The stars at night are big and bright,
(By Texas law, we're required to include that in any editorial mentioning stars in Texas)
With a skyline that lights up the night, it's easy to forget there's a universe of brilliance being dimmed by the lights of Austin. Artificial city lights obscure natural darkness, resulting in less-than-majestic skies and an inability to wish upon a star. While modern-day electricity and light pollution make chasing the stars difficult in most towns, if you head for the Texas Hill Country, it won’t be long before the night sky comes alive. With the winter nights starting before you get off work, there are also plenty of meteor showers you can catch without having to stay out too late.
Contributed by Rebecca West
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Photo via UT College of Natural Sciences
If you're not a student or a Texas Ex, it's easy to forget that there are more than just sporty reasons to make your way to campus. Every Wednesday night while students still have courses, the astrology department hosts public viewings of our night sky inside the campus observatory. Find your way to the 17th floor to observe the stars through their telescope. Sure, you're not hanging out in a field, but you're also not hanging out in a field.
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photo credit: @benji.lux instagram
1927 Park Road 73, Junction, TX
Designated an IDA Dark Sky Park, South Llano River State Park is officially protecting their nightly views of our shared universe. Offering some of the darkest skies in Texas, especially this close to Austin, you can expect to see a spectacular spectacle of stars. Oh, and you can spend the day in clear waters if you're into that too.
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Photo Credit: Images From Texas.com
16710 Ranch Rd. 965 Fredericksburg, TX
This big hunk of granite and the surrounding areas are without a doubt some of the best places to stargaze in Central Texas. Pick any place around the park to sit and soak in the spirituality of the stars. Enchanted Rock’s rural dark skies are enough to view the Milky Way, designating Enchanted Rock as an International Dark Sky Park. Park employees have taken significant steps to minimize nighttime lighting in the park, but still need the help of locals and protection from encroaching city lights. After a day of play and adventure, respect park rules and enjoy a million points of light shining down in this beautiful and peaceful space.
Photo Credit: Lost Maples State
37221 FM 187, Vanderpool, TX
Explore the sights above Lost Maples, a remote Texas park with landscapes as alluring as its name. Marvel at the stars in a sky void of city lights during the state park's sky parties, or wander the secluded site at your own pace. On top of campsites and star programs, Lost Maples also offers different hiking trails based on physical condition and skill. Be sure to wear sneakers or boots, because these trails are rocky. Lost Maples is a magical, sacred space year round and an especially colorful wonderland in the fall months. Take a few friends and behold the breathtaking views: both vibrant leaves and glowing constellations!
Photo Credit: Canyon of the Eagles
16942 Ranch Rd 2341, Burnet, TX
Canyon of the Eagles Resort, where eagles nest annually, is an ideal setting for stargazing. Head down to the Eagle Eye Observatory, which is operated multiple times a week. Seriously sick stargazing in a luxury spa setting? Wish you may wish you might.
Photo Credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife
101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, TX
This stunning small state park is available to Texans and travelers for a mere $5 a day. Its location makes it ideal for spontaneous overnights or day trips. Blanco State Park is an hour outside of city lights - the velvet-black night sky is a feast of celestial lights and colors. Come for an afternoon swim, fishing trip, or weekend campout on the banks of the spring-fed Blanco River. Rent tubes or kayaks on-site and embrace the beauty of the Texas waterway and magical overhead views.
Photo Credit: Airbnb
Elgin, TX
Elgin, Texas: Home to Secret Stargazing Sites. Seriously, any spot in this town is suitable for star-watching and admiring. Just a thirty-minute road trip will get you under these dark skies and shooting stars. Locals are known to set up in scattered spots just past Hwy 95 (left at the Chevron), which also transition well into prime thunderstorm view sites. Post up in an empty parking lot with a picnic basket and loved one and dance the night away under a blanket of stars.
Photo Credit: Reddit
Lake Travis
Devil's Cove is the biggest party cove and meeting place for boaters in Austin, Texas. This cove is the spot to tie up with the hundreds of other boaters and enjoy a fun day in the sun. And while it's not your typical stage for star viewing, stay until sundown for an afterparty you’ll never forget. Watch the sky fill with stars belly up on the boat deck. There's nothing better than surrounding yourself with friends, sunshine, and stars. Bring your boat, or become friendly with a boat owner, for a day-to-night party that you'll wish would never end.
Photo Credit: McDonald Observatory
3640 Dark Sky Drive, Fort Davis, TX
McDonald Observatory is located in the Davis Mountains of West Texas under some of the darkest skies in the continental United States. Like some of the other listed parks, they host their own sky parties. Enjoy night sky constellation tours and views of celestial objects through a number of telescopes every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evening. McDonald’s “Dark Skies Initiative” sheds light on light pollution and simple solutions to it. Partner up and join the cause to promote light pollution awareness and keep skies LIT.
photo via yelp by chris m.
3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX
A little over an hour's drive west of Austin is another solid option when you want to try your hand at amateur astronomy. Offering camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking, Inks Lake is a wonderful day trip or weekend spot year-round. Check out the park’s "Starry Sky Night Hike," perfect for date nights and evening strolls with the fam. Sleep under the stars in one of the park’s nearly 200 campsites or 22 cabins. This park is a home away from home just far enough from Austin to provide true darkness to stargazers. Secure a night to remember and sip on sangria throughout the sunset - just don’t forget to look up!
234 RR 1050, Concan, TX
Austinites willing to log a few hours in the car and make the trek to Garner State Park will not be disappointed by the views and starry sights. Just three hours outside of Austin sits this state park, remote enough to provide a stellar view of the sky. Do your best thinking under the star power of Garner State, the most overnighted park in Texas. Wake up with the sun for a solar system double feature by staying overnight in onsite cabins. This isolated state park offers quiet dark night skies complemented by the rushing, untamed sounds of the Frio River. Garner State Park is full of adventure and beauty at every turn.
