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Ditch Netflix Tonight – These New York Stargazing Spots are Better

Yep, even with all the bright city lights, there are still some places where the night sky puts on a show so good, you’ll forget your Netflix password.

From peaceful parks to quiet beaches, the state of New York has hidden spots where you can see the night sky in all its glory.

Get ready to grab your blanket, pack some snacks, and discover the top spots for stargazing magic—trust me, they’re out of this world!

stargazing ny map

(We’ve also included some tips at the end to make your stargazing experience even better.)

*Note: Always check in advance if you require permits for doing any stargazing overnight at any of the places on this list.

1. Allegany State Park

Allegany State Park is a massive, 65,000-acre area located in western New York near the Pennsylvania border.

It’s famous for its dark skies, which make it one of the best spots in the state for stargazing.

The park has two main areas, Red House and Quaker, offering everything from cozy cabins to huge hiking trails and even a sandy beach by the lake.

2. Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is in western New York, about an hour from Rochester, and it’s absolutely jaw-dropping.

It’s famous for its massive gorge carved by the Genesee River, with three stunning waterfalls that look like something straight out of a postcard.

While it’s a daytime favorite for hiking and seeing waterfalls, the park also shines at night (literally!) with some seriously dark skies.

Fun fact: The park’s Humphrey Nature Center sometimes hosts stargazing events where you can learn about constellations.

3. Watkins Glen State Park

watkins glen state park

Watkins Glen State Park is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, right in the cozy town of Watkins Glen, and it’s most famous for its mind-blowing gorge trail with 19 waterfalls.

By day, you can hike through tunnels, over stone bridges, and right next to cascading falls—it’s basically like stepping into a real-life fantasy movie.

At night, though, the magic doesn’t stop, because the skies above the park are an underrated spot for stargazing.

Bonus tip: If you’re visiting in August, you might be lucky enough to catch the Perseid meteor shower streaking across the sky.

4. Adirondack Park

Adirondack Park is a whopping six million acres of wilderness in upstate New York, making it the largest protected area in the U.S. outside of Alaska.

It’s famous for its stunning High Peaks, plus hundreds of crystal-clear lakes and rivers perfect for kayaking or swimming.

At night, the park transforms into a stargazing dream, especially at spots like Tupper Lake’s Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory.

At the observatory you can use telescopes to get a closer look at planets and galaxies.

There are tons of remote camping spots, like those around Lake Lila or Cedar River Flow, where the night skies are so dark it feels like the stars are putting on a private show.

5. North/South Lake Campground – Catskill Forest Preserve

North/South Lake Campground is tucked away in the Catskill Forest Preserve in upstate New York, just outside the town of Haines Falls.

It’s the largest and most popular campground in the Catskills, known for its peaceful lakes, hiking trails, and jaw-dropping viewpoints like the famous Sunset Rock and the site of the old Catskill Mountain House.

There are over 200 campsites, and if you snag one near the edge of North Lake, you could get wide-open sky views perfect for spotting constellations.

Fun fact: The area inspired some of the iconic landscape paintings from the Hudson River School, so you’re basically stargazing in the middle of an artistic masterpiece!

6. Minnewaska State Park Preserve

minnewaska state park preserve

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is perched on the Shawangunk Ridge in New York’s Hudson Valley, just outside the town of New Paltz, and it’s a total dream for people that love the outdoors.

The park is famous for its sparkling sky lakes like Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting, as well as its rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and over 50 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails.

At night, the park’s remote location and high elevation make it a great spot for stargazing.

It’s also home to rare plant species and wildlife, so you might hear owls or see bats flying around while you’re soaking up the starry skies.

7. Harriman State Park

harriman state park

Harriman State Park is the second largest state park in New York, located just an hour north of New York City, making it an awesome escape from the city lights.

The park is packed with 200 miles of trails, 31 lakes and reservoirs, and some epic spots like Pine Meadow Lake.

You can also explore the nearby Bear Mountain in Bear Mountain State Park.

At night, the farther you head into the park, the darker the skies get, with great stargazing spots throughout.

The park is also known for its wildlife—think deer, owls, and maybe even a cheeky raccoon sneaking past your campsite while you’re counting constellations.

8. Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area is a unique stretch of parks and beaches spread across New York City and northern New Jersey, with spots like Jamaica Bay, Staten Island’s Great Kills Park, and Sandy Hook.

It’s known for being a surprising slice of nature right near the city, offering sandy beaches, salt marshes, and birdwatching that’ll make you forget you’re so close to skyscrapers.

At night, some areas like Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn are awesome for stargazing, especially since they’re far enough from city lights to give you a decently clear sky.

Floyd Bennett Field even has a designated “dark sky” area and hosts astronomy events where you can use telescopes to check out stars, planets, and maybe even the rings of Saturn.

Fun fact: This recreation area is home to historic sites like Fort Tilden, so you can combine stargazing with exploring old military forts and sandy dunes.

9. Jones Beach State Park

jones beach state park

Jones Beach State Park is on Long Island’s south shore, just 33 miles from New York City, and it’s famous for its stunning 6.5 miles of white sandy beaches.

By day, it’s the go-to spot for swimming, surfing, and grabbing snacks at the retro boardwalk, but at night, it’s also an awesome place to stargaze.

For stargazing at night, a valid New York State Stargazing Permit is required at the designated areas of West End 2 and Field 6.

Fun fact: The park was designed in the 1920s by Robert Moses and is still one of the most popular beaches in the entire state, with over six million visitors every year!

10. Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is in Centerport, Long Island, and combines history, science, and some seriously cool stargazing all in one spot.

The museum is set on a gorgeous estate once owned by the Vanderbilt family, complete with a mansion and marine exhibits.

The real star of the show (pun intended) is the planetarium, where you can catch immersive star shows and learn all about the cosmos under a high-tech, domed projection screen.

They also host regular nighttime stargazing events with telescopes, giving you a chance to spot constellations, planets, and even the occasional comet.

Fun fact: The planetarium’s 16-inch Meade telescope is so powerful it can show you craters on the moon!

11. Montauk Point State Park

Montauk Point State Park is all the way at the tip of Long Island, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Block Island Sound, and it’s famous for its iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse.

The park has rocky beaches, amazing ocean views, and plenty of trails where you can spot seals sunbathing in the winter or catch some salty sea air year-round.

At night, the skies above Montauk are surprisingly dark for Long Island, making it a fantastic stargazing spot.

Just remember that you may need a permit at night.

Fun fact: The Montauk Point Lighthouse, built in 1796, is the oldest lighthouse in New York State.

Top Tips for Stargazing

  1. Weather: Clear skies are crucial for good stargazing. Use reliable weather services to ensure you have cloud-free conditions.

  1. Moon Phases: Plan your stargazing when the moon is not full, preferably during a new moon, to minimize moonlight and see more stars.

  1. Adjust Your Eyes:
    • It takes about 20-30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the dark, enhancing your ability to see fainter stars.

  1. Bring Gear:
    • For example, a red flashlight to preserve night vision, warm clothing, a blanket or reclining chair where appropriate, a telescope.

  1. Check Permits:
    • Some places require permits for overnight access for stargazing. Always check beforehand as restrictions can change throughout the year.

  1. Use Apps:
    • Apps like Stellarium or Star Walk can help you identify constellations and celestial bodies, but keep your phone’s brightness low to protect your night vision.

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