If there’s one thing we humans are good at, it’s storytelling. Long before there were local magazines, open mic nights, or Netflix original series, people were finding meaning in the natural world and sharing stories with fellow believers. Even something as distant and esoteric as stars have become legendary tales of hunters looking for game, dippers seemingly large enough to ladle entire planets, nymphs disguised as bears and Greek gods as bulls. There’s an entire light show dancing above our heads, and we’re not even watching. So this month, take some time to look up at these six local spots to stargaze and reconnect with nature.
But before you go, don’t forget a few important stargazing tips:
- Winter and spring are ideal for clearer skies and certain constellation appearances, although the Milky Way is most visible in May and June
- Be sure to bundle up (we’re talking to you, 365-flip-flop-wearers).
- Plan around a new moon, when the moon isn’t visible in the sky, otherwise its light may wash out the light of the stars.
Palomar Mountain
Despite being part of San Diego County, Palomar Mountain feels more Pacific Northwest than Pacific Beach. Towering black oaks and Douglas firs form a dense forest that blocks out any lingering city lights, creating an ideal canvas for the stars. At its summit sits Caltech-operated Palomar Observatory, a mecca of astronomical research. While the Observatory closes mid-afternoon, you can still get your star fix by exploring its exhibits before setting up at a nearby campground and waiting for the real lightshow to begin. Don’t miss out on the Palomar Observatory’s Star Parties, held just a few times a year, for the ultimate stargazing experience.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Listed on Dark Sky International’s certified list of “Dark Sky Places in the World,” Anza Borrego is almost a guaranteed stargazing success—as long as you’re willing to make the two-hour drive from the city. Once you get to the desert, though, there are countless spots to park or camp before hunting down shooting stars. For ultimate seclusion and the best views, camp at the park’s free primitive campgrounds or explore the hundreds of open backpacking trails.
Mount Laguna
About an hour east of downtown, Mount Laguna is a go-to spot for hiking and stargazing. Pitch your tent at the Laguna Campground, nestled within the Cleveland National Forest, and head out to the nearby lookout over the Anza Borrego Desert. The mountain is also home to the SDSU Observatory, which is typically reserved only for students, but is open to the public on select summer Saturdays for astronomy lectures and stargazing using the observatory’s telescope.
Tierra del Sol
Far from the city lights you’ll find Tierra del Sol, a rural little community in East County where there’s not much more to see than the sky. Here, the San Diego Astronomy Association hosts monthly Star Parties on its 10-acre lot. No need to BYOT (bring your own telescope) to this party—attendees can borrow the club’s 22-inch telescope to find their favorite constellations.
Cowles Mountain at Mission Trails Regional Park
While getting out to a secluded desert is a given for good stargazing, you don’t need to drain a full tank of gas, either. Mission Trails Regional Park offers over 8,000 acres of trails for hiking, biking, climbing, camping, and, of course, stargazing. The top of the Cowles Mountain Trail is a particularly good spot to scan the cosmos, as it offers 365-degree views that make you feel like you’re in a planetarium.
Balboa Park – Fleet Science Center
There’s something undeniably tempting about stargazing without pulling an all-nighter, getting lost in the desert, or even going outside for that matter. For a cozy, educational experience right in the city, head to the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. On the first Wednesday of every month, it offers “The Sky Tonight” planetarium shows where you can tour the Milky Way without freezing your space buns off. Stick around afterward to gaze at the real stars through telescopes set up by members of the San Diego Astronomy Association.
