Living in or near a big city has its perks, but one big drawback is the light pollution, which obscures the glorious night sky. The International Dark Sky Association has designated spots around the world as “Dark Sky Parks,” meaning they offer an exceptional view of the stars.


The site explains:

An IDA International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) is a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. The land may be publicly owned, or privately owned provided that the landowner(s) consent to the right of permanent, ongoing public access to specific areas included in the IDA designation.


They have a listview of each place, and you can also browse their map here. Most of the spots are in the United States, but anyone can submit a park for review if they fall under certain guidelines. A few on their list are obvious, like the Grand Canyon, but here are some others:

For the full list and more information on “Dark Sky Parks” in general, head to the link below.

International Dark Sky Parks | International Dark Sky Association