November in the United States offers long, crisp nights and some of the clearest skies of the year—perfect for stargazing enthusiasts and astrophotographers alike. Below are ten outstanding destinations to experience the cosmos at its most dazzling.
1. Big Bend National Park, Texas
One of the darkest skies in the contiguous U.S., Big Bend’s remote desert landscapes make the Milky Way appear vividly overhead.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Its high elevation and arid climate provide breathtaking nightscapes framed by unique red hoodoos beneath a canopy of stars.
3. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association, this park offers exceptional Milky Way viewing in the eastern U.S.
4. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
Despite its daytime heat, fall nights here showcase some of the clearest horizons and stunning meteor shower visibility.
5. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
High desert altitudes and minimal light pollution make it a premier location for deep-sky observations and astrophotography.
6. Sedona, Arizona
The red rock vistas and clear November nights combine natural beauty with excellent stargazing from easily accessible viewpoints.
7. Mauna Kea, Hawaii
At nearly 14,000 feet, this volcanic summit provides some of the sharpest astronomical clarity on Earth (permit and acclimatization required).
8. Glacier National Park, Montana
Crisp northern air and limited development make late autumn nights perfect for catching constellations reflected in alpine lakes.
9. Arches National Park, Utah
Framed by natural stone arches, the night sky glows with countless stars — a photographer’s dream in cool November air.
10. Acadia National Park, Maine
For East Coast travelers, Acadia’s rugged shoreline and early sunsets provide excellent conditions for stargazing before winter sets in.
Whether you’re chasing meteor showers, photographing the Milky Way, or simply marveling at the universe, November brings magic to America’s dark skies.