With more sightings of the northern lights across the U.S. in recent years, now is the perfect time to explore a certified Dark Sky Place. Even if the aurora doesn’t make an appearance, these locations offer some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country. DarkSky International has certified approximately 150 Dark Sky Places in the U.S., categorized as parks, sanctuaries, reserves, communities, and urban night sky places.

Pack your camera, binoculars, telescope, and a comfy blanket, and don’t forget to download a planetarium app like Stellarium Mobile before heading out for a memorable astrotourism adventure. Here are some standout locations:

Flagstaff, Arizona

The First International Dark Sky Community
Flagstaff holds the honor of being the first International Dark Sky Community, certified in 2001. The city has been a pioneer in light pollution prevention, having enacted the world’s first outdoor lighting ordinance back in 1958. Despite its population of over 76,000, Flagstaff remains dedicated to preserving its star-filled skies.

Visitors can gaze at the Milky Way and constellations from the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory. Highlights include the rooftop Dark Sky Planetarium, the Giovale Open Deck Observatory, and historic telescopes like the Pluto Discovery Telescope and the 24-inch Clark Refractor.

Where to stay: Stay downtown near Lowell Observatory at hotels like the Residence Inn Flagstaff.

Moab, Utah

A Stargazer’s Paradise in Utah
Utah leads the nation in Dark Sky Places, and Moab stands out as a certified International Dark Sky Community. This hub of outdoor recreation includes Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as Natural Bridges and Hovenweep National Monuments. Local lighting ordinances ensure minimal light pollution, and residents can even access financial aid to retrofit their fixtures.

Where to stay: Enjoy seasonal glamping at Under Canvas Moab, with Stargazer tents that feature sky-viewing windows, guided astronomy walks, and telescopes. For a more luxurious stay, consider the Michelin-rated ULUM Moab Luxury Resort.

Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, Texas

The Largest Protected Dark Sky Area in the World
Spanning 9 million acres across Texas and Mexico, this reserve includes Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park Complex, and Black Gap Wildlife Management Area. All offer night sky programs to educate and inspire visitors. To maximize your stargazing experience, plan your visit during a new moon phase.

Where to stay: The Marathon Motel, RV Park & Skypark offers nightly sky parties with high-grade telescopes. Alternatively, book the Big Bend Observatory vacation rental or opt for stargazing domes at The Summit at Big Bend.

Oregon Outback, Oregon

A Sanctuary for Stargazers and Historians
The world’s largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the Oregon Outback, covers 2.5 million acres with plans to expand further. Visitors can borrow Night Sky Adventure Kits from regional libraries or join astronomy events hosted by the Oregon DarkSky Network. By day, explore ancient petroglyphs from the Northern Paiute people.

Where to stay: Camp at Oregon Outback RV Park, or head to nearby Lakeview for accommodations like the Best Western Skyline Motor Lodge.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

A Dark Sky Park with Iconic Views
Grand Canyon National Park earned its Dark Sky certification in 2019 after retrofitting over 5,000 light fixtures. The park attracts millions of visitors annually who come for its breathtaking views by day and its celestial wonders by night. Activities include star parties, ranger-led constellation tours, and lectures through the park’s Dark Skies Program.

Where to stay: Stay close to the action with Under Canvas’ glamping options or opt for historic lodges like the El Tovar Hotel.

Paonia, Colorado

Colorado’s Newest Dark Sky Gem
Certified in 2024, Paonia is a small town surrounded by national forests, parks, and conservation areas, keeping light pollution at bay. By day, explore its farms, orchards, and wineries. By night, the Milky Way takes center stage.

Where to stay: Choose between the charming Bross Hotel Bed & Breakfast or the River Village RV Park.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

Starry Skies and Desert Adventures
Located northeast of San Diego, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is part of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wind caves, and art sculptures by day and exceptional stargazing by night. The nearby town of Borrego Springs is also a certified Dark Sky Community.

Where to stay: Stay at the midcentury modern Palms at Indian Head, a former favorite of Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe.

Palos Preserves, Illinois

An Urban Night Sky Escape
The Palos Preserves, part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, is the largest Urban Night Sky Place in the world. Located just 20 miles from Chicago, it offers public astronomy events such as full moon walks. For a closer look at the cosmos, visit the nearby Adler Planetarium’s Doane Observatory.

Where to stay: Camp out at Camp Bullfrog Lake for a night under the stars.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

SoCal’s Stargazing Haven
Just east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park offers stunning stargazing opportunities, particularly in the eastern Pinto Basin area where light pollution is minimal. With designated stargazing spots and an array of off-trail backpacking options, it’s a favorite for adventurers and astronomers alike.

Where to stay: Consider camping in the park or staying in nearby accommodations to fully immerse yourself in the desert’s beauty.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

A True Stargazer’s Paradise
This park is renowned for having some of the darkest skies on the eastern seaboard. With its Astronomy Observation Field and annual Cherry Springs Star Party, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the Milky Way, meteor showers, and other celestial phenomena.

Where to stay: Local cabins or campgrounds provide convenient options to extend your stargazing trip.

Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida

Swamps and Stars
Certified as an International Dark Sky Place, Big Cypress offers a unique blend of swampy surroundings and pristine night skies. Visitors can join ranger-led stargazing programs that make the most of the preserve’s natural beauty.

Where to stay: Campgrounds within the preserve are ideal for those who want to stay close to the action.

Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada

Desert Skies Like No Other
This remote park is a haven for stargazers, with expansive desert landscapes and minimal light pollution. Annual Dark Sky Festivals provide opportunities for telescope viewing, astronomy talks, and other educational events.

Where to stay: Consider Furnace Creek Inn for a comfortable stay under the stars.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

A Celebration of the Cosmos
Known for its annual Astronomy Festival, Bryce Canyon offers ranger-led night sky tours and telescopic observations. Its high elevation and dry climate make it one of the best places for stargazing in the U.S.

Where to stay: Bryce Canyon Lodge provides a cozy retreat after a night of stargazing.