The Best Spots for Stargazing in San Diego

By Austin Schoonmaker | December 30, 2019

You never really truly get to grasp the sheer beauty of the night sky while living in a city full of bright lights. However, if you know the right spots, there are some incredible areas for you to see the stars in all of their glory.

Jacumba

The little border town of Jacumba doesn’t have much in the way of formal stargazing facilities, but it’s small and dark, with a hill between the town and Interstate 8 two miles north. Find a wide spot along Old Highway 80 and settle in with a blanket and enjoy the wonderful sights of the night sky.

Balboa Park

Yes, the middle of the city might not seem like the best place to view the nighttime sky, but the views here are surprisingly decent. With plenty of parking and an ease of accessibility, there are public stargazing events held the first Wednesday of every month. The San Diego Astronomy Association sets up 5-10 telescopes free for the public to use, giving you an ever closer look at the sheer magnitude of the night time sky.

Borrego Springs

Essentially the very best place to get some quality stargazing done in San Diego County, you don’t even really need a telescope. With little to no light pollution, you’ll be blown away at how different the sky looks without the busy city life around it. In fact, Borrego Springs is California’s only International Dark Sky Community, so you know they take their stargazing seriously.

Torrey Pines

Another beach-centric location, head over to the Reserve to get the best views. Be mindful that the parking lot gates close at sunset, but there is open parking along the ocean side of the road. This really is an idyllic beach spot for stargazing, and is best when going on a clear night with no moon.

Mount Laguna

No lights and the crisp night air make this a fantastic for stargazing opportunities. At 4,000 feet elevation, you get the stunning type of views you’d expect for a location like this.

Palomar Mountain

A well-known spot for stargazing enthusiasts, it is often frequented by amateur astronomers who make their way the famous Palomar Observatory. You can also take a tour of the 200-inch Hale telescope during the day if you want to make a trip out of it.