Stargazing in Dallas, TX 2024
Get away from big cities to increase your chances of spotting distant stars and planets
Best time: all year round (best September–October)
Being a big city with over 1.3 million residents, Dallas doesn't offer good stargazing because of light pollution. However, in just over a one-hour drive from the largest megapolis in North Texas, astronomy enthusiasts can reach relatively isolated areas with dark starry skies.
The rainy season in North Texas usually ends at the beginning of the summer, and clear weather sets in. September and October are considered to be the best months for stargazing due to cloudless skies, lower humidity, warm weather, and abundant meteor showers.
Cedar Hill State Park
Located less than a half-hour drive from Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park is the closest area which suits astrophotography and other activities. Cedar Hill Reservoir and Joe Pool Lake provide some nice reflections of the night sky. The area is also popular for camping, fishing, and boating.
Rafes Urban Astronomy Center
A one-hour drive north of Dallas will bring stargazing fans to Rafes Urban Astronomy Center at the University of North Texas in Denton. The center features several educational exhibits and four viewing huts with telescopes targeted at star clusters and galaxies. The center is open to the general public on the first Saturday of every month.
Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper Lake State Park is located within a 1.5-hour drive from Dallas. It's probably the best dark sky option that you could get in North Texas. In addition to stargazing, the park offers hiking, camping, and other activities.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park can also be reached from Dallas within 1.5 hours. It is not designated for stargazing, however, the park offers a good view of the night sky. In addition to that, the park offers 20 miles of hiking trails and famous dinosaur tracks on its riverbed.
Practical info
When is the best time to go stargazing in Dallas?
In Dallas, the perfect time for stargazing is during September to October when there are clear skies and lower humidity. The skywatching experience is possible throughout the year outside the city. At the start of summer, North Texas's rainy season ends; as a result, the summer months are when you have clear skies.
Where is the best place to stargaze near Dallas?
If you want to go stargazing near Dallas, places like Cedar Hill State Park, Rafes Urban Astronomy Center, Cooper Lake State Park, and Dinosaur Valley State Park, are excellent choices. Cedar Hill State Park is the nearest option, only a 30-minute drive from Dallas. However, for optimal stargazing, Cooper Lake State Park is the best Dark Sky choice in North Texas, but you can also have good night sky views in Dinosaur Valley State Park.
What other activities can be enjoyed while stargazing in Cedar Hill State Park?
Stargazing is not the only activity to be enjoyed in Cedar Hill State Park. Visitors can camp, fish, go boating or hiking. Cedar Hill Reservoir and Joe Pool Lake’s calm waters are a good spot for sky reflection and can only add to an already charming scenic experience. Cedar Hill State Park offers several outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy besides stargazing.
Can telescopes be rented at Rafes Urban Astronomy Center?
Telescopes cannot be rented at Rafes Urban Astronomy Center for star viewing. On the first Saturday of every month, the center opens to the public, and visitors can enjoy looking at star clusters and distant galaxies through one of the four viewing huts with telescopes. Additionally, the center has several educational attractions about astronomy, so visitors can learn more about stargazing while they are there.
Does Dinosaur Valley State Park offer any other attractions besides stargazing?
Dinosaur Valley State Park offers more attractions beyond stargazing. Visitors can explore the park's 20-mile hiking trail, observe the famous dinosaur tracks on its riverbed, and participate in the Junior Ranger program to learn more about the park's history and wildlife. It is a wonderful destination for families looking for activities beyond stargazing.
