The 20 Best Spots for Stargazing Near San Antonio

By San Antonio Current Staff

        
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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.

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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

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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

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