In 2026, the night sky’s calling, and it’s time to ditch the city lights for places where the Milky Way feels close enough to touch. These are the spots where light pollution is a distant memory, and the cosmos steal the spotlight. From deserts to mountaintops, here’s my rundown of the top 10 stargazing destinations for 2026. Grab a blanket,mill blanket, and let’s dive into the stars.
1. Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert is basically the VIP section of stargazing. This high-altitude, bone-dry expanse in Chile has some of the clearest skies on Earth, with over 300 cloudless nights a year. Places like the ALMA Observatory (yep, the one from all those sci-fi documentaries) are nearby, but you don’t need a telescope to see the Milky Way in HD. Stay at a spot like Tierra Atacama, where guided stargazing tours cost about $50 per person, or book a group tour with companies like Chile Nativo for around $150. Just bring layers—it gets chilly at night.
2. Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA
Mauna Kea’s summit on the Big Island is a stargazer’s dream, sitting at 13,800 feet with air so thin you’ll feel like you’re halfway to the stars. The Onizuka Visitor Center offers free nightly stargazing programs, and if you want to go all out, companies like Mauna Kea Stargazing Tours run guided trips for about $200, complete with hot cocoa and parka rentals. The view? A sky so packed with stars it’s like someone spilled glitter across the universe. Book early—permits for the summit are limited.
3. NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Namibia’s NamibRand is one of Africa’s only International Dark Sky Reserves, and it’s pure magic. The desert’s red dunes fade into a night sky bursting with constellations, and you might even catch the Southern Cross. Stay at a lodge like Wolwedans, where stargazing walks are included (rooms start at $300/night). No light pollution, no crowds—just you, the stars, and maybe a curious oryx. Guided tours with local experts run around $40. Pack a scarf; the desert nights are crisp.
4. Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is home to the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, where Lake Tekapo’s turquoise waters reflect a sky that’s practically a planetarium. The Mount John Observatory offers public tours for $100, or you can join a group stargazing session with Dark Sky Project for about $60. The Southern Hemisphere’s stars—like the Magellanic Clouds—are a whole different show from what you’d see up north. Pro tip: Visit in winter (June-August) for the crispest skies.
5. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Don’t sleep on Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania—it’s one of the darkest spots on the U.S. East Coast. The park’s Astronomy Field is a mecca for amateur astronomers, with free public stargazing nights and an annual Star Party that draws hundreds (registration’s about $20). You’ll see the Milky Way like it’s painted across the sky, plus planets and nebulae if you’ve got binoculars. Camping’s cheap at $15/night, but book early—sites fill up fast.
6. Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum’s Martian-like desert has been a Bedouin hangout for centuries, and its night skies are straight-up otherworldly. You’ll camp in Bedouin-style tents (think $80/night at places like Sun City Camp), with guided stargazing included. The Milky Way looks like a glowing river, and you might spot shooting stars during Perseid season (August). Local guides share stories of constellations tied to ancient trade routes, making it feel like a journey through time. Bring a sleeping bag for chilly nights.
7. Great Basin National Park, Nevada, USA
Nevada’s Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem for stargazers, with skies so dark you can spot galaxies with the naked eye. The park’s free ranger-led astronomy programs are a hit, or you can hike to the Bristlecone Pines for a 4,000-year-old tree backdrop to your star show. Camping’s $12/night, and the annual Astronomy Festival (free entry) in September 2026 will have telescopes galore. The vibe’s laid-back, and the stars? Mind-blowingly vivid.
8. Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, UK
Wales’ Brecon Beacons is a Dark Sky Park where rolling hills meet a sky full of wonders. The Milky Way’s a regular guest, and you can join guided stargazing walks with Dark Sky Wales for about $30. Stay at a cozy B&B like The Bear (from $100/night), and don’t miss the chance to spot constellations like Orion in winter. The park’s quiet trails and clear skies make it a perfect escape from city buzz. Bring a thermos of tea—it’s the Welsh way.
9. La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
La Palma’s nicknamed “La Isla Bonita” for a reason, and its skies are a big part of the charm. This Canary Island has strict light pollution rules, making it a stargazing hotspot. The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory offers public tours for about $20, or you can join Astro La Palma’s guided sessions for $50. The Milky Way’s practically a neon sign here, and you might catch a meteor shower. Stay in eco-lodges like La Palma Rural (from $70/night) for a cozy vibe.
10. Uluru, Australia
Uluru, the massive red rock in Australia’s Outback, is a spiritual and stargazing jackpot. The desert sky is a canvas of Aboriginal star stories, with the Southern Cross stealing the show. Ayers Rock Resort offers stargazing tours for $60, or splurge on a Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars for $200. No light pollution, just pure cosmic awe. Visit in Australia’s winter (June-August) for the best views, and book early—tours sell out. Bring a jacket; the desert gets cool at night.
Why Stargaze in 2026?
There’s something about staring at a sky full of stars that makes life’s noise fade away. In 2026, these destinations are primed to deliver jaw-dropping views, whether you’re a casual sky-watcher or a telescope-toting pro. With light pollution creeping up globally, these spots are like time machines to a clearer, wilder night sky. Pack some warm layers, maybe a star chart app (use airplane mode!), and let the universe remind you how small—and how connected—we all are.