When it comes to sightseeing in the United States, Arizona doesn't typically make the list. Sure, there's the Grand Canyon – and that is definitely a crowd pleaser –, but most people flock to the coasts and the big cities when they're exploring the U.S. That is, unless you're a night sky fanatic, and you want to go stargazing in Arizona. Then you already know that Arizona's one of the best places in the country to do so...

Located in the heart of Appalachia, West Virginia is home to rugged landscape, rolling hills, mountains, and valleys – it has a surprisingly diverse geography if you love the outdoors. Even better, the "Mountain State" isn't home to any large cities; the most populous city of Charleston is home to just 50,000 people...

Texas is known for everything big: big cattle, big cowboy hats... and big dark skies. Stargazing in Texas is a real treat because of those dark skies, especially in the western part of the state – but there are tons of amazing destinations to visit across Texas during the daylight hours...

Most people visit Hawaii for daytime activities: snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring the active volcanic areas of each of the five main islands that attract travelers. For stargazing, Hawaii is also a great destination: each island offers a unique quality to the night sky, and Hawaii’s remoteness and concentrated residential development create dark sky areas that are among the best in the world...

Whether you're visiting New Hampshire for leaf-peeping in the fall and happen to catch one of that season's many meteor showers or want to plan a summer trip up north out of the region's major cities, New Hampshire is a strong contender for those who love stargazing and seeing a different part of the country...

As a travel writer, I'm perhaps not supposed to have favorites. But the more I explore Nevada, the Silver State, the more it becomes one of my favorite places – and it's especially great for those of us who love activities surrounding the night sky: there are almost countless great places for stargazing in Nevada...

As you likely know, certain places are just better for stargazing than others. Less urban density is good; undeveloped public lands are better. So when I say there are spots for stargazing in Rhode Island, you might raise an eyebrow. After all, The Ocean State is right in the heart of the most densely populated part of the United States, and is a geographically small state further limiting the options...

Louisiana is known for many things: the beauty of the bayou (for which it takes its nickname), great food, unique culture, and – perhaps surprisingly – stargazing. Despite the humidity of the Southern U.S., there are some great spots for stargazing in Louisiana...

When I declared, at the end of high school, that I was going to Iowa for college, people generally responded: really? You see, Iowa is one of the "fly-over" states – or that's what most people from the coasts do anyway. Having now lived on both the coasts and in the heart of the Midwest, I can say that there's something special about each, and my four years spent among the corn and under Iowa's dark starry skies are a memorable chapter in my life...

For being called the Show-Me State, a lot of people overlook Missouri. Sure, they might stop and snap a photo of that famous arch, or enjoy a plate of delicious barbecue – but most people either fly-over or drive right through Missouri – and that's a real shame...