Where to see shooting stars and meteor showers in California
As temperatures cool and skies clear in August, stargazing in California offers a front-row seat to meteor showers, constellations and even glimpses of the Milky Way. Whether you’re looking for a quiet roadside viewpoint or planning a camping trip far from city lights, the Golden State is home to some of the best night-sky destinations in the country.
From desert preserves to coastal cliffs, here are a few top picks — both quick stops and longer overnight stays — to see the stars shine.
Griffith Park Observatory
- Location: Los Angeles
- Best time to visit: Weeknights after 9 p.m. to avoid crowds
- Tip: Check for free public star parties hosted monthly by the Los Angeles Astronomical Society
For iconic views, close to the city (just 9 miles from the center of Los Angeles), it’s hard to beat Griffith Park. Located just above Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory offers public telescope viewings and evening programs throughout the year.
Although the city’s light pollution is significant, the observatory’s elevation and museum-quality telescopes make it a favorite for tourists and casual observers. The surrounding park also offers plenty of scenic turnouts and short trails for those who prefer a quieter viewing spot off the beaten path.
Joshua Tree National Park
- Location: 45 miles east of Palm Springs
- Best time to visit: Early to mid-August for peak Perseid meteor showers
- Tip: Bring extra water, especially if you’re staying overnight, as many of the Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds do not have water services
To view some of the brightest stars against the darkest sky, few places rival Joshua Tree National Park for California stargazing. DarkSky International recognizes this park as an International Dark Sky Park — and for good reason. The park offers some of the clearest, least light-polluted skies in Southern California.
Popular viewing areas for stargazing include Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, Ryan and Cottonwood campgrounds. With minimal elevation and dry desert air, August offers prime viewing of the Perseid meteor shower.
Big Sur’s Coastline
- Location: Along the coast between Carmel and San Simeon in Monterey County
- Best time to visit: Mid-August through early fall
- Tip: Plan ahead for campsite reservations, which frequently book up months in advance
Is there anything better than a cool ocean breeze paired with shooting stars? If your idea of stargazing in California includes rugged cliffs and crashing waves, Big Sur offers a dramatic backdrop. With fog reported to roll in quickly, you may want to stay a couple nights for when you get a chance to see skies clear.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park both offer campsites with coastal views. Though light pollution is always a concern when close to inland cities, the sense of solitude under the stars with the sound of the ocean makes California stargazing in Big Sur even more spectacular.
Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Location: Northern California
- Best time to visit: Late August to September for the free Lassen Dark Sky Festival
- Tip: Elevation can be high for those not used to it (3,500 feet at the base of Mount Shasta), so bring layers to keep warm and arrive early to adjust to the altitude.
Northern California isn’t as popular for stargazing as its Southern counterparts, but the skies are even darker in the north, with many areas designated as dark sky areas. The National Park Service even hosts Dark Sky festivals, where astronomers guide visitors through the identification of constellations, planets and nebulae.
Nearby Mount Shasta offers clear skies and fewer crowds, but with equally beautiful spots for California stargazing, like Bunny Flat. These night sky spots provide quiet and remote stargazing opportunities for seasoned hikers or campers.
Lake Tahoe
- Location: El Dorado (South Lake Tahoe) and Placer County (North Lake Tahoe)
- Best time to visit: Late July through early August
- Tip: Avoid weekends, when foot traffic is frequent and campfires can cause light pollution.
Consider extending your stay in Lake Tahoe to an overnight to experience some of the best of California stargazing. The lake’s elevation (6,225 feet above sea level) creates beautiful conditions for summer star shows. Emerald Bay State Park (South Lake Tahoe) is a popular spot that offers both lake views and dark skies. And, while not in Lake Tahoe, a 140-mile drive south will take you to Mammoth Lakes, which is more remote and perfect for viewing constellations.
Before you go: Tips for successful stargazing
Whether you’re road-tripping, camping or just looking out the moon roof of your car, taking a trip to stargaze in California is a beautiful reminder of how big and beautiful the universe really is.
Stay safe and remember these key tips for a successful trip.
Check the moon phases: A new moon or crescent moon will ensure darker skies with no light pollution. Download stargazing apps: A quick search on the App Store yields a variety of apps, such as Night Sky or Star Walk, that can help you brush up on astronomy.
Bring layers and equipment: Make sure to have a variety of clothes and layers, as it can get cold at night and at higher altitudes where stargazing is usually best. Headlamps should have a red light mode to help eyes adjust to the dark sky. Reserve campsites in advance: Many California parks now require permits and campground bookings well ahead of a weekend trip. Make sure to prepare and plan accordingly.