Credit: Ryan Jacobson via Unsplash.
Look up at the sky, a shooting star will fly by and you will make a wish. This doesn’t only happen in movies, it happens in real life too. Stargazing is one of the most fun and relaxing activities you can do to experience nature. Unfortunately, it’s difficult in cities because of light pollution, but it’s still possible. Discover the best places for stargazing in and around Los Angeles.
1. Griffith Observatory
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While it’s the most convenient and obvious choice, Griffith Observatory stands out as the best place to stargaze in Los Angeles. Open every day until 10pm (except Mondays), it’s a major Los Angeles tourist attraction and a must-add to your L.A. bucket list. Though it’s not officially Dark Sky certified, its central location in the park and occasional visits by amateur astronomy groups make it a fun and practical option for stargazing.
📍 Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
2. Mount Wilson Observatory
Looking for the best stargazing spots 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 gigantic 60-inch and 100-inch telescopes, the largest of their kind open to the public. If you can’t get a ticket, head down Angeles Crest Highway towards Mount Wilson to view the pitch black skies. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking and sunset watching.
📍 Location: Mount Wilson Observatory, Los Angeles, California
3. Malibu Creek State Park
No stargazing adventure near Los Angeles would be complete without a trip to Malibu. The area has very little light pollution and offers stunning ocean views. The park closes at 10pm, but you can extend your stargazing experience by camping overnight. In the darkness, you may forget how close you are to civilization. If you want to explore further, be sure to check out the nearby man-made lake.
📍 Location: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
Credit: Linda Pomerantz Zhang via Unsplash.
Though not at a high elevation, this picturesque location is a great place for stargazing. Leo Carillo State Beach’s tide pools and rocky cliffs create a beautiful foreground, and it’s easily accessible from the highway, making it the perfect spot for a spontaneous stargazing outing. Plus, its proximity to the legendary Neptune’s Net means you can combine stargazing with delicious fried seafood and craft beer. In addition to being a top stargazing spot, Leo Carillo Beach is also an iconic beach featured in scenes from movies like “Grease,” and is a popular spot for surfers and sunbathers.
📍 Location: Leo Carrillo State Beach, Los Angeles, California
Photo by Cedric Letsch on Unsplash
Nestled in the desert near Palm Springs, this park is about a three-hour drive from Downtown Los Angeles and is known for its camping and summer recreational activities. What’s more, the park is one of the best places for stargazing, boasting otherworldly terrain that seems straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. The park’s iconic Joshua trees, with their distinctive dagger-like leaves and quirky zigzag branches, provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing near Los Angeles and make an ideal location for a day trip.
📍 Location: Joshua Tree National Park, California
Credit: Pam Blake, 2019
Located just two and a half hours from Los Angeles and east of San Diego, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers a fun getaway for camping, desert activities, and enjoying California’s superbloom. Fancy some stargazing? Imagine that, with a T-Rex, Chinese dragons, and even scorpions in the background! These iron works of art in Borrego Springs create a unique view during the day and add a whimsical touch to your nighttime stargazing adventure. If you’re looking for a short drive and some great stargazing near Los Angeles, Anza-Borrego is the perfect place.
📍 Location: Borrego Springs, CA 92004
7. Mount Pinos
Just a short trip from Fraser Park, Mount Pinos’s high elevation and minimal light interference make it the perfect destination for casual stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike. Park in the main car park or anywhere in this remote area for instant stargazing. Need to stay the night? Check out the nearby campgrounds and cozy cabins for a unique stay in Fraser Park.
📍 Location: Mount Pinos, California
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Located in the mountains about two hours away, Big Bear Lake attracts many Angelenos with its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. This self-sufficient city boasts charming residents and a beautiful lake where daytime pursuits like fishing and boating can be enjoyed. At night, a nearby solar observatory offers stargazing, and numerous campgrounds and secluded spots offer ideal locations for stargazing away from light pollution.
📍 Location: Big Bear Lake, California
Catalina Island. Photo by Elias Shankaji on Unsplash.
Take a day trip to the Island of Romance, just a short ferry ride from the mainland. Avalon has plenty to offer, but the quaint campground-like village of Two Harbors is a great place for stargazing. Enjoy dark skies away from the city lights, make the most of the views away from the mainland, and watch the twinkling lights of the Los Angeles Basin overhead.
📍 Location: Two Harbors, Santa Catalina Island, California
Death Valley National Park. Photo by Rene Holst on Unsplash
Just a three-and-a-half hour drive from Los Angeles, Death Valley is a great place for stargazing (and wildflower viewing, too). Despite the summer heat, it’s an ideal place for daytime exploration and nighttime stargazing. With its unique landscape, Death Valley offers a picturesque setting for stargazing near Los Angeles.
📍 Location: Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Death Valley National Park, California