Where to Go Stargazing Near Palm Springs
Once the sun sinks behind the San Jacinto mountains, the desert’s most magical show takes over the night sky. All you have to do is look up. Depending on the night and time of year, you might spot a glowing planet, shooting star, or even the elusive Milky Way. And if you’re willing to do a little driving, some of Southern California’s most celebrated stargazing spots are within easy reach of the resort. What could be more grounding than a little stargazing excursion on your next trip to Palm Springs?
Timing Matters
Stars are brightest when skies are darkest, so clear, moonless nights are usually best for stargazing. The Milky Way is most visible in late spring and summer in the southern and southwestern sky, especially if you head a little ways out of town. Summer also brings the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks around August 12 each year. The Geminids put on another impressive show in mid-December. But there’s almost always something to see.
Nearest Stargazing Spots
Some surprisingly good roadside viewing can be found about 20 to 30 minutes from the resort. The area near Whitewater Canyon is a favorite because the surrounding mountains help shield some of the light pollution of LA and Palm Springs. Towards Thousand Palms, the Coachella Valley Preserve area is another easy option with wide-open desert views and far less ambient light than you’ll find in town. Find a safe spot to pull over and stick to the roads so you don’t get stuck in the sand!
Make it an Adventure: Joshua Tree & Borrego Springs
Joshua Tree National Park is California’s most celebrated Dark Sky Park and one of the best places in the entire US to see the Milky Way during the summer months. Open 24 hours a day, the West Entrance is about an hour’s drive from Twin Palms. Depending how far you want to drive into the park, there are designated stargazing areas at Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, and Ryan Mountain. Pack a blanket and you’re set. Or if you prefer a more guided experience, Stargazing Joshua Tree and Skywatcher Star Tours offer astronomer-led sessions complete with state-of-the-art telescopes, cushy seating and other creature comforts.
The town of Borrego Springs became the world’s second International Dark Sky Community in 2009 and has long been a haven for professional and amateur stargazers. Located about 90 minutes from Palm Springs, the town is protected from urban lights by the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It’s another especially good destination for catching sight of the Milky Way or meteor showers. The town’s official stargazing map will help you find the perfect viewing spot.
Get Nerdy: Rancho Mirage Observatory
To get the most up-close look at the night sky, the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory offers astronomer-led stargazing parties it calls Public Exploration Nights on most Thursdays and Saturdays. The observatory’s two-dome structure contains a big 27.5-inch research-grade telescope, plus an outdoor viewing deck with four telescope pads. Knowledgeable guides point out planets, nebulae, star clusters, and more. And yes, it's all free. Dates and times change seasonally, so check the current schedule.
Catch a Launch
SpaceX rockets launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, about 200-miles away on the Pacific coast, can also occasionally be seen in Palm Springs. Launches shortly after sunset or before sunrise can be especially dramatic. The rocket may first appear as a bright star moving across the western or northwestern sky, followed by a glowing, fan-shaped plume of illuminated exhaust. Check the launch schedule or sign up for Vandenberg launch alerts for upcoming dates and times.
Whether you venture deep into the desert on a stargazing adventure or simply settle back into the bubbly spa at Twin Palms, give your eyes a little time to adjust and keep looking up. You never know what surprises the desert sky will bring.