Whether it’s on a weekend camping trip just for the sake of pointing out the Big Dipper in the night’s sky, stargazing is a past time for everyone  — from the scientific to the romantic. We’ve found the best parks and observatories in San Antonio within driving distance so you can truly appreciate the wonders of the night sky.

Bastrop State Park 100 Park Rd 1-A, Bastrop, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop Planning a big party? Rent out the on-site dining hall for the festivities and end the night gushing over the moon’s beauty. Photo via Instagram, unsighted
Fort McKavett Historic Site 7066 FM 864, Fort McKavett, thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/fort-mckavett-state-historic-site If you’re a history buff and astronomy lover, Fort McKavett is almost too good to be true. Tour the 150-year-old remains during daylight, then be in awe of the wonders of the night sky for the perfect daytrip. Photo via Instagram, jasonweingart
The Curtis Vaughn Jr. Observatory at UTSA 1 UTSA Circle, utsa.edu/physics/observatory.html Get a phenomenal look at the sky at First Friday Stargazing, beginning at sunset. Learn a bit more about the happening in astronomy at Friday Nights Celestial Lights, every third Friday of the month during the spring and fall semesters. Photo via Facebook, Curtis Vaughan Observatory at UTSA
Inks Lake State Park 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake Come for the lake, stay for that unbeatable sight. Photo via Instagram, photombs
Government Canyon State Natural Area 12861 Galm Road, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/government-canyon You can sleep underneath the stars with overnight camping on weekends. Photo via Instagram, odonnell74
Brazos Bend State Park 21901 FM 762 Rd, Needville, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend After you’ve observed the wildlife all throughout the park, hit up the observation deck on the Creekfield Lake Nature Trail to get the best view of the sky. Photo via Instagram, eddieggallegos
Eagle Eye Observatory at Canyon of the Eagles 16942 Ranch Road 2341, Burnet, canyonoftheeagles.com Keep your eyes open for wildlife before the beautiful night sky grabs your attention. Photo via Instagram, texasgirl456
Lost Maples Natural State Area 37221 FM 187, Vanderpool, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples A favorite for hiking, Lost Maples doesn’t disappoint with the views of the striking night sky. Photo by reuben.sequeira via Instagram, lostmaples
Blanco State Park 101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/blanco The little ones will love swimming in the river, but we have a hunch that you and your boo will prefer the coziness of the moonlight. Photo via Instagram, tanna.dean
Scobee Education Center 1819 North Main Avenue, alamo.edu/sac/scobee-planetarium/ Friday nights feature educational programs for kids, students, and adults all evening. Take advantage of the Scanlan Observatory after the last presentation. Photo via Instagram, sanantoniocollege
McAllister Park 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road, sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec While it’s not the most extravagant night sky, McAllister Park offers a decent amount of stars within city limits. Photo via Instagram, rob_stofa
Goliad State Park & Historic Site 108 Park Rd. 6, Goliad, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goliad The park leads night hikes with stargazing, stories, and telescope viewing for special events. If you want to make your trip extra special, take a history tour of the missions and historic sites in the area beforehand. Photo via Instagram, txparksccc
Hill Country Natural State Area 10600 Bandera Creek Road, Bandera, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hill-country Take your weekend getaway to a whole new level at this secluded retreat with 40 miles of trails. Trek up the limestone hills to get the best view of the stars. Photo via Instagram, sri_eswaroju
Guadalupe River State Park 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river Take a dip in the Guadalupe River, then stick around for Stories in the Stars, happening every month. Photo via Instagram, guadaluperiverstatepark
Raymond Rimkus Park 6440 Evers Road, Leon Valley, leonvalleytexas.gov/reserve/Park.php Join the San Antonio Astronomical Association for stargazing sessions on select nights. Photo via Instagram, winona.w
Castroville Regional Park 816 Alsace Ave, Castroville, castrovilletx.gov/2346/Castroville-Regional-Park Trying to get away from city lights without blowing a tank of gas? Look no further than Castroville Regional Park. Photo via Instagram, rulycrescentfilmworks
Pedernales Falls State Park 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls It’s beautiful during the day. It’s beautiful at night. It’s a win-win. Photo via Instagram, alexwheatleybell
Enchanted Rock 16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock Hike the Loop Trail of the pink granite dome and reach for the stars. Photo via Facebook, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – Texas Parks and Wildlife
Garner State Park 234 RR 1050, Concan, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner Float the Frio River during the day and trace the constellations with your fingers at night. Photo via Instagram, garnerstatepark
Bullis County Park 27583 Old Blanco Rd, wildtexas.com/texas-parks/bullis-county-park While the park officially closes at 8:00 p.m., expert stargazers say even the view from the parking lot is pretty impressive. Photo via Facebook, Arthur Toussaint Jones IV