Stargazing is an ideal way to spend a summer evening. As the First State grows in population and more of its empty spaces are being developed, people may assume that means there aren’t great places to escape the light pollution and gaze up at the night sky.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Even with highly populated areas, Delaware is home to plenty of great stargazing spots! Most of the best stargazing in Delaware happens at locations offering camping, hiking, beaches and more, so you can enjoy a full day of outdoor fun ending with a relaxing night under the stars. If you love a clear night sky, here are some places to go stargazing in and around Delaware.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Book a campsite for a night at Cape Henlopen State Park to see some of the darkest skies over Delaware. Cape Henlopen is perfect for stargazing. If you look up from the sandy beaches, you’ll be met with an array of twinkling stars. With the sound of the ocean as your backdrop, this is a perfect stargazing location.
15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes
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Blackbird State Forest
Blackbird State Forest has some of the most secluded campsites in Delaware. People take to these woods to unplug, set up camp at one of the five primitive campsites and escape the hustle and bustle for a night. Sounds to us like the perfect place for stargazing! With over 40 miles of trails, you can enjoy an escape from light pollution and dive into the world of planets and stars.
502 Blackbird Forest Road, Smyrna
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Trap Pond State Park
Trap Pond is home to a high diversity of plants and wildlife, including the northernmost naturally occurring Baldcypress trees. But that’s not all the park has going for it. It’s also a great place to watch the stars! We recommend setting up camp on the water and enjoying the views all night long. Trap Pond State Park is the darkest site in Delaware with a Sky Quality Meter reading of 20.8-21, making it the perfect site for casual stargazers or even hobby astronomers.
33587 Bald Cypress Lane, Laurel
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Mt. Cuba Observatory
The Mt. Cuba Astronomical Observatory holds public night events, as well as family-friendly and children’s programming. These events not only give you the chance to learn about astronomy through interactive lectures, but also an opportunity to view the planets, moon and more through the observatory telescope. Check out the online calendar for upcoming events.
1610 Hillside Mill Road, Wilmington
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Woodside Farm Creamery
Did you know this repeat Best of Delaware-winning ice cream shop also holds stargazing nights? Its scheduled telescope viewing nights are fun for the whole family. Plus, you don’t need to look through the telescope to enjoy the beautiful night sky over the farm with like-minded stargazers. The Delaware Astronomical Society partners with the creamery for these events throughout the summer. The next stargazing event is Friday, July 19. For more, check out the online events calendar.
1310 Little Baltimore Road, Hockessin
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Over the Maryland Line: Assateague Island
When it comes to preserved wild spaces around Delaware, one Maryland location certainly comes to mind. The beaches at Assateague Island are renowned for maritime forests, sandy beaches, salt marshes and wild horses. At night, enjoy the minimal light pollution and stargaze on the beach. Especially for those in Southern Delaware, this stargazing trip is worth the short drive into Maryland.
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Related: Find Your Zen at Outdoor Yoga Classes in Delaware
