'Astrotourism' in the South: 6 Amazing Spots for Stargazing

Is there anything more beautiful than a clear, sparkling starry night? Under the right conditions, observing shooting meteors, glowing planets, and other celestial bodies is a breathtaking experience. No wonder astrotourism is on the rise! For those unfamiliar, astrotourism allows travelers to embrace opportunities to experience astronomy in fun, educational ways.

Many travelers go great distances to enjoy awe-inspiring views of the heavens — from Norway and Iceland to Canada. And in the U.S., our Western states seem to have staked a claim on stargazing. But here in the South, we know the value of our serene and stunning skyscapes. Join us on a tour of just a few of the best stargazing venues across the region.

Primland Resort | Blue Ridge Mountains, VA

Stargazing at an upscale luxury resort? Yes, please! Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection, offers the perfect spot to take in beautiful views of the heavens — its own fully equipped observatory. As darkness cloaks the land below, you can marvel at the stars, planets, nebulae, and other celestial bodies without the dulling effects of ambient light, thanks to Primland’s altitude and the unusual clarity of the night sky.

With the property’s Celestron CGE Pro 1400, CPC 800 telescopes, and an on-site astronomer guiding the session, you can enjoy extraordinary glimpses of our solar system year-round.

The fun doesn’t stop there at this mountain retreat. The idyllic 12,000-acre property features 62 guest accommodations, including standalone cottages, cabins, and treehouses; championship golf; an exceptional culinary program with three distinct restaurants; a full-service spa and fitness center; and an impressive roster of outdoor adventures and activities for all guests to enjoy.

Observatory ceiling opened, looking up at night sky — Take exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains to a new level at Primland’s fully equipped observatory, where the Celestron CGE Pro 1400 and CPC 800 telescopes, along with an on-site astronomer, offer an extraordinary glimpse of the night sky. Image: Auberge Resorts Collection

Planetarium lit up at night — Primland’s altitude and the unusual clarity of the night sky mean that you can study celestial objects without the dulling effects of ambient light. Image: Auberge Resorts Collection

astrotourism — Is there anything more majestic and awe-inspiring than this view of the stars? Image: Auberge Resorts Collection

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) | Rosman, NC

The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, better known as PARI, is a must-see for stargazers! A former NASA center, PARI is nestled deep in Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina, the perfect place for this non-profit research and education center. Tours are available during the day, but you do not want to miss the main event — a night of exploring the stars.

“As the Earth makes its journey around the Sun, our views of the sky change,” says Laura Galloway, who does community outreach, public relations, and hospitality for PARI. “Each season brings its own set of wonders to discover. From planets and moons to galaxies and nebulae, something unique and breathtaking is always ready to rise above the horizon.”

meteor flying across night sky — Check out this fantastic view of the constellation Pleiades as a meteor shoots by. Image: PARI

Through giant telescopes, PARI astronomers guide the experience and point out the best of what each season has on display. Three options are available for experiencing the wonders of the night sky at PARI:

The Cabin Package allows two people to attend the two-hour, astronomer-guided event and includes an overnight stay in one of PARI’s well-appointed private cabin rooms. The rooms have everything you need — even a complimentary bottle of wine! Before you take in views of the breathtaking dark sky, you’ll enjoy a PARI-provided dinner, followed by a fascinating program with PARI scientists. After a guided viewing of all the night has to offer, you are welcome to stay up as late as you wish for more observing. Finish your weekend with a PARI-provided breakfast the following day.
The Camping Package allows one person to attend the two-hour, astronomer-guided event, an overnight stay in a tent or camper, dinner, a program led by PARI scientists, and breakfast.
The Evening Only Ticket allows one person to attend the two-hour, astronomer-guided event.

On non-event dates, you may also rent a cabin room, bring your own telescope, and enjoy the Southern sky alone or with friends. Check out the PARI events calendar for information on special events, public viewings, private tours, and private viewings.

young boy looking through telescope at night sky — Parents, you’re in luck! PARI offers excellent camp opportunities, including a residential summer camp for kids in sixth through 12th grades on topics such as astronomy, robotics, cryptography, 3D modeling and printing, and more. Image: PARI

PARI Milky Way from the South Ridge — WOW! Words fail us at the beauty of the Milky Way! Image: PARI

U.S. Space & Rocket Center | Huntsville, AL

No list of stargazing opportunities would be complete without a mention of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. While you won’t be able to stargaze in the open, the planetarium is world-class, backed by a team that puts together live and interactive programming. And as a Smithsonian Affiliate, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center houses the most complete collection of national treasures from space exploration on the planet!

The facility is perhaps most famous for Space Camp, which includes the Aviation Challenge Camp, Space Camp Robotics, and U.S. Cyber Camp. In addition to programs for children ages nine to 18, Space Camp is also available for families with children as young as seven, adults, and teachers. They also have corporate and custom experiences so that you can plan your own stargazing adventure!

If you are looking for the perfect space-themed place to stay in Huntsville, consider 106 Jefferson, a Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton. The 115-room luxury property has taken inspiration from the city’s space history and incorporated it into its elegant design throughout the property. In a fun touch, the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge, Baker & Able, is named after the famous monkeys from Huntsville who were the first to successfully complete a trip to space.

You’ll also find custom paintings of Baker and Able, a graphic reinterpretation of the classic silent film, “A Trip to the Moon,” visual references to the cosmos, and various representations of outer space in pop culture and history throughout the hotel’s art collection.

106 Jefferson rooftop bar — After the sun sets, you may be able to create a stargazing experience of your own at 106 Jefferson’s rooftop bar and lounge Baker & Able! Image: 106 Jefferson

Astrological Overnight, The Memphian | Memphis, TN

If you’d like to try stargazing but don’t have the time or inclination to travel to a remote area, you’re in luck. Located in the heart of Memphis, TN, The Memphian embraces the night with an all-new Astrological Overnight experience that celebrates astronomy and astrology. The hotel’s rooftop bar, Tiger & Peacock, provides the perfect spot for an on-site observatory.

After nightfall, guests can enjoy mesmerizing stargazing sessions alongside an astronomy educator from The Memphis Museum of Science & History (MoSH). For a nightcap, Tiger & Peacock serves up 12 Star Sign cocktails customized to each Zodiac. A stay in one of The Memphian’s delightfully comfy rooms will be enhanced by cosmic take-home gifts from the local boutique Paradox at Peco. It’s a perfect evening for astrology lovers and stargazers alike!

Vacationers and staycationers will appreciate The Memphian’s location in Overton Square, with its easy access to shops, food, and fun. And why stop at just one stargazing experience? MoSH has a first-class planetarium that is open year-round. Immerse yourself in the wonders of constellations, planets, black holes, and space travel in the Autozone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium.

Ceiling decorated with various start signs — The decor of The Memphian marries the glamor of the early 20th century with astrological inspiration. The Astrological Overnight package celebrates the hotel’s cosmic connections! Guests will sip on Star Sign cocktails and elevated small plates beneath a hand-painted astrological mural designed by local artist Jennifer Church in the Tiger & Peacock. Image: The Memphian

Cocktail next to Gemini star sign — How fun is this? You can order a special cocktail designed just for your Zodiac sign! Image: The Memphian

planetarium lit up — Prepare for a new level of sight and sound as you explore the heavens in the stunning planetarium at MoSH. Image: MoSH

Big Cypress National Preserve | South Florida

Experience the night at one of the darkest skies in the eastern United States at Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida! In 2016, the preserve was designated as an International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) International Dark Sky Place, the first National Park Service unit east of Colorado to do so. Each year, a seasonal Night Sky Team leads four educational programs during the winter months.

These ranger-led explorations take in all that the night has to offer, followed by an outstanding opportunity to view the sky in the company of partner astronomy clubs, which set up telescopes nearby. The evenings are free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Due to the enormous popularity — they expect 600 people at the March event — visitors should plan on arriving at least half an hour before the start time. Times vary, so visit the website to plan your trip.

Group of people looking up at night sky — Visitors to Big Cypress National Preserve excitedly prepare to observe the heavens. Image: Big Cypress National Preserve, NPS

Those wishing to strike out on their own can find several perfect spots, including the light-free parking lot at the Kirby Storter Boardwalk and the wide-open prairies of Upper Wagon Wheel. Winter viewing is most popular, but the park is open year-round for stargazing — just be prepared for some killer mosquitos in the summer! It is Florida, after all, and Big Cypress National Preserve is home to the ecologically diverse Big Cypress Swamp.

With 720,000 acres of hardwood hammocks, pinelands, prairies, cypress swamps, and mangroves to explore, the fun doesn’t have to end when the sun rises. You can find more ideas for planning a trip to Big Cypress National Preserve on their website.

Park ranger giving presentation in dark — Astrotourism provides a chance for people to learn about astronomy and gain a deeper understanding of the universe. Image: Big Cypress National Preserve, NPS

Night sky at Big Cypress National Preserve — Crowds flock to Big Cypress to view the gorgeous night sky through telescopes. Image: Big Cypress National Preserve, NPS

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park | Jamestown, TN

Another inaugural effort from the International Dark-Sky Association is the first state park to earn a certification. In 2015, Pickett State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area were named a Silver-Tier International Dark Sky Park for their commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the night sky.

Available to the public for year-round stargazing, the astronomy field is located above the Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area’s parking lot on Highway 154, where visitors can enjoy a sweeping, vibrant view of the night sky. The park also hosts scheduled star parties throughout the year, a great way to observe the galaxies, discuss the night sky, and learn more about our solar system. You can contact the park office to find out more.

If you want to make it a weekend, Pickett State Park has 15 cabins and 26 campsites available for rent. You’ll find more than 58 miles of hiking trails, with varying degrees of distance and difficulty, that offer views of waterfalls, natural bridges, sandstone bluffs, and a rich array of plant life.