfare deals and delivers them right to your inbox. So you don’t have to lift a finger to trade your dark city skies for a true dark sky that puts the stars in focus. Whether you want to travel to the Southwestern US or the remote Canary Islands, the sky’s the limit with Next Vacay—or should we say the stars.
