Think there's too much light pollution to see the stars in the Bay Area? Think again.
The stargazing is tops at these 17 lookout spots and observatories from Silicon Valley to Wine Country.
Stargazing in Marin + Wine Country
A view of the stars from Mount Tam
(Courtesy of @cookdog77)
Muir Woods Beach Overlook
There may be no better place to gaze up at the heavens than from the sands of Muir Beach. Those who wish to, say, smolder s'mores while stargazing can do so at the designated fire pits. Looking to gawk at the stars from a higher standpoint? Make a beeline to the rocky, cliffside Muir Woods Overlook. Cell phone service is notoriously spotty throughout the park, so screenshot things like trail maps and parking prior to heading out. // Muir Beach Overlook, (Muir Beach), nps.gov.com
Pro Tips:
- Dogs are allowed on leashes, but be mindful that Muir Beach is a popular seal pupping ground.
- Whale watching at Muir Beach is among the best anywhere in the state.
Hawk Hill
One of the most serene slices of the Bay, Hawk Hill is popular among yogis and meditation junkies. Nearly 1,000 feet above the Pacific, it is also among the highest points in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and is accessible via a trying bike ride or calf-straining hike. For the bird watchers among us, Hawk Hill, as the name would suggest, is the highest lookout point for the largest known flight of diurnal raptors anywhere along the Pacific-clasped states. Bust out the binoculars here—day or night. // 948 Fort Barry, (Sausalito), parkconservancy.org
Pro Tips:
- Bring a yoga mat to mentally unwind and stretch out before straining your neck to look up at the sky.
- Raptors are most active during the early hours of the morning; bird watchers will want to perch here early.
Mt. Tamalpais
Ahh, Mt. Tam—how we love your rich hiking trails and windswept vistas. But rarely do we stick around to partake in the stargazing opportunities afforded by the summit and surrounding highlands. San Francisco Amateur Astronomers hosts monthly stargazing events for members at Mt. Tam.. // 801 Panoramic Highway (Mill Highway), parks.ca.gov
Pro Tips:
- Drones cannot be flown overhead here—leave it at home.
- Tables, drinking fountains, and restrooms can be found by East Peak off Verna Dunshee Trail.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Few natural spaces can compare to the awe-inspiring beauty and sublime stillness supplied by Point Reyes' oceanside viewpoints. Limantour beach is one of the better, less popular beaches within the confines of Point Reyes National Seashore, perfect for laying out a blanket and taking in Cassiopeia. // Bear Valley Rd. and Shoreline Hwy (Point Reyes Station), nps.gov
Pro Tips:
- Check out AccuWeather in advance to see if the night's appropriate for stargazing.
- Pick up fire and camping permits at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
- Bring your coat—temps along the shore are often several degrees cooler than what you see on weather apps.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Sonoma County is home to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, where you can set up a tent for a night under the stars or head out on a hike surrounded by redwoods and ferns. Here, you'll find the Robert Ferguson Observatory, the largest public observatory in the western U.S. It offers a wide variety of events, from star parties to BYO telescope gatherings. // 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd. (Kenwood), sugarloafpark.org
Pro Tips:
- Tickets are required for observatory events.
- On days when star parties are planned, you can visit the observatory during the day to take a peek at the sun through specialized filters.
Stargazing in the East Bay
Get a close up look at the stars at Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland.
(Courtesy of Chabot Space and Science Center)
Grizzly Peak
Sip a chocolate shake, munch on a burger, and ponder your special place in the big ol' thing we call the universe. An East Bay favorite, Grizzly Peaks is thought of as the Twin Peaks of the East Bay, offering up Instagram-worthy landscapes. Just fill up your tank and go—and maybe stop at your favorite drive-thru on the way. // Old Fish Ranch Rd. (Berkeley), yelp.com
Pro Tips:
- Parking can be tight here, so try to get there before 9pm.
- Bring a pair of binoculars, if you wish.
Sibley Volcanic National Reserve
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting, light-pollution-free area in the Bay Area than Sibley Volcanic National Reserve. Now, this one's a hike, so be sure to lace up your boots, fill your water bottles, and enjoy the acres upon acres of open space. Stop by the quarry pit labyrinth on your way back to the car. // 6701 Skyline Blvd. (Berkeley), ebparks.org
Pro Tips:
- The clearings are adequate for the use of both binoculars and telescopes.
- Bring your four-legged best friend on a leash.
Redwood Regional Park + Chabot Space and Science Center
Every Friday and Saturday evening, weather and light permitting, the Chabot Space and Science Center's observatory is open to the public, free of charge. Just park, follow the signs to the back of the center, and be amazed by the cosmos. If you're yearning for more, head back toward the entrance and grab a general admission pass to explore the entire center. // 10000 Skyline Blvd. (Oakland), chabotspace.org
Pro Tips:
- Nighttime viewing starts at 7:30pm and ends at 10:30pm.
- Access to the observatory is free, access to the entire center is not. Make sure to enter through the back gate for the observatory.
Mount Diablo State Park
Outdoor lovers flock to Mount Diablo's 3,849-foot peak for panoramic views of the Bay Area on cloud-free days. From March through October, the Mount Diablo Astronomical Society offers monthly star parties where visitors can peer into the heavens through telescopes and binoculars. // Lower Summit Parking Lot, Summit Rd. (Clayton), mdas.net
Pro Tips:
- Park gates close around sunset, so plan to enter the gates at least 45 minutes before the event’s start time.
- While the astronomy events are free, it costs $10 to enter the state park.
- It can get quite chilly on Mount Diablo when the sun goes down. Be sure to bundle up.
Stargazing in Silicon Valley
A view of the Milky Way from Mt. Hamilton
(Courtesy of @lickobservatory/@_eduard2)
Mt. Hamilton / Lick Observatory
One of the highest publicly accessible summits in all of the South Bay, Mt. Hamilton is popular amongst wannabe and well-seasoned astronomers alike. Perched 4,500-plus feet above sea level and about half an hour from San Jose, the darkness afforded by the area's non-existent light pollution makes it one of the best vantage points to stargaze south of Bernal Heights. While the UC owned-and-operated Lick Observatory is temporarily closed for repairs after winter storm damage, you can find star parties hosted on select summer Saturdays at nearby Joseph D. Grant County Park. // Mt. Hamilton Rd. (San Jose), alltrails.com
Pro Tips:
- Refilling stations are few and far between here, so fill your canteen to the brim at home.
- Mt. Hamilton is dog friendly, just be sure to keep Spot on a leash.
Skyline Ridge Open Space
Few know that such a secluded, dark space can be found just 15 minutes from Silicon Valley. But sitting on over 2,000 acres of pristine scenery, Skyline Ridge Open Space ebbs and flows with rolling hillsides, most of which are accessible via well maintained trailheads. Whether it's appreciating a star-studded sky from a trail bench or seeing the moonlight refract off of either Horseshoe Lake or Alpine Pond, there's little this place can't offer celestial enthusiasts. // Page Mill Rd. and Skyline Blvd. (San Jose), openspace.org
Pro Tips:
- Trails are easy to moderate in difficulty; no need to bust out the hiking poles.
- Packing a picnic? Alpine Pond has two tables on its shore.
- Parking along Page Mill Road is plentiful.
Fremont Peak State Park
For another camping and stargazing spot not too far from the Bay Area, head south to Fremont Peak State Park in the hills above San Juan Bautista. Just steps from the campground is the Fremont Peak Observatory, where you'll find daytime solar programs and evening stargazing on select Saturdays throughout the year. // 10700 San Juan Canyon Rd. (San Juan Bautista), parks.ca.gov
Pro Tips:
- Come early and take in the sunset over the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay.
- It will take you about 30 minutes to make the drive from Highway 156 near Mission San Juan Bautista.
Stargazing in San Francisco
It is possible to see stars in San Francisco, if you know where to go (and Karl's behaving himself).
(Courtesy of @weisbrookphotography)
Billy Goat Hill
Billy Goat Hill is Insta-famous for its elevated swing set and expansive views of San Francisco. Four hundred feet above sea level, this urban green spot also offers an excellent vantage point to a starry night—be it from the steps, a picnic table, or mid-swing. Parking can be tricky, especially along Ladley Street. Opt to hug the curb on Beacon Street instead // 2442 Castro St. (Glen Park), sfrecpark.org
Pro Tips:
- For an extra hit of cardio, Billy Goat Hill offers a great place to stair climb.
- The swing is only meant to hold one person at a time—so don't test your luck.
Corona Heights Park
Sandwiched between the Castro and Haight-Ashbury, Corona Heights Park is a somewhat enigmatic green space, even to locals. Swaths of checkerbloom, California poppies, and more wildflowers sit between towering evergreens, and when the sun retreats beneath the horizon, the park offers sweeping vistas of a lit-up SF and, weather permitting, a starry Bay Area sky. The base of the hill sits 300 feet above sea level, but hiking the dirt trail up to the peak will put you 520 feet above the tide. // Roosevelt Way and Museum Way, (Buena Vista), sfrecpark.org
Pro Tips:
- Wear your favorite hiking shoes, the rocky outcrops can be strenuous.
- Embrace your phone's flashlight—the trails are somewhat tricky to navigate at night.
Strawberry Hill, Golden Gate Park
Smack in the middle of Stow Lake, Strawberry Hill is an isolated island where greenery and scenery merge into jaw-dropping views. Space is tight at the overlook so don't bother lugging up your telescope: a good pair of binoculars will do the trick. // 50 Stow Lake Dr. (Golden Gate Park), goldengatepark.org
Pro Tips:
- Pack some snacks and bottles of water for the trek up.
- Check local forecasts to ensure they'll be minimal cloud coverage.
- Check for park closures before heading out.
Land's End and Point Lobos
In the northwestern corner of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area sits two geological gems, each perfect for stargazing: the higher elevations at Point Lobos and the ocean vistas at Land's End. BYO binoculars or telescope, and see how many constellations you can find. // 80 Point Lobos Ave. (Outer Richmond), nps.org
Pro Tips:
- Check local forecasts to assure clear skies for the evening.
- Bring flashlights for trail navigation; wear hiking shoes.
The Presidio
With soft mulch and ample parking spaces, the low-light areas of the Presidio offer high quality, easily accessible stargazing opportunities within the confines of the city. On cloudless nights, you can often find other stargazers gathering near the Presidio Tunnel Tops. // Veterans Blvd and Hwy-101 (Presidio), presidio.gov
Pro Tips:
- Avoid overcast or foggy nights, and be sure to dress in layers.
- No need for hiking shoes here.
