Texas is known for its “big and bright” stars, especially deep in the heart of Texas—but for Austin, not so much. “Austin’s a bit challenging for really decent stargazing because it’s a city with its city lights—which is what we called ‘light pollution’,” says program coordinator of University of Texas at Austin’s astronomy department Lara Eakins. "It doesn’t matter which direction you go, but when you go outside of town, you already greatly increase your ability to see the stars.”

However, don’t be discouraged, as we have rounded-up the best spots to stargaze this summer in Central Texas that won’t come with Austin’s light pollution. So, for your next family outing or date night activity, pack a picnic, or go camping at these 10 stargazing spots to catch the biggest and brightest stars this summer.

Spend the day taking a dip in Pedernales’ famous river or hiking around the Tobacco and Wolf mountains while waiting for the sun to set. When nighttime finally comes, wind down and get ready to view a blanket full of stars above the scenic views of Pedernales Park. Park tends to get crowded often, check ahead for availability and parking.

2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City

The City of Elgin

Elgin is known for tucked-away stargazing sites as the city's skies are especially dark and undisturbed by any light pollution. In Elgin, locals are even known to set up their own little stargazing sites past Hwy 95. For only a 30-minute drive outside of Austin, it’ll be worth it to view a pure night sky for the prime stargazing experience.

Elgin

With more than 1,600 acres of natural beauty that will leave you in awe, Enchanted Rock is known for its rural night sky as it’s officially classified as an International Dark Sky Park. This means you won’t have to worry about any city lights intruding on your stargazing experience. Also, on its website, they even have a meter to monitor the real time sky darkness, which updates itself every 15 minutes throughout the night. All that’s left for you to do is find a comfortable spot in the park for an enchanting night of stargazing. Don't miss out on the park's stargazing events! Park tends to get crowded often, check ahead for availability and parking.

16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg

Specially recommended by Eakins, Reimers Ranch Park in Dripping Springs is another park devoted to preserving beautiful dark skies, as Dripping Springs is also an official International Dark Sky area. Aside from laying on your back in the great outdoors to point at the stars, Reimers Ranch also has an astronomical observatory if you want to take a closer look at what Texas’ night sky with their two telescopes. Plus, the observatory also offers programs where you can learn more about the universe and astronomical objects you'll see up close.

23610 Hamilton Road, Dripping Springs

Don't wanna leave the city? Not to worry as the University of Texas’ astronomy department offers free star parties every Wednesday throughout the summer until August 8. To avoid the light pollution of the city, the star parties take place high in the sky on the top roof of Robert Lee Moore Hall so when you look through the telescope, all you’ll see is the universe’s natural beauty.

2515 Speedway

One of the most colorful and eye-catching parks in the state, Lost Maples is full of beautiful wildflowers and canyon walls along with the scenic Sabinal River—the perfect place to stargaze. Either attend one of the park’s star parties or go solo while stargazing, Lost Maples State also offers a meter to monitor the real time sky darkness like Enchanted Rock, so you can know the darkest time at night to view Texas’ bright stars.

37221 F.M. 187, Vanderpool

Located in Burnet, Inks Lake State Park offers a stunning lake with sparkling blue water, rocky hills and trails for hiking and, of course, stargazing. With almost 200 campsites and 22 cabins, you’ll be sure to find a spot to gaze at the clear and bright starry night sky.

3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet

Known for being a perfect spot to fish, swim, paddle or boat, Blanco State Park is underrated for its beautiful stars. Only an hour outside of Austin, Blanco State Park’s pristine black skies will guarantee that you’ll be star struck by its bright shooting stars and colors.

101 Park Road 23, Blanco

Looking to incorporate your love of the cosmos into a weekend getaway? The Canyon of the Eagles Resort offers the comfort and relaxation of a scenic nature park with 940 acres of breathtaking land and its one-of-a-kind Eagle Eye Observatory. In the observatory, you’ll have access to two telescopes to view bright planets, nebulas, and even distant galaxies.

16942 Ranch Road 2341, Burnet

A more non-traditional way to watch the stars aside from laying in the grass in a park is Astronomy on Tap ATX right here in the capital city. Held on the third Tuesday of every month at The North Door, Astronomy on Tap ATX includes science presentations about different aspects of the universe, games, prizes, and, of course, a cold one to pair with your relaxing stargazing experience.

501 Brushy St.