Grab your telescope and head to these out-of-this world stargazing spots in and around Houston.
Despite being dubbed “ Space City , ” Houston is in reality a pretty disappointing place to try and view the stars . If you ’ve ever aim into the H at night , you know that our metropolis ’s stunning apparent horizon can be seen from miles away . Unfortunately , that glow also beam to the skies , with tripping pollution in Houston being some of the high in the state of Texas .
That suppose , there are still a number of celestial events deserving witnessing , like the ongoing Perseid meteor shower ( seeable through August 24 ) . While the exhibitioner ’s peak was expected this past weekend , there ’s still time to catch this star - studded celestial show , and , if you ’re uncoerced to take a drive by from the city ignitor , you could do so without go too far from home . Keep reading for some of our preferred spots to stargaze near Houston .
Stargazing Spots Near Houston
Rustic Oaks Park
Rustic Oaks Park in League City has a astonishingly clear view of the night ’s sky . The stargazing is so dear down here that the Houston Astronomical Society , as well as other uranology - centrical grouping use the park to host semi - regular assembly at the park . While Rustic Oaks park is heart-to-heart for stargazing , it is not a campground , so do n’t get too cosy . Distance : 33 minute
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Take a trip out to New Caney and soak in the stars at Lake Houston Wilderness Park . Lake Houston ’s 5,000 estate of wilderness provide a wonderful getaway from the bright lights of the city with sight of berth to get a clear perspective of the sky . Distance : 30 minutes
Brazos Bend State Park
Southwest of downtown Houston in a slight township called Needville , you ’ll find Brazos Bend State Park . With acres of wilderness trails and a significant space from Houston ’s low-cal pollution , Brazos Bend is one of the in force ( and closest ) spots to catch up with a coup d’oeil of the Nox ’s sky . In fact , the sky sighting are so good here that it ’s home to the Museum of Natural Science ’s George Observatory . ticket to the observatoryare sold on an individual basis from entry to the park though , so if you ’re hoping to get up - shut down - and - personal with the stars , be indisputable to book your tag in advancement . length : 45 minutes
Huntsville State Park
Take 45 North and hop-skip off near New Waverly to find yourself hem in by tower pines and minimal light defilement . Comfortably place in the middle of nowhere , Huntsville State Park is an gentle , and reasonably local lieu to catch up with a glimpse of a beneficial night sky , particularly near the lake . Unlike national forests , there are camping fees associated with overnighting at state of matter Park , so be trusted to check ahead for availability and bridle in processes . Distance : ~1 hour
Sargent Beach
Head to the coast if you wish your stargazing served with a side of sand and sea . The sleepy-eyed little town of Sargent is far enough due south ( via HWY 288 ) that the Space City luminescence does n’t quite reach its sky making it an ideal place for a serene celestial safety valve , Bring your telescope and park on the beach for a stargazing experience you wo n’t conceive you establish near the metropolis . Distance:1 hour+
Sam Houston State University Planetarium
The observatory at Sam Houston State University is locate about 10 naut mi north west of the SHSU Campus , making the drive from Houston a quick 1 60 minutes and 15 transactions . The lookout station is free and exposed to the populace , and is an splendid family sashay . Visitors can match the SHSU observation tower internet site for an astronomic consequence calendar , but you could also just show up during assailable hours and bask the quickness . length : 1 minute and 15 hour
Angelina National Forest
Get on Highway 59 North and head out to Angelina National Forest . Situated between the cities of Lufkin and Nacogdoches , Angelina is home to Roman mile of tramp trails , serene waterways , and huge , saturnine sky once the sun sets . all-night tenting is costless here , so bring your tent , your ice chest , and your telescope to get a front quarrel butt to the stars . Pro pourboire : render to snag a campsite on a waterway for panoramic sky aspect . Distance : ~2 hours
Mission Tejas State Park
Halfway between Dallas and Houston , on the north edge of the Davy Crockett National Forest lie Mission Tejas State Park . North of Houston , Mission Tejas offers glum sky , miles of hiking trail and cozy camp accommodation . If you ’re planning to catch the meteor shower here , you ’re unquestionably going to need to make a campsite reserve . We promise it ’ll be deserving it . Distance : 2 hours
Lake Murvaul
If you find yourself with a foresightful weekend ( or are just committed enough to woolgather that you ’re willing to take time off for the best berth ) you have to head to Lake Murvaul . The lake is immense and friendly to swimmers , boater , and fishers alike , but the real star of the show ( pun intended ) is the crystal absolved view of the skies that can only be found when you ’re miles and Admiralty mile away from any city with an HEB asset . The driving from Houston is a lengthy one but if you need a estimable opinion of the sky and a peaceful weekend pickup , I ca n’t commend this one enough . Distance : 3 hours
Museum of Natural Science’s George Observatory, Brazos Bend State Park|Courtesy of the Museum of Natural Science
