As the world’s population continues to grow, there is more and more light pollution that clouds the atmosphere with as few as 500 stars visible from many urban areas. Fortunately, there are still areas with dark night skies for great stargazing, and while they’re popularly enjoyed when wilderness camping, you’ll find some outstanding Airbnb hideaways that allow you to enjoy it with the comforts of home. These are some of the best across the globe for stargazing enthusiasts.
Dome House - Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree, and the entire Mojave Desert, is one of the top spots in the U.S. for stargazers with clear nights and some of the darkest skies year-round thanks to the lack of light pollution and low humidity. The Dome House will put you in the heart of it, for enjoying mountain views and hikes during the day, and the stars at night. There’s a wood-burning stove to keep you warm on those chilly desert evenings and air-conditioning to keep you cool on hot days. It accommodates up to four guests in two bedrooms, has a fully-equipped kitchen, antique books and games.
Goat's Head Gatehouse - Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Alberta is renowned for its dark night’s skies, particularly in and around Jasper National Park thanks to its remote location, far from city lights. On a clear night here, you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy a stellar show, that often includes the appearance of the Northern Lights. Stay in the Goat’s Head Gatehouse which sleeps up to four and is perfectly situated for outstanding stargazing and exploring both Jasper and Mount Robson national parks.
Old Farmhouse - Hvolsvollur, Iceland
Located in the small southern town of Hvolsvollur, this old Icelandic-style farmhouse sleeps up to six and boasts a magnificent view of the southern coast and the mountains. It also offers some of the best stargazing opportunities and one of the best Airbnbs for seeing the northern lights, which typically can appear between late September through March.
Geodesic Dome near World Biosphere Reserve - Quebrada de Alvarado, Chile
Chile’s remote wilderness areas are famous for stargazing, and this Geodesic Dome Airbnb lies near a World Biosphere Reserve, La Campana National Park, making it especially ideal. The dome sleeps up to two and is tucked among a property surrounded by lemon, avocado, olive, almond and apple trees, along with native forest, flowers and ferns.
Skywatch Observatory Domestays - Coonabarabran, Australia
This Aussie treasure sits within an area known as the “astronomy capital of Australia” making it ideal for stargazing visitors in the Land Down Under. It sleeps up to six allowing groups of friends or families to experience the remarkable night skies as well as scenic hiking trails through Warrumbungle National Park.
Luxury Exmoor Barn - Exmoor National Park, England
This luxurious converted barn with a sauna and woodburning stove is located in Exford on the river Exe. It’s right in the heart of Exmoor National Park providing a perfect spot in a secluded valley with little light pollution for stellar stargazing. It accommodates two and comes with complimentary mountain bikes for exploring.
Off the Grid 40 Feet Up - Tiller, Oregon
This Airbnb is extremely unique, located in a lookout in Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest, soaring 40 feet off the ground to bring up to four guests closer to the stars. Off-grid, it has a small, solar-powered electricity system and spring water, providing the ultimate spot away from civilization to watch the shooting stars.
Greystone PurePod - Waipara, New Zealand
This luxury cabin is made up glass, including the roof and floor, set high above Greystone Winery in the heart of New Zealand’s Waipara Valley. The isolated PurePod sleeps two and is very private, allowing guests to enjoy unobstructed views of stars, lush rolling hills and vine-covered flats.
Tiny Terlingua, Terlingua, Texas
Located near the Mexican border in the far west of Texas, Big Bend National Park is one of America’s Dark Sky Parks with low-light pollution and skies so clear you can see stars for miles. Tiny Terlingua, sleeping up to three, sits just minutes from Terlingua Ghosttown between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, providing an incredible vantage point for stargazing after hiking the river, mountain and desert trails.
Custom Built Home with Hot Tub and Deck for Stargazing - Moab, Utah
Utah’s breathtaking red rock country is ideal for stargazing and this three-bedroom home that sleeps up to six is located right in the heart of it in beautiful Moab. Custom-built, it comes with a private hot tub and sun deck providing the perfect place to be mesmerized by the stars just a short drive from Arches National Park. The views of the surrounding natural landscape are spectacular and you’ll have easy access to the many outdoor adventures the area offers.