Looking up at the stars… is a pastime that’s as romantic as possible! Sitting in a cozy spot with your loved one while you unwind and look up at the stars at night is a beautiful opportunity to spend some time with your beloved wherever you may be However, there are a few locations (and the seasons) that are more romantic than others.

For the best couple stargazing experience, ensuring you’re in the ideal spot at the appropriate moment is essential! If you’re far enough away from the lights of the city, you’ll enjoy a good view of the night sky. However, to truly experience the full effect, you’ll need to get to areas where the sky is free of the “light pollution” of modern times. Different seasons with different night sky views based on your location, and we’ll make sure to direct you in the right direction also!

BIG ISLAND, HAWAII

A trip to the Big Island, Hawaii, is a romantic getaway by itself, but when you throw an excursion to the stars to the mix of stunning beaches, relaxed luaus, and breathtaking sunsets? It indeed can only be described as Romance without capital! One of the top romantic destinations for beach vacations within the U.S., Big Island is also home to the Mauna Kea Observatories, the leading astronomical observatories in the world, which offer the most optimal view conditions anywhere on Earth because of the local climate and geography, which translate to excellent viewing conditions throughout the year.

What do these mean for the couple looking for a more detailed understanding of the universe? EVERYTHING! The average is 325 clear nights per year; the chance to catch getting a clear view of the stars is fantastic. You don’t even have to go to 13,796 feet above sea level to experience stargazing, as stargazing is much better at high altitudes like the Visitor Information Summit (VIS), located at 9,200 feet above sea level. If you’d prefer to remain a bit further away from sea level, you’re welcome to, as there’s plenty of space to do so. Kohala Coast of the Big Island is a stunning topology and location for stargazing. There are guided tours with Star Gaze Hawaii.

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS

The IDSP-certified area in the U.S. with the lowest lighting pollution among any National park in the lower 48, Big Bend National Park is the ideal place to go if you’re searching for the most value for your nighttime stargazing! The park is not only the first Texas national park to land on the checklist of 25 top road trips across the USA; however, its mild winter weather is among the most favorable times of the year to experience crystal-clear atmospheric conditions in the area. So, add this to your bucket list of summertime places to escape the winter chill!

Take several days in the park’s remoteness to get the most out of your romantic evening stargazing trip. Enjoy a soak in the historical hot spring after spending the day exploring the park’s incredible trail systems. Camp in one of the numerous campsites and stay in Chisos Mountains Lodge (the only lodge within the park), or choose any of the towns within a reasonable driving distance from the garden. However, once the skies turn dark, walk outside and gaze upward to admire the stunning night sky over the horizon. For more advice and suggestions on the top spots for stargazing within the park or to settle down and gaze up at the stars in Big Bend National Park, go through the following Space Tourism Guide.

NATURAL BRIDGES NATIONAL MONUMENT, UTAH

This beautiful natural wonder is worth visiting at any time of the day; however, it offers an ideal spot to look up into the night sky at night. The first International Dark Sky Park certified by the IDSA, Natural Bridges is a place to enjoy stargazing that is genuinely out of the world. Stargazing is a great activity throughout the year. However, the best views can be seen in the summer months when you can be able to find activities and programs to take part in as you gaze at the 15,000+ stars that can be seen in this dark-sky park.

Take your camping gear with you because an evening spent under this night sky is the best you can get in Romance! There are plenty of spots to pick from, and Natural Bridges campsites have a barbecue, picnic table, and a tent pad. They are open all year round. Go through this camping guide for Couples Essential Gear Guide and Tips for Two to ensure you’ve got everything you need to make your camping trip as unique as the stars you’ll be looking at!

HEADLANDS INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PARK, MICHIGAN

Did you know that Michigan has one of the most breathtaking celestial skies that can be located in the United States? It’s true! Along with Headlands as an official International Dark Sky Park, the location also offers a chance to catch the ever-elusive aurora borealis, known as the Northern Lights. This incredible nighttime sky phenomenon is usually only expected to occur with only a couple of days’ notice, and you’ll have to keep track of the tracking device for Aurora or gamble to see if you’re lucky enough to see it when you visit.

All hours of the day, throughout the year, and with no fee for entry, Headlands is a worthy visit at any time. Be aware that winter can be chilly here, and the fact that it is located near the shoreline means that it’s even colder than from the coast. However, the month of August through April is the best time to enjoy a night-sky viewing experience at Headlands. There’s no camping on site however, there are many options for accommodation and rental properties in the charming small towns around, so book your rooms in advance to ensure that when you’re done gazing at the dazzling stars, it’s time to end your date with a romantic stargazing experience and go straight to your cozy hotel to warm up and snuggle in a comfortable bed!

CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, NEW MEXICO

Another one certified as an International Dark Sky Park, Chaco Culture is an element of New Mexico True Dark Skies Trail, and the safe night skies are the real “star” of the show! Over Chaco Culture’s historic Pueblo ruins are the world’s dark skies, drawing amateur and professional observers for their scholarly study and appreciation, as well as more informal astrotourism. Astronomers from archeo-astronomy are attracted to this region to research how the Indigenous people who constructed these magnificent villages between 850-1250 A.D. incorporated celestial movements into their planning process by designing their buildings following the directions of the moon, sun, and stars.