Want to see the Milky Way?
You don’t need to travel all the way to New Zealand’s dark sky reserves.
There are 88 certified Dark Sky Parks in the United States, and the best ones are closer than you think.
And noctourism is a travel trend that’s been slowly picking up steam over the years, and it looks like it’s finally gone mainstream!
What is Noctourism?
Noctourism is night travel. It’s stargazing, night safaris, nocturnal wildlife encounters, bioluminescent bays, and any after-dark cultural experiences.
Its rising popularity is leading destinations and properties to roll out a range of new experiences, from stargazing decks to astronomer-led evening programs.
What a “Dark Sky” Certification Means
Before you book a nocturnal trip, you’ll want to look out for a DarkSky certification. It certifies places around the world for the quality of their night skies and commitment to reducing light pollution.
If you’re paying for an after-dark experience, the darker the skies, the better!
When a destination or property earns the title, it undergoes a rigorous process. The organization in charge measures the sky darkness, audits responsible lighting policies, and reviews conservation commitments.
Then, it will receive a rating on the Bortle Scale. Ranging from one (the darkest skies on Earth) to nine (the washed-out glow of a downtown skyline).
What you want to look for is destinations sitting at Bortle 1 to 3. Those are the ones with dark enough skies where the Milky Way is clear, and not hidden behind the blinding lights of big city living.
Top Five Noctourism U.S. Destinations
Building your dark sky bucket list? Start here.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend is home to one of the darkest skies in the United States. Base yourself in Terlingua or at Chisos Mountains Lodge. While you’re in the area, you can visit the McDonald Observatory, which runs Star Parties. Expert guides will help you use telescopes and get a closer look at the night sky.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
For something more accessible, try Bryce Canyon National Park. Once the sunsets, the park’s famous hoodoo rock formations are lit up by the moonlight. The landscape looks otherworldly, creating one of the most photogenic dark skies in the United States.
It’s a must-visit for astrophotographers!
Death Valley National Park, California
When you think of California, Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Malibu usually spring to mind.
Stargazing? Beyond celebrities doesn’t seem possible.
Well, it is if you drive out to Death Valley National Park. It holds a Gold Tier dark certification, the highest level awarded by DarkSky International, and hosts an annual Dark Sky Festival.
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best stargazing spots east of the Mississippi. It holds Bortle Class 2-3 skies, runs regular astronomy events, and has affordable camping or cabin stays.
It’s a great choice if you live on the East Coast and don’t want to travel all the way to the desert in the Southwest to see the Milky Way.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico
Want to explore a hidden gem?
Make your way to Chaco Culture National Historical Park. It has been running night-sky programs since the early 1990s and houses ancient Puebloan architecture aligned with the solar and lunar cycles.
Access after dark is limited outside of organized events, so make sure you check the schedules before planning a trip!
Planning Your First Dark Skies Trip
To get the most out of a noctourism trip, there are a few things you need to plan for in advance.
- Timing: Late summer through fall tends to deliver the clearest, least humid skies.
- Moon phase: Plan around the new moon. Even a bright moon can wash out the fainter details of the Milky Way.
- Gear: A red-light headlamp (white light kills your night vision), real warm layers, and a star map app like Stellarium to help you identify what you’re looking at.
- Patience: Give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to fully adjust before you decide the sky “isn’t that dark.” It almost always is. You just haven’t adjusted yet.
If you’re planning a trip centered on one of these destinations, or want help finding a property that takes its dark-sky location seriously, I can help you build the whole experience around it.