Look up, a shooting star streaks across and you make a wish. This doesn’t just happen in movies but in real life too. Stargazing is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing activities to experience nature. Unfortunately, light pollution makes it challenging in the city, but it’s still possible. Let’s discover the best places for stargazing in Los Angeles and its surroundings!
1. Griffith Observatory
It is the most convenient and obvious choice, but the Griffith Observatory stands out as the best place to stargaze in Los Angeles. Open until 10 pm daily (except Mondays), it’s a main attraction and a must-add to your L.A. bucket list. While not officially dark sky certified, the park’s central location and occasional amateur astronomy groups make it a fun and practical choice for gazing at the stars.
đź“Ť Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
2. Mount Wilson Observatory
Looking for the best stargazing spot near Los Angeles? Mount Wilson Observatory is another great option. On select nights each month, they host ticketed stargazing events where you can peer through their massive 60 and 100-inch telescopes—the largest of their kind open to the public. Can’t snag tickets? Head up the Angeles Crest Highway toward Mount Wilson for some seriously dark skies, perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking and sunset-watching.
đź“Ť Location: Mount Wilson Observatory, Los Angeles, CA
3. Malibu Creek State Park
Your stargazing adventure near Los Angeles couldn’t be complete without a quick rip to Malibu. This area very little light pollution and it provides great ocean views. While the park closes at 10 pm, camping overnight offers the chance to extend your stargazing experience or even catch the next Perseid Meteor Shower. In the darkness, you might even forget how close you are to civilization. Don’t forget to check out the nearby man-made lake for added exploration!
đź“Ť Location: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
4. Leo Carrillo State Beach
While it may not offer significant elevation, its picturesque setting makes it a delightful spot for stargazing. Leo Carrillo State Beach showcases tide pools and craggy cliffs providing a beautiful foreground, it’s easily accessible from the highway, perfect for a spontaneous stargazing session. Plus, its proximity to the legendary Neptune’s Net means you can pair your stargazing with some delicious fried seafood and craft beer. Leo Carrillo Beach isn’t just a prime stargazing location—it’s also an iconic beach featured in movies like Grease and a favorite destination for surfers and sunbathers.
đź“Ť Location: Leo Carrillo State Beach, Los Angeles, CA
5. Joshua Tree National Park
Nestled in the desert near Palm Springs. Approximately a 3-hour drive from DTLA, this park is renowned for its camping and summer recreational activities. Moreover, it’s one of the premier locations for stargazing, boasting an otherworldly terrain that feels straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. The park’s iconic Joshua trees, with their distinctive dagger-like leaves and whimsical, zig-zaggy branches, provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing near L.A., a day trip, or even a meteor shower.
đź“Ť Location: Joshua Tree National Park, California
6. Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, just 2.5 hours from Los Angeles and east of San Diego, offers a fun escape for camping, desert activities and to catch the California super bloom. And for stargazing? Picture this: a T-Rex, a Chinese Dragon, even a Scorpion as your backdrop! These iron artworks in Borrego Springs make for unique day views and add a quirky touch to your nighttime stargazing adventures. So, if you’re up for a short drive and some celestial fun near Los Angeles, Anza-Borrego is the place to be.
đź“Ť Location: Borrego Springs, CA 92004
7. Mount Pinos
Just a quick jaunt from Frazier Park, Mount Pinos and its high elevation and minimal light interference, are a haven for both casual stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. Feel free to park at the main lot or pull over anywhere in this remote area for an impromptu stargazing session. Need to crash for the night? Check out the nearby camping spots or cozy cabins that are a unique stay in Frazier Park.
đź“Ť Location: Mt. Pinos, California
8. Big Bear Lake
Nestled about 2 hours away in the mountains, Big Bear Lake attracts many Angelenos with its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. This self-sufficient city boasts a lovely population and a stunning lake for daytime fun like fishing and boating. At night, the nearby Solar Observatory offers an excellent opportunity for stargazing, while numerous campsites and secluded spots provide ideal locations away from light pollution for mapping the skies.
đź“Ť Location: Big Bear Lake, California
9. Two Harbors
Embark on a day trip to the island of romance, just a ferry ride away from the mainland. While Avalon offers numerous attractions, for optimal stargazing, venture to Two Harbors, a quaint village resembling more of a campground. Enjoy darker skies away from city lights and maximize your view by facing away from the mainland or marvel at twinkling lights from the LA basin overhead.
đź“Ť Location: Two Harbors, Santa Catalina Island, CA
10. Death Valley National Park
Only a 3.5-hour drive from Los Angeles, Death Valley is an incredible choice for stargazing (and also to see wildflowers!). Despite the summer heat, it’s an ideal destination for daytime exploration and nighttime sky-watching. With its distinct landscape, it offers a picturesque setting for stargazing near Los Angeles.
đź“Ť Location: Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Death Valley National Park, CA