Comets, the Northern Lights, and the Milky Way have all been seen shining over Massachusetts. But if you’re living in Boston, the chances for stargazing are slim due to the high density of lights in the city. Luckily, there are plenty of places just outside the city where you can still see the cosmos!
At Keolis massAdventures, we specialize in accessible Day Trips Near Boston, so we know all the best locations in Massachusetts for a range of activities. We’ve created this guide to the best spots for stargazing outside Boston so you know exactly where to go when the conditions are just right! Keep reading to learn more, or feel free to contact us about our tours.
Enjoy Astronomy Nights at Robbins Farm Park
If you don’t have any technical equipment but wish to see the stars through a telescope, you can join one of the Astronomy Nights at Robbins Farm Park in Arlington. During certain times of the year, these astronomy nights are hosted on Saturdays when the weather is prime.
With a telescope set up for use, you can spot the craters of the moon, Saturn, and more! The event is open to all ages, so you can bring the whole family along for an informative and breathtaking evening. The Robbins Farm Park is located just a quick drive or train ride from Boston. You can take the Fitchburg Line Commuter Rail, making it an easily accessible stargazing spot outside of the city.
Admire the Stars from the Plymouth Harbor Jetty
In the coastal town of Plymouth, the harbor jetty offers a prime stargazing spot. Extending 0.58 miles into the ocean, where there is minimal light pollution, you’ll often find people hunting for comets here. Bring a camping chair and set yourself up for a night of blissful stargazing, surrounded by the sounds of the sea. Just make sure you bring a head torch to make your way across the rocky jetty!
Located a one-hour drive or train ride from Boston, Plymouth is also one of our picks for Cool Coastal Massachusetts Towns to Visit!
Observe the Cosmos at Marconi Beach
With a Class 3 rating on the Bortle scale, Marconi Beach is one of the best places near Boston for stargazing. Located along the Cape Cod National Seashore, this pristine stretch of land experiences minimal light pollution. You have the chance of spotting a detailed Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy without technology! Set against the backdrop of the lapping waves, stargazing at Marconi Beach is simply unmissable.
You can reach Marconi Beach along a 2-hour drive from Boston, and it remains open to visitors until midnight, giving you ample time to gaze into the universe.
Immerse Yourself in the Dark Skies of Plum Island
At Plum Island, you can not only see the stars in all their glory, but you can also learn about the importance of dark skies. During the year, stargazing events and star parties are hosted at Plum Island by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Attendees discover the importance of dimming their lights for birds and can view the night sky through telescopes provided by the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club.
Plum Island is a major habitat for migratory birds, which you can also spot during the day as part of our Plum Island Bird Watching Experience!
Catch the Northern Lights at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, which spans 3,000 acres, offers skies uninterrupted by light pollution. With vast expanses of land, you can experience some of the best stargazing conditions here. As a dark sky location, expect to see not only the stars but the Northern Lights too!
Located just over an hour from Boston, Wachusett Mountain State Reservation is halfway between the city and Quabbin Reservoir, where photographs have captured awe-inspiring images of the Milky Way over the water.
Tips for Stargazing Outside Boston
When preparing to go stargazing outside Boston, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Plan your stargazing for the right conditions: For optimal stargazing conditions, it’s important to plan your excursion for when the weather, and the moon, are just right. Make sure to keep checking forecasts beforehand, as you’ll want clear skies for viewing. You also want to make sure you don’t go stargazing during the full moon, as the bright light will dim the stars. For the best stargazing, go during the new moon.
- Enhance your viewing experience: While you can see the stars with the naked eye, you can also enhance your experience with binoculars. These won’t break the bank like a telescope, but they’ll offer you a much closer-up view.
- Spot more using apps: If you need help identifying stars, planets, or constellations, download an app beforehand that will point out what you are seeing for you.
- Dress warmly: Of course, always make sure you dress in layers and are prepared for the nighttime chill!
Discover MA During the Day with Keolis massAdventures
At Keolis massAdventures, we love sharing the beauty of Massachusetts with both locals and tourists. And while we don’t offer stargazing tours, we offer plenty of Day Trips Near Boston that reveal MA’s natural splendor, historic attractions, and cultural highlights. Book your tour today and we’ll show you the very best of Massachusetts!
