The 12 Best Places to Go Stargazing in Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona is arguably the best city for stargazing in the United States – if not the world. Home to the International Dark-Sky Association (I’m a a proud member!), the city of Tucson has taken large and bold steps to reduce light pollution, and it is one of the best mid-sized cities where you can stargaze right within the city.

To narrow down the best spots for stargazing in a city that’s already great for stargazing, this guide points out some of the notable or interesting opportunities. This is by no means an exhaustive list of stargazing spots in Tucson, but it’s a good list to get you started.

Whether you live in Tucson or are visiting, here are the 12 best spots for stargazing in Tucson where you can see the night sky in all its glory.

In this post, I promote traveling to a destination that is the traditional lands of the O’odham Jeweḍ, Sobaipuri, Tohono O’odham, and Hohokam peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

This post was originally published in September 2018, and was updated in January 2023.

The Best Spots for Stargazing in Tucson

As the birthplace of the dark sky movement, it’s no surprise that Tucson has some incredible stargazing spots right in and near the city – that’s part of what makes it such a special place to visit if you love the night sky and want to protect it.

Check out the map above and then read below to learn more about each of the best places for stargazing in Tucson and the surrounding desert.

Flandrau Science Center

The Flandrau Science Center has a 16-inch telescope that is free to use for the public. It is usually open on Thursdays and Saturdays, but it’s best to call ahead of time just in case. It’s run by volunteer astronomers who can show you some of the more fascinating aspects of our universe.

1601 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85721, flandrau.org

Steward Observatory

The Steward Observatory can be found at the University of Arizona and is the research arm of their Department of Astronomy. They frequently hold astronomical events for the public. It is possible to take tours of their mirror labs on most days of the week.

933 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719, as.arizona.edu

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is a luxury resort that frequently holds stargazing parties. Its low light pollution and natural surroundings make it an excellent spot to watch the night sky. It’s a great place to go if you want to relax in the daytime and observe the stars at night.

7000 N. Resort Dr., Tucson, AZ 85750, loewshotels.com/ventana-canyon

Starizona

Starizona is a retail store in Tucson that specializes in astronomy-related equipment. They are well-known for their Hyperstar line of lenses. They also hold stargazing events every week on Friday and Saturday nights.

5757 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ 85704, starizona.com

Sky Bar

Want a place in the heart of Tucson where you can enjoy the night sky and a great slice of pizza? Sky Bar is your answer. “Solar Powered Cafe by Day, Astronomy Bar by Night” is their tagline – and it’s 100% accurate. They set up telescopes on their patio every night and have astronomers on hand to answer questions and point out the highlights in the sky. Sounds perfect for date night, family night, or just any ol’ night out.

536 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705, skybartucson.com

Stargazing Spots Within One Hour of Tucson

Within an hour of Tucson, you have a wide range of choices for stargazing. From observatories to the desert to protected parks, here are some of the spots where the night sky seems to shine most bright near Tucson.

Kitt Peak

Kitt Peak is a major observatory just over 50 miles from Tucson. It is considered to be the single most diverse collection of astronomical instruments in the northern hemisphere. It has 22 optical telescopes and two radio telescopes, and its visitor center is open to the public on a daily basis.

Note: Kitt Peak is temporarily closed to public visitors. Check out their website (linked below) for more information.

Tucson, AZ 85634, noao.edu/kpno

Kartchner Caverns State Park

Kartchner Caverns is a popular state park that features a cave system that’s open to tourists. It’s also known to hold star parties on occasion. The skies get nice and dark here, which can lead to some excellent stargazing opportunities.

2980 S. Hwy. 90, Benson, AZ 85602, azstateparks.com

Oracle State Park

This state park doubles as a wildlife refuge and features a wide assortment of animal life. It’s also a frequent spot for the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association to host their events. Oracle State Park is a certified Dark Sky Park, making it a great spot to see the Milky Way. Along with stargazing, it’s also a good place for hiking.

3820 Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ 85623, azstateparks.com

Saguaro National Park

This national park is named after the large species of cacti that can be found in the region. Like the other parks on this list, you can find star parties being hosted here on occasion. There’s very little light pollution, and you get a wide-open view of the sky at night.

3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730, nps.gov

Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park can be found right next to the Santa Catalina Mountains. It is a popular spot for camping, hiking, and birdwatching. It is also another spot where the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association likes to host their star parties.

11570 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ 85737, azstateparks.com

Tumacácori National Historical Park

The Tumacácori National Historical Park is the home of the ruins of three Spanish missionaries and the Tumacácori Museum. This area has a lot of history behind it, and it’s another spot frequented by the Tucson Amateur Astronomical Society. It’s a good place to go stargazing while experiencing some culture at the same time.

1891 I-19 Frontage Rd., Tumacácori, AZ 85640, nps.gov

Stargazing Spots Within Two Hours of Tucson

This list of stargazing spots within two hours of Tucson is short… in part because Phoenix, Arizona is less than two hours away! Be sure to check out that guide to stargazing spots near Phoenix to see other spots you can go stargazing.

Mount Lemmon SkyCenter

Mount Lemmon SkyCenter is known for having the largest public telescopes in the country. They also offer stargazing events virtually every night of the year. This is simply one of the best stargazing spots you can find anywhere and is something you can’t afford to miss.

9800 E. Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon, AZ 85619, skycenter.arizona.edu

How Good is the Stargazing in Tucson?

Tucson is one of the best major cities in the United States to go stargazing. Although you do have to deal with some light pollution, the city has taken steps to keep its skies as dark as possible. For a city of this size, you simply can’t get any better than Tucson.

Furthermore, Arizona is one of the best states in the country for observing the stars. Its clear skies and desert climate provide the best conditions for stargazing. This, along with the many national parks in the area and the work of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, makes Tucson one of the best places to go if you want to do some serious stargazing.

Best Times of Year to Go Stargazing in Tucson

In Tucson, it doesn’t really matter when you decide to go stargazing. Conditions are good year-round, and you can expect up to 200 nights of clear skies per year. That said, you’ll probably want to avoid the summer and the winter months just so you won’t have to deal with any extreme temperatures. This will also give you your best chance of seeing the Milky Way.

Also, it’s a good idea to watch out for Arizona’s monsoon season. This typically lasts from June to September and tends to bring heavy rain and other hazardous conditions.

Can You See the Milky Way in Tucson?

If you’re looking for a place to see the Milky Way near Tucson, the best thing to do is head over to Oracle State Park. This park, in particular, is a certified Dark Sky Park, meaning it has some of the darkest skies you can find. This makes it one of the best spots in Arizona to see the Milky Way.

Due to Tucson’s favorable conditions, you are likely to see the Milky Way in many other spots as well. It can be seen from many of the area’s parks and observatories when the conditions are right.

Do you have other questions about stargazing in Tucson? Let me know in the comments below!

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