Star Tripping

<p>We’re looking to the night sky for our summer road trip plans in 2021. Here’s where and how to hit the road for a stargazing-themed trip, including destinations near your city.</p>


Star Tripping: Best Places to Travel for Stargazing

Houston

Courtesy of the Museum of Natural Science

Lifestyle

Despite being dubbed “Space City,” Houston is actually a pretty disappointing place to try and view the stars.

The Best Stargazing Sights near Space City

Boston

Photo by Timothy Little, courtesy of AutoCamp Cape Cod

The night sky is an infinite sea of celestial enchantment and has a way of blanketing us with a sense of calm and quiet wonder.

Here’s Where to Stare Into the Night Sky and Go Stargazing in and Around Boston

Los Angeles

Flickr/Bureau of Land Management

There’s a hacky bit to be done here about the best stargazing in LA, but I can’t quite find it.

Escape the Bright Lights for the Best Stargazing in and Around Los Angeles

Dallas

Courtesy of University of North Texas Rafes Urban Astronomy Center

In a big city like ours, often the only lights we see in the night sky beam down from towering office buildings, Southwest Airlines flights zooming overhead, and neon signs luring us into cocktail dens for a stiff barrel-aged Negroni.

Get Cozy Under the Stars and Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in North Texas

Austin

Courtesy of UT Austin

As the famous song goes, “The stars at night are big and bright / Deep in the heart of Texas.”

Peer Into the Abyss with These Stellar Stargazing Spots in and Around Austin

New York

Photo courtesy of SUMMIT

When looking up at the night sky in the Big Apple, you’re more likely to see planes and skyscrapers than the Milky Way.

Here’s Where to Escape Light Pollution and Go Stargazing in and Around NYC

Denver

Visions of America/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

Maybe it was the heightened itch to get outside because of the pandemic, or perhaps people around the world simply have a renewed sense of awe for the galaxies above.

Colorado’s Dark Sky Areas Make for Stunning Stargazing

Phoenix

Geoffrey Hunt/Getty Images

John Denver, for his hit song “Rocky Mountain High,” sang “I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky / The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby” after watching the Perseid meteor shower.

The Best Spots to Stargaze Into Arizona’s Night Sky

San Francisco

Sundry Photography/iStock/Getty Images

When you think of San Francisco, you probably don’t think of stargazing.

The Best Time to Stargaze in San Francisco Is Now, Here's Where to Do It

Washington DC

Photo courtesy of Sky Meadows State Park

While the bright lights of big cities can be beguiling in their own way, those neons ultimately pale in comparison to the natural bulbs in our skies—the stars.

The Best Stargazing Sights near Space City

Grab your telescope and head to these out-of-this world stargazing spots in and around Houston.

Here’s Where to Stare Into the Night Sky and Go Stargazing in and Around Boston

Dark Sky-certified locales, observatories, and lots more.

Escape the Bright Lights for the Best Stargazing in and Around Los Angeles

The Southern California light dome stretches from Orange County to Santa Barbara, but there are still great places to see the stars within easy driving range of LA.

Get Cozy Under the Stars and Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in North Texas

Alternate headline: where to wish upon a shooting star.

Peer Into the Abyss with These Stellar Stargazing Spots in and Around Austin

From the darkest nooks in Austin to light pollution-free parks outside of the city, here’s where to gaze into the galaxy.

Here’s Where to Escape Light Pollution and Go Stargazing in and Around NYC

Balmy summer nights are ideal for admiring the Milky Way: You just need to know where to go.

Colorado’s Dark Sky Areas Make for Stunning Stargazing

Get out of the city and look up at the stars.

The Best Spots to Stargaze Into Arizona’s Night Sky

Peer into the Perseid Meteor Shower and more galactic views.

The Best Time to Stargaze in San Francisco Is Now, Here's Where to Do It

Don’t miss out on the Bay Area’s stellar stargazing.

An Out-of-This-World Guide to Stargazing in and Near Washington DC

Look up and reclaim your love of the night sky.

Everything You Need to Know to Take Up Stargazing

It's a perfect time to get out there and admire everything up there.

'Star Walking' Will Take Your Next Hike to a New Level

Gain a whole new perspective hiking at night.