If you’re willing to trade a little sleep for an unforgettable view, June’s early morning sky has a spectacular reward waiting. Before the sun rises over Los Angeles, Saturn and Mars are both visible to the naked eye, offering one of the month’s best celestial shows. And the best part is that no telescope is required!
Whether you’re an avid stargazer or simply looking for a peaceful way to start your day, here’s everything you need to know about spotting the planets from L.A.
When to see Saturn and Mars
The best time to catch both planets is about one hour before sunrise. It’s best to take a peek when the sky is still dark enough for the planets to stand out but bright enough to easily orient yourself.
For Los Angeles, that means heading outside between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. throughout June.
Face east toward a clear horizon. Saturn will appear higher in the sky with a steady golden-white glow, while Mars sits lower and shines with its signature reddish hue. As the month progresses, both planets climb a little higher before dawn, making them even easier to spot.
Best places to see the planets around Los Angeles
Light pollution can make stargazing more challenging in the city, but these scenic locations offer some of the best views of the eastern horizon.
Griffith Observatory
An L.A. classic for a reason, Griffith Observatory combines elevated views with easy public access. While the observatory itself doesn’t open before sunrise, the surrounding grounds and overlooks provide excellent vantage points for spotting the morning planets.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
This hilltop park offers expansive views across the city with relatively dark skies compared to surrounding neighborhoods. Find an overlook with an unobstructed view to the east and arrive a few minutes early to let your eyes adjust.
Topanga State Park
For those on the Westside, Topanga State Park offers darker skies than much of the city. The higher elevation and distance from downtown lights make it a favorite for local stargazers.
Malibu Creek State Park
If you’re up for an early drive, Malibu Creek State Park offers wide-open skies and minimal light pollution, making it one of the better locations near Los Angeles for predawn sky-watching.
Angeles National Forest
Looking for the darkest skies close to the city? Head into Angeles National Forest. Higher elevations and significantly reduced light pollution create ideal conditions for viewing planets, stars, and even the Milky Way on especially clear mornings.
Tips for the best viewing experience
- Arrive about 10–15 minutes before you plan to observe so your eyes can adjust to the darkness.
- Look toward the eastern horizon where the planets rise before dawn.
- Binoculars can enhance the view, but both Saturn and Mars are easily visible without any special equipment.
- Choose a morning with clear skies for the sharpest views.
Don’t miss this peaceful morning spectacle
While Los Angeles is known for its sunsets, June’s predawn skies offer a reminder that some of the city’s most magical moments happen before most people are awake. Grab a sky-gazing buddy, and watch as Saturn and Mars brighten the morning sky before the sun takes over.
It’s one of the simplest ways to experience the cosmos without ever leaving Southern California.
