14 community-listed spots
Stargazing spots in California
Find places to get outside under the night sky, with photos, community ratings, and practical details.
Locations in California
Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs is recognized as a dark-sky location for stargazing and night-sky viewing. Census-designated place in San Diego County, California, United States.
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Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is recognized as a dark-sky location for stargazing and night-sky viewing. National park in California and Nevada in the United States.
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is recognized as a dark-sky location for stargazing and night-sky viewing. State park in California.
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Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is recognized as a dark-sky location for stargazing and night-sky viewing. National park of the United States.
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Devils Postpile National Monument
Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. Its' columns tower up to 60 feet and display a striking symmetry. The National Park Service lists this location for astronomy activities.
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Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes. Jagged peaks tell the story of its eruptive past while hot water continues to shape the land. The National Park Service lists this location for astronomy activities.
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Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 800 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert wilderness experience await you! The National Park Service lists this location for astronomy activities.
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Mojave National Preserve
Mojave preserves a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a 10,000 year history of human connection with the desert. Offering extensive opportunities to experience desert landscapes, the preserve promotes understanding and appreciation for the increasingly threatened resources of the Mojave Desert. This remote preserve encourages a sense of discovery and a connection to wild places. The National Park Service lists this location for astronomy activities.
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Pinnacles National Park
Around 23 million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions shaped the landscape that is now Pinnacles National Park. The remnants of these ancient eruptions have formed a striking terrain of rocky spires and deep canyons. Visitors can explore diverse environments, from chaparral and oak woodlands to the cool, shaded depths of canyon floors. The National Park Service lists this location for astronomy activities.
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Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, and beauty here. Explore these pages to plan your visit or to learn about the plants and animals here and the threats they face. Ancient giant sequoias may seem invincible, but they, too are vulnerable. The National Park Service lists this location for astronomy activities.
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Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more. Explore waterfalls, hike rugged trails, uncover Gold Rush history, and witness the resilience of nature in its post-fire recovery. Adventure awaits at every turn—Whiskeytown is calling! The National Park Service lists this location for astronomy activities.
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Yosemite National Park
Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more. The National Park Service lists this location for astronomy activities.
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Under Canvas Yosemite
Under Canvas Yosemite is certified by DarkSky International as a DarkSky Approved Lodging in U.S.A., with protected or recognized conditions for night-sky viewing.
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Julian, California
Julian, California is certified by DarkSky International as a International Dark Sky Community in U.S.A., with protected or recognized conditions for night-sky viewing.
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