11 best places to stargaze around the world

There is nothing quite like looking up at a pristine night sky to see a blanket of stars stretching to infinity. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or simply looking for a romantic escape, the night sky has something special for you. But here's the catch: to truly savor this celestial treat, you need to venture beyond the city lights. From the Canary Islands to Hawaii, here’s some of the best spots to go stargazing—and tips on how to make the most of it.

Southern California's Joshua Tree National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, which means it's received certification for its supremely limited light pollution, allowing you to see the stars more clearly. By day, its rich history, archeological sites, and biodiversity make it perfect for hikes. But when night falls, the park really comes to life. Park your car in the roadside pullouts next to Skull Rock for beautiful starry views or tackle the short Cap Rock trail where the iconic Joshua Trees form perfect silhouettes against the Milky Way. Keys View also offers a panoramic look at Coachella Valley and the surrounding mountains.

There are community-led stargazing events that provide free telescopes for you to see constellations more easily. For camping enthusiasts, Cottonwood Campground is a great option if you want to sleep under the stars.

Located just outside of Dubai, the Lahbab Desert is a captivating stargazing destination, known for its pristine night skies. During the winter months from November to February, you can spot winter constellations like Taurus, Canis Minor, Canis Major, Gemini, and Orion. For the full desert experience, start your day with a hot air balloon or camel ride on this tour, and try sandboarding or dune bashing.

If you're more interested in the closest star to Earth, our sun, head to the Al Thuraya Astronomy Center in the Mushrif National Park during the day to safely spot sunspots and solar flares.

The Pinnacles Desert, just two hours from Perth, has a surreal and otherworldly landscape dotted with thousands of limestone formations, resembling ancient pillars rising from the earth. While the topography is incredible during the day, it's even more stunning when seen under a sky full of stars.

On this stargazing tour, you’ll start your adventure sandboarding at the Lancelin Sand Dunes and then over to the white sand beaches of Hangover Bay Coast, before making your way to Nilgen Lookout for panoramic ocean views. If you can’t get enough, you can consider staying overnight in the nearby town of Cervantes.

A dormant volcano some 13,000 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii offers an exceptional view of the stars and is home to numerous observatories at its summit. Here, you can stargaze through powerful telescopes and learn from expert astronomers.

This tour starts with a picnic dinner at the base of Mauna Kea, before heading to the summit to enjoy views of the sunset and Mauna Loa, one of the largest volcanoes in the world. Afterward, you’ll be driven down to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station to start your stargazing experience.

Three of the Canary Islands—La Palma, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura—are home to Starlight Reserves, areas recognized for their exceptional efforts in preserving natural darkness for the best stargazing experiences.

Tenerife is home to the renowned Teide Observatory, which has an incredible solar lab and telescopes that you can explore on a guided tour. On the other side of Tedie National Park, Guajara Mountain also has excellent conditions for stargazing, thanks to the high altitude and low light pollution, and fewer travelers. Or, book this guided tour where you can savor authentic Canarian cuisine and cava and witness a breathtaking sunset above a sea of clouds. Then, end off by uncovering the mystery behind the stars with computerized telescopes and laser-guided stargazing.

Nestled in South Island, halfway between Queenstown and Christchurch, is Lake Tekapo, famous for its celestial views and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. When night falls, head outside—you're already within the borders of the Aoraki MacKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the biggest dark sky reserve in the world. Try the planetarium's guided tours for deeper insights into the stars above.

Beyond stargazing, you can hike trails along Mt. Cook Village and take a dip in the Tekapo Springs to relax.

Sedona is known for its vortexes like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, which are believed to be natural energy centers that heighten one's cosmic connection. For another spiritual experience, join a guided stargazing tour to see the stunning night sky and delve into captivating constellation stories and local Indigenous astrology. For the best stargazing experience, plan your visit during clear, moonless nights in Sedona's dark sky areas.

While waiting for nightfall, you can sip on wine amidst stunning red rock landscapes, meditate at vortex sites, and join wildlife tours to spot the region's local fauna.

Chile’s vibrant capital is nestled in the breathtaking Andes Mountains so you don't have to go too far to see some incredible star-filled skies. Book this stargazing tour, which will take you high in the Andes to a private observatory, where you'll listen to an astronomer-led presentation that reveals the wonders of the universe. Under the Andean night sky, explore the cosmos with your naked eye, then binoculars, and finally, powerful telescopes.

If you're looking for a full-day experience, join this tour, which kicks off with sunrise views in the majestic Cajón del Maipo valley, then head to the seven natural hot springs of Termas Valle de Colina, before ending the night stargazing in the Andes.

No matter which tour you book, you'll enjoy the clearest skies from March to May or September to November.

By day, the Blue Mountains is a road-tripper's paradise (it's also only an hour outside of Sydney if you want to make a day trip out of it). Explore dramatic canyons, the lush greenery of Mayfield Garden, the cascading waterfalls of Wentworth Falls, or hike to the Three Sisters. And for those who appreciate the wonders below the Earth's surface, be sure not to miss the breathtaking Jenolan Caves.

As the sun sets, the starry skies take center stage. Seek out a super dark spot for stargazing, like Lincoln’s Rock, and you'll be rewarded with unobstructed views of the cosmos.

As the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin’s depth and unique geographical features create a captivating setting for stargazing. Death Valley National Park's dark, expansive salt flats extend your field of view, allowing you to witness the stars from a unique vantage point.

The absence of vegetation, open terrain, and minimal light pollution also make the park's Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes great for observing constellations, too. Visit during the spring or fall months when the desert climate is more moderate, offering clearer skies and pleasant temperatures for your nighttime explorations.

Start the day by escaping the heat with a hike to Darwin Falls, an unexpected desert oasis, before ending the day with wine tasting and capturing stunning night photos against the dramatic desert scenery on this tour.

With minimal light pollution and a stunning natural backdrop, Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park offers several stargazing spots. The beach at Porto Covo is tucked away from the village lights, making it an ideal location for stargazing. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. The best time for stargazing is between June and September when there is limited rainfall.

Join this tour which starts in Lagos and trek across some of Portugal’s tallest coastal cliffs, learn about the coast’s history and plants, and finally, have a homemade picnic on the clifftop, under the stars.