Whether you’re looking for a night-time excursion or a weekend-long stargazing trip, these stargazing spots around Los Angeles are sure to offer some views that are truly out of this world (hah!).
Stargazing spots around Los Angeles
Griffith Park Observatory
Los Angeles
Distance from L.A.: 22 minutes
What better way to start our list than with our very own Griffith Park Observatory right here in the heart of Los Angeles?
You may not get the darkest skies here, but it’s certainly the darkest spot you’ll find this close to Downtown. The park and the grounds are open until 10 p.m. on most days, giving you plenty of chances to catch the starry skies above the star-studded City of Angels.
And, if you have a chance, attend one of the planetarium’s lectures and presentations to find out more about the stars, planets, nebulae and meteors you may see from that very observatory.
Topanga State Park
Topanga, CA
Distance from L.A.: 30 minutes
This sprawling park is a great getaway from the city, both day and night! Hike to one of the many vistas in the Santa Monica for a sweeping view of the ocean, the city and, to the north, the California coast stretching past mountains and hills.
If you’re coming here for night sky views, look toward the north and west for the darkest skies, as the east and south have a significant amount of light pollution that obstruct the starry views.
Malibu Creek State Park
Calabasas, CA
Distance from L.A.: 40 minutes
The surrounding mountains and foliage that create this peaceful park do a great job of blocking out light pollution, making this scenic park a great spot to find dark skies just minutes from the city. You’ll have to book a campground to experience the night time scenery here, otherwise you’ll have to be out by dusk.
Mount Wilson Observatory
Los Angeles
Distance from L.A.: 50 minutes
High in the San Gabriel Mountains and far away from any light pollution and traffic is the Mount Wilson Observatory, sitting atop Mount Wilson itself and offering astounding views of our own planet and beyond.
The observatory itself closes to visitors after 5 p.m., but the surrounding Angeles National Forest is ripe with prime camping and stargazing spots that you can access year ‘round!
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Topanga, CA
Distance from L.A.: 50 minutes
With gorgeous rock formations and geologic wonders towering over the dusty Earth, this park is a popular spot for astrophotographers and stargazers alike who manage to snag a campsite at this well-known night sky site.
Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve
Lancaster, CA
Distance from L.A.: 1 hour, 24 minutes
Gorgeous during the day and equally stunning at night, the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve is a must-see for stargazers and wildflower enthusiasts alike. The surrounding mountains block the light pollution from nearby Lancaster, giving the park a distinctly remote feel just minutes from town.
Saddleback Butte State Park
Lancaster, CA
Distance from L.A.: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Deserts are great places to stargaze, and this park is no exception. You can’t wander through the park after dusk, but if you book a campsite and spend a couple nights there, you’re sure to see some astounding night skies!
Big Bear Solar Observatory
Big Bear City, CA
Distance from L.A.: 2 hours
Big Bear Lake is a great place to go stargazing, thanks to the open waters and dark, forested surroundings. While you’re there, check out the Big Bear Solar Observatory for some up-close views of the night sky, including some awesome views of the sun through their specialized solar telescope!
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree, CA
Distance from L.A.: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Joshua Tree National Park is an internationally-recognized Dark Sky Park — an apt recognition of the unrivaled dark skies and natural scenery in this desert park.
It’s no quick drive, that’s for sure, but if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience then visiting this park is a must-do adventure of a lifetime. Stay a few days, at least, so you can see the skies in all their glory.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Borrego Springs, CA
Distance from L.A.: 2 hours 45 minutes
Another desert stargazing site? Don’t mind if we do!
The Anza Borrego Desert State Park is a popular spot for mountain bikers, hikers, campers and more who seek out wild, remote landscapes.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, CA
Distance from L.A.: 4 hours, 45 minutes
This honorable mention is another one of California’s Dark Sky Parks, making it one of the best stargazing locations not just in the state, but in the nation and the world!
Be extra prepared for weather here, though, as temperatures can drop dozens of degrees at night in both winter and summer.
This list ought to come in handy if you’re looking for a sweet stargazing spot somewhere around the city and into the further reaches of Southern California. Some are just minutes from our Southern California apartments and some are a little further away — but all of them are sure to offer some truly memorable stargazing opportunities.
Happy stargazing!
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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/StockSnap
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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