Mariposa County, CA

Get out and enjoy the night skies—the Golden State shines bright after sundown. Here are a few California spots to enjoy nature's nighttime marvels. Choose moonless nights for the best starry sky views.

Mariposa County, CA

Glacier Point is a prime spot for stargazing, offering breathtaking views of the night sky above Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. 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. Whether on a guided tour or under the stars, Yosemite’s night sky is unforgettable.

Mono County, CA

Mono County is where the mountains meet the Milky Way. Almost 97% of Mono County's 2 million acres are national forest or other public lands, meaning light pollution is nearly non-existent. Enjoy expansive dark night skies above landmarks like Bodie Ghost Town and Mono Lake.

Inyo County, CA

Death Valley offers some of the best stargazing in America. DarkSky International has designated Death Valley National Park a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, which is the highest rating of darkness. Enjoy these starry skies above Badwater Basin's vast salt flats.

Mariposa County, CA

Created by the rays of the moon instead of the sun, a moonbow occurs when light refracts in water droplets such as those rising from the thunderous mist at the base of Yosemite National Park’s unrivaled waterfalls. While the phenomenon is thrilling to behold, it also proves elusive. The conditions must be perfect, and for this reason, the Yosemite Moonbow inspires a legion of passionate pilgrims. Enjoy the ultimate stargazing during this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

9500 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA

You can stargaze in Downtown L.A. on a secret, hidden terrace at the Beverly Wilshire hotel. Go through a hidden entrance accessed only by a wrought-iron and marble stairway to the legendary Veranda Suite. Spend a night beneath the stars in a luxurious tent equipped with a queen-size bed in Four Seasons linens, lavish furnishings, including a crystal chandelier, marble lamps, fur rugs, and antique nightstands.

Inyo County, CA

A few miles west of Lone Pine, find the Alabama Hills Recreation Area. Catch a dazzling night sky with a view of Mt. Whitney through a natural rock arch named Mobius Arch. If you time it right, you can behold the Milky Way on a moonless night.

7901 CA-1
Little River, CA

Find prime stargazing in Mendocino County at the Little River Inn. The property has a stargazing package, complete with two nights’ lodging and a Little River Inn travel blanket. You'll get to use their stargazing kit, which includes special binoculars, a star map, star guide, flashlight, hot chocolate, and two bags of Comet Corn popcorn.

Sycamore Canyon Rd
Big Sur, CA

Big Sur is known for its dark skies and is considered one of the most scenic places in the country for stargazing. Discover Big Sur's best starry skies at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This recognized dark sky location is ideal for stargazing and astronomy activities.

Joshua Tree National Park offers great stargazing because of its dark skies and distance from major cities. The east side of the park is the best stargazing location because it's further from Palm Springs and Los Angeles. Try Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, Skull Rock, and the Twin Tanks Trailhead.

37749 Abbott Dr
Cantil, CA

Red Rock Canyon's night skies are a wonder to behold. The lack of light pollution provides incredible visibility of stars and other astronomical sights. And the Ricardo Campground is a popular spot for stargazing because of its dark skies. Find more amazing places to stargaze in California at the "Visit Website" link below.