Best Places on the Pacific Coast to See the Stars

The Pacific Coast offers nearly limitless incredible opportunities to soak in the wonder of the stars. Its many national parks, beaches and wilderness areas are ideal for dark skies and its predictable weather makes planning easy. Stargazers can even find havens amidst the light-polluted cities. And don’t forget to check out Griffith Observatory in L.A. for their famous star parties. Here are the best places to watch the skies on the Pacific Coast.

Death Valley National Park

What do you get when you’re in the middle of 3.4 million acres of desert national park? Not a lot of light pollution for one. And a Gold-Certified International Dark Sky Park for another.

Denali National Park and Reserve

One road. That’s all that connects Denali with the outside world making it the perfect place to connect you with the heavens. Alaska is also the best place in the United States to see the Aurora Borealis. Go in late fall or early spring to take advantage of Alaska’s long nights.

Oregon Observatory at Sunriver

What does the Oregon Observatory have? Only the largest collections of telescopes for public viewing in the United States. Night viewing, day viewing, laser tours, chats and conferences and a 30-inch Newtonian telescope: yea, you can see the stars here.

Steamboat Rock State Park

Steamboat Rock is a perfect place for stargazers who are looking to make a weekend out of it. On the banks of Banks Lake, it offers a host of other activities besides some of the darkest skies in Washington.

Mount Tam

Getting above the fog in San Francisco can be tricky, but Mount Tamalpais is a famous retreat that soars above the clouds. The Amateur Astronomers Association also offers public viewing, lectures and members-only nights.