Star Struck: The Best Star Gazing Opportunities across Opal Destinations

Love looking up at the cosmos? Then you’ll enjoy this guide that outlines the best places to go stargazing near Opal properties. Enjoy these celestial wonders and stargazing events coming to a night sky near you around Opal properties in Florida, New York, and Maine.

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Stay in and Stargaze [Jupiter, FL]

With a cosmic name to match, Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is all about helping guests tap into their inner astronomer without needing to venture beyond the resort. Telescopes are available to rent upon request, and stargazers can set up on the beach or their room’s balcony. The locale is unique to begin with. Special ordinances limit light pollution due to turtle nesting season from March through October, so there’s really no better time to get your gazing on.

Where to Stay | Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

FAU’s Astronomical Observatory [Highland Beach, FL]

On the first Friday and third Tuesday of every month, members of the public can climb the stairs of the Florida Atlantic University Astronomical Observatory. Once they reach its small, open-roof platform, visitors can take turns looking through a 14-inch Celestron Edge HD Schmidt-Cassegrainian (basically, a really fancy telescope). While this area of Florida may not enjoy the same elevations as other regions of the eastern seaboard, there are some advantages. FAU’s southern locale means constellations appear higher in the skies (making them easier to see). The observatory is also southern enough to escape the blur that stargazers endure from the northern jet stream.

Where to Stay | Opal Grand Resort | Delray Sands Resort

Talk Space with the Oldest Astronomy Club [Clearwater Beach, FL]

Formed in 1927 (42 years before Neil Armstrong took “one small step for mankind”), the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club is the oldest astronomy club in the southeastern United States. Open to the public, meetings are held on the fourth Friday of each month at the Science Center of Pinellas County. They feature lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and observing sessions. Check out their Facebook group, which details upcoming astronomy subjects and sights.

Where to Stay | Sandpearl Resort

A Public Observatory, a Labor of Love [Lake Placid, NY]

After more than 10 years of planning and construction, The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory officially opened in 2014 and is a must-see for astronomy buffs. Visitors can enjoy free stargazing sessions on the first and third Fridays of every month. A team of astronomers are available to answer any questions while guests use the telescopes in the state-of-the-art roll-off-roof observatory building. The Adirondacks low level of light pollution makes this a prime viewing location.

Where to Stay | Lake Placid Lodge

Stargaze by the Sea [Bar Harbor, ME]

While Bar Harbor is known for a wide variety of outdoor activities ranging from kayaking to mountain biking, climbing and fishing, it’s also home to one of the world’s preeminent stargazing festivals. The Annual Acadia Night Sky Festival celebrates the starlit skies of Downeast Maine during the last week of September and the first week of October. The festival’s full slate of events features workshops, presentations by internationally recognized speakers in the astronomy world, and hands-on experiences. For stargazing bliss no matter the time of year, we suggest gazing up into the cosmos nestled comfortably on a blanket from Acadia’s only and very popular Sand Beach. From the crashing waves to the shooting stars, a magical night awaits you here.

Where to Stay | Harborside Hotel, Spa, & Marina | West Street Hotel