10 best stargazing vacation spots in the U.S.
Remarkable nocturnal adventures await throughout the States.
Looking for a vacation that’s out of this world? Stargazing vacations offer a peaceful, awe-inspiring way to connect with nature. Whether you’re tracking constellations or heading out on a moonlit hike, booking a stay in a stargazing vacation property gives you front-row access to the night sky—no telescope required (but it helps).
Below, we’ll highlight the best vacation rentals for stargazing, tips for planning a nocturnal adventure, and real homes you can book now.
Whether you’re chasing constellations or simply want a quiet night under the stars, these destinations offer the best conditions—and vacation rentals—for incredible night sky experiences.
Featured home: Hi View House
Known for its dramatic desert landscape and namesake national park, Joshua Tree is a stargazer’s dream. With nearly zero light pollution and dry, clear skies year-round, it’s one of the best places in the U.S. to see the Milky Way. Many homes in the area feature rooftop decks, hammocks, and firepits for cozy night sky viewing.
Featured home: Beehive Lodge
As its name suggests, Big Sky offers sweeping views—and even bigger night skies. Located far from city lights, this mountain town is ideal for spotting constellations, satellites, and the occasional meteor shower. Stay in a cabin with a private hot tub and enjoy front-row seats to the stars.
Featured home: Desert Star
Designated as an official Dark Sky Community, Sedona blends otherworldly red rock formations with crystal-clear night skies. Stargazing here is often paired with spiritual energy tours and astronomy walks led by local guides. Rentals often feature rooftop patios and outdoor lounges with panoramic desert views.
Featured home: Whiskey Mountain Lookout
Located on the edge of Oregon’s high desert, Bend combines outdoor adventure with wide-open night skies. Just outside town, you’ll find designated dark sky viewing areas and easy access to local night hikes. Many vacation homes here feature firepits, back decks, and telescopes to enhance your evening.
Featured home: Moose Meadow Chalet
Tucked between Chugach peaks and glacier-fed rivers, Girdwood offers some of the darkest, quietest skies in North America. Winter months bring long nights, ideal for stargazing—and if you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights. Look for cozy chalets or ski lodges with hot tubs and open sky views.
Featured home: Croatan Ridge
The OBX offers uninterrupted views of the Atlantic and minimal light pollution, especially along Cape Hatteras. It's an ideal mix of beach vacation by day and night sky viewing vacation by night. Many homes feature private walkways to the sand—perfect for stargazing with the sound of crashing waves.
Featured home: Container Pueblo A
A favorite among artists and nature lovers, Taos offers striking high desert skies and a laid-back vibe. Many rentals come with adobe charm and stargazing-friendly courtyards surrounded by open land and silence.
Featured home: Coyote Run 12
Moab rounds out the list with otherworldly rock formations and two national parks nearby. Canyonlands is an International Dark Sky Park, making this one of the best destinations for serious stargazers. Local rentals often include firepits and expansive patios with sweeping desert views.
Featured home: Anthurium Cottage
The Big Island is home to some of the clearest skies in the Pacific. While Mauna Kea gets the headlines, Volcano offers rainforest seclusion and volcanic energy under a blanket of stars. Opt for a rental with a private lanai to enjoy the night sounds and skies.
Featured home: Lake's Edge Landing
Lake Chelan combines small-town charm, forested hillsides, and wide lake views for an underrated stargazing escape. Clear skies and quiet evenings make this a perfect place to unwind on the deck, telescope in hand.
Your trip doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Try these nocturnal adventures:
Stargazing: Set up a telescope or just lie back and watch the stars. Look for meteor showers like the Perseids (August) or Geminids (December).
Night hikes: Explore nearby trails by moonlight. Many night hike-friendly vacation homes are located near national or state parks with safe, guided routes.
Astronomical tours: In places like Sedona or Bryce Canyon, you can book expert-led astronomical tours. These experiences often include telescopes, star maps, and local lore.
The best stargazing happens during a new moon, when skies are darkest. Summer and winter meteor showers—like the Perseids and Geminids—are must-see events.
Locations like Sedona, Bryce Canyon, and Big Bend often offer astronomical tours led by local experts. Look for rentals near these dark sky destinations for easy access.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring a flashlight with a red lens (to preserve night vision), and layer up. Guided night hikes are a great way to safely explore after sunset.
