With the coming of October, the nights are getting longer, and it's the perfect time to get outside and stargaze. At the end of the month, there will even be a new moon on the 28th, which makes seeing stars and galaxies even more likely.
If you're looking for the best places to stargaze in Florida, we've hand-picked some of the top spots in the Sunshine State to get those gorgeous views and the perfect shots. Better brush up on those long exposure photography skills!
St. George Island
Price: $6 per vehicle.
Address: 1900 E Gulf Beach Dr, St George Island, FL 32328
Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year; open past sundown when you reserve a campsite.
Why You Need To Go: St. George Island is far removed from big city lights, which means less light pollution and better night gazing, with 180 degrees of stunning views perfect for starry nights.
Chiefland Astronomy Village
Address: 5310 NW 52ND Ct. Chiefland, FL 32626
Hours: Open year-round
Why You Need To Go: If ever there was a place for burgeoning astronomy lovers, this was it. Chiefland Astronomy Village is the go-to for experts on night gazing, ideal for beginners and casual gazers alike.
Big Pine Key At Bahia Honda State Park
Price: $8 per vehicle.Address: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Hours: Open past sundown when you reserve a campsite.
Why You Need To Go: Over 100 miles from Miami, Big Pine Key is one of Florida’s lower Keys and has low light pollution, and one of the only places in the US where the Southern Cross constellation can be seen.
Pensacola Beach
Address: 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507
Hours: EAA meetings usually start and 7 p.m. til complete, & free to the public.
Why You Need To Go: With the help of the Escambia Amateur Astronomers Association, amateur stargazers can sneak a look at Jupiter, the Milky Way, and other galaxies far, far away. During the summer, they even offer free telescopes.
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
Price: Free to visit.
Address: 29.204539, -82.987923 Cedar Key FL 32625
Hours: Open past sundown when you reserve a campsite
Why You Need To Go: Cedar Key is isolated from traffic and bright lights, and is known for the darkest skies in Florida, making it perfect for stargazing.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Address: Okeechobee, FL 34972
Hours: Open past sundown when you reserve a campsite
Why You Need To Go: Without even getting far from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, you can spot Jupiter and Saturn at this Kissimmee preserve, known as Florida’s first Dark Sky Park.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Price: $8 per person.
Address: 9700 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Why You Need To Go: Local astronomy clubs even hold “star parties” to show their love for the night sky here, and guests can get in on the action, too!
Grab your cameras, sharpen that focus, and long expose away for some of the most stunning photos of our night sky. Let's get gazing!
If you're looking for more Florida nature fun, then check out this hidden nature preserve, or camp out in this treehouse Airbnb.
Some photos used for illustrative purposes
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