Stargazing in summer doesn’t get much better than July and August, when the Milky Way arcs across the horizon after dark and, if you get your timing right, dozens of “shooting stars” can be seen as the Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight on Sunday, August 11 through Monday, August 12, 2024.
It happens once a year as Earth busts through the dust and rocks left in the inner solar system by Comet Swift-Tuttle. As they strike the atmosphere, they vaporize, causing a streak of light in the night sky for a fraction of a second.
Everyone should be able to see the Perseids. However, unchecked light pollution means that you will have to travel at least 25 miles/40 kilometers from an urban area to see any but the very brightest meteors.
You can use a Light Pollution Map for that, but an easy way to make sure you’ll be in a dark place where artificial lighting is reduced and controlled—even outright banned—is to visit a Dark Sky Place.
The best way to experience a meteor shower is to go camping, staying up all night to catch the show—which will this year be best in the smaller hours of August 12 through dawn. However, be sure to reserve your camping and lodging now and certainly do not plan to travel at the last minute—you’ll be one of thousands, and likely be turned away.
Here are some of the best places for dark skies across the U.S.
Where To See The Perseids: Northeast U.S.
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
This 82-acre park has a dedicated stargazing field that’s open year-round (as well as Astro Cabins with private stargazing fields). Check to see if it’s hosting a special event for the Perseids—it often does. Night sky website
Acadia National Park, Maine
At this 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area you can go Stargazing at Cadillac Summit, where you can walk along the Cadillac Summit Loop and put cameras on tripods on paved parking areas. Night sky website
Where To See The Perseids: Southeast U.S.
Staunton River State Park, Virginia
Near Scottsburg about 25 miles from the North Carolina border, Staunton River is a 2,400-acre park with woodlands, meadows and shoreline. It hosts the Staunton River Star Party every fall on the park’s Observation Field, which will also host a Perseids watch event. Website
Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida
The country’s first national preserve consists of 729,000 acres of untouched Florida wilderness, with plenty of camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and bird watching. It’s been a Dark Sky Park since 2016. Website
Where To See The Perseids: Midwest U.S.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan
On the shores of Lake Michigan, this mecca for those searching for the aurora is also a fine place for the Perseids. A 550-acre Dark Sky Park, it has two miles of undeveloped beach that’s open all night. Night sky website
Geauga Observatory Park, Ohio
This 1,100-acre Dark Sky Park is one of only two in Ohio. Visitors will notice downward-facing red lighting at night to maximize the view of the night sky. Night sky website
Where To See The Perseids: South U.S.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Texas
Just north of Fredericksburg is a pink granite dome 325 ft. above the surroundings called the Enchanted Rock. The unique granite dome provides an elevated viewing platform for the Perseid meteor shower. Night sky website
Big Bend National Park, Texas
This park’s very remote location means minimal light pollution, ideal for the Perseid meteor shower. The park often hosts star parties, moonlight walks and night sky interpretive programs. Website
Where To See The Perseids: Southwest U.S.
Dead Horse State Park, Utah
A remote, elevated location above a gooseneck in the Colorado River means dramatic views by day, but also by night. Stay in Kayenta Campground and, by day, visit Canyon lands National Park and Arches National Park nearby. Night sky website
Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
The world’s first-ever International Dark Sky Park, Natural Bridges is super-dark and home to the spectacular Kachina, Owachomo and Sipapu natural bridges. Night sky website
Where To See The Perseids: West U.S.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
This park’s desert landscape is a mecca for those in search of dark skies, particularly for the Perseid meteor shower, so book a campground well ahead and expect crowds. Night sky website
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California
See “shooting stars” from park benches overlooking a huge open prairie, home to grazing Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer, while staying in the ancient coast redwood forest. Website
Where To See The Perseids: Northwest U.S.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Try for reflections of “shooting stars” in one of the world’s deepest, clearest and bluest lakes. Anywhere along the 33-mile Rim Drive is perfect, with places to stay including Crater Lake Lodge and camping away from the rim at Mazama Village. Website
Craters of the Moon, Idaho
This Dark Sky Park is a stark and barren region of cinder fields—hence the name—on the Snake River Plain in central Idaho. Extremely dark and with plenty of camping opportunities, it’s going to be hard to beat for the Perseids. Night sky website
Pick up my books Stargazing in 2024, A Stargazing Program For Beginners and When Is The Next Eclipse?
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
