There’s something humbling about gazing at a sky full of stars, feeling the vastness of the universe stretch endlessly above. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer, an astrophotographer, or someone who simply loves the wonder of the night sky, the right location can transform a stargazing experience into something truly magical. Away from city lights, in remote and pristine landscapes, some places on Earth offer unparalleled celestial views. These must-visit stargazing spots are the perfect gateways to exploring the cosmos.
Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA
Perched 13,796 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. This dormant volcano offers an altitude above most of the Earth’s atmosphere, clear skies, and minimal light pollution, creating near-perfect conditions for astronomical observation.
At the summit, world-renowned observatories like the Keck Observatory and Subaru Telescope allow scientists to peer deep into space. While the observatories themselves are not always open to the public, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, located at 9,200 feet. Here, telescopes are set up for public use, and astronomy guides offer insights into constellations, nebulae, and distant galaxies.
Jasper National Park, Canada
Designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Jasper National Park is a must-visit for cosmic enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this park offers some of the darkest skies in North America, making it an ideal location to see the Milky Way, meteor showers, and the Northern Lights.
The annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival, held every October, attracts thousands of astronomy lovers. Guided star tours, talks by astronauts and astrophysicists, and night sky photography workshops make it an event unlike any other. Pyramid Lake, Medicine Lake, and Maligne Lake are some of the best spots within the park to enjoy unobstructed views of the cosmos.
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert in Chile is often referred to as the best place on Earth for astronomy. With less than an inch of rainfall annually, high altitudes, and virtually no light pollution, the desert offers crystal-clear skies that allow for year-round stargazing.
The Paranal Observatory, home to the Very Large Telescope (VLT), provides some of the sharpest views of deep space. While the observatory is mainly for scientific research, visitors can book guided tours to learn about the latest discoveries and witness powerful telescopes in action.
For independent stargazers, the small town of San Pedro de Atacama is a great base for night sky tours. Professional guides provide telescopes and deep-sky observation experiences, revealing everything from Saturn’s rings to faraway nebulae with astonishing clarity.
Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve is one of the largest and most pristine dark sky reserves in the world. Covering 4,300 square kilometers, it is free from urban light pollution, allowing for some of the most spectacular views of the Southern Cross, Magellanic Clouds, and the Milky Way.
The Mount John Observatory, near Lake Tekapo, provides visitors with high-powered telescopes and expert-led night sky tours. For those who prefer a more remote experience, Twizel and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offer exceptional opportunities for astrophotography and naked-eye stargazing.
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, NamibRand Nature Reserve, offers some of the world’s darkest skies. With no major cities nearby and almost zero artificial light, visitors can witness an incredible celestial display, including the Zodiacal Light—a faint glow caused by interplanetary dust scattering sunlight.
The Wolwedans Dunes Lodge and other eco-lodges within the reserve provide guided night sky tours, complete with powerful telescopes and expert-led sessions on celestial navigation. The reserve’s dramatic landscapes of rolling red sand dunes make the experience even more otherworldly.
Death Valley National Park, USA
One of the hottest and driest places on Earth, Death Valley National Park is also one of the best places for stargazing in the United States. As a designated Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, Death Valley boasts some of the least light-polluted skies in North America.
Popular viewing locations include Badwater Basin, Dante’s View, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where stargazers can witness breathtaking views of the Milky Way. The park also hosts annual Dark Sky Festivals, featuring astronomy talks, telescope viewing sessions, and astrophotography workshops.
Exmoor National Park, England
England may not be the first place that comes to mind for stargazing, but Exmoor National Park is a hidden gem for night sky lovers. It was the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe, offering clear views of the Orion Nebula, the Pleiades, and the Andromeda Galaxy.
Exmoor’s Dunkery Beacon and Holdstone Hill are among the best spots to set up a telescope and enjoy a night under the stars. The park also hosts regular stargazing events, attracting both beginners and seasoned astronomers.
La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
Thanks to its high altitude, low humidity, and strict light pollution regulations, La Palma in Spain’s Canary Islands is one of the best places in Europe for stargazing. It is home to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, where some of the world’s most advanced telescopes scan the skies.
The island’s Caldera de Taburiente National Park offers stunning landscapes and pristine dark skies, making it a perfect location for astrophotography. Special astro-tourism activities include guided night sky observations and stargazing boat tours.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
In the heart of Australia’s Outback, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park offers an awe-inspiring celestial experience. The area’s minimal light pollution and vast open skies make it an excellent destination for viewing constellations unique to the Southern Hemisphere.
Visitors can join Aboriginal-guided astronomy tours, learning about the Indigenous Dreamtime stories that connect the stars to the land. The contrast of the brilliant night sky above Uluru’s red rock formations creates a spiritual and unforgettable experience.
Mont-Mégantic, Canada
Located in Quebec, Mont-Mégantic National Park is famous for being the first-ever International Dark Sky Reserve. The ASTROLab observatory within the park offers public night sky programs, including telescope observations of planets, galaxies, and star clusters.
The park’s high elevation and dedicated light pollution controls ensure exceptional night sky visibility, making it a must-visit destination for anyone eager to explore the universe from Earth’s surface.
