Alaska is the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” but before the long summer days return, the state offers some of the most breathtaking stargazing opportunities in the world.
From crisp spring nights in Southcentral to the lingering darkness of the Interior, here are some of the best places to see your favorite constellations:
Southcentral
In Southcentral Alaska, early spring skies remain dark for a few hours each night, offering prime stargazing conditions — if you know where to go. Just outside of Anchorage’s city lights, you can find remote, dark-sky locations perfect for stargazing.
Eklutna Lake (50-minute drive from Anchorage)
Spring brings crisp, clear nights to Eklutna Lake before the region shifts to longer days. Nestled in Chugach State Park, this lake offers wide-open skies and minimal artificial light. The lake’s still waters reflect the final stars of the season, making it a peaceful, photogenic destination. Pro tip: Pack a thermos of hot cocoa and settle in for a peaceful, starry night by the water.
Flattop Mountain (20-minute drive from downtown Anchorage)
For those who like a little altitude with their astronomy, Flattop Mountain’s Glen Alps parking lot provides an elevated view of the night sky. With minimal light pollution, it’s an easy-to-reach spot for those looking to catch the stars while they still shine.
Beluga Point (30-minute drive from Anchorage)
By day, this turnout on the Seward Highway is a prime viewing spot for beluga whales in Turnagain Arm. But after sunset, it transforms into the perfect stargazing location to view the stars with minimal city lights against a stunning coastal backdrop.
Kincaid Park (15 minutes from downtown Anchorage)
Tucked at the end of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Kincaid Park offers a spectacular blend of open spaces, forested trails and stunning coastal views — making it a prime spot for stargazing just outside of the city lights. Pro tip: Head to the dunes near the bluff or explore the park’s wide network of trails for even better vantage points of the night sky.
Interior
Interior Alaska retains dark skies longer into the season, giving visitors more opportunities for stargazing in March and early April. Fairbanks and Denali still experience full nights for much of March, making this region the best bet for catching constellations before they vanish into summer.
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge (10-minute drive from downtown Fairbanks)
This location offers wide-open fields, perfect for unobstructed viewing of the night sky. The refuge is located just a few minutes from downtown Fairbanks, so it’s the ideal quick trip for those staying in the city.
Murphy Dome (40-minute drive from Fairbanks)
At 2,900 feet in elevation, Murphy Dome is the highest point near the community of Fairbanks, making it an optimal spot to take in the night sky. A scenic, 40-minute drive from the city offers incredible views of its own, perfect for last-chance aurora hunting or star searching.
Chena Lake Recreation Area (30-minute drive from Fairbanks)
Located just outside the town of North Pole, Chena Lake Recreation Area spans 2,000 acres. The area features two parks — River Park and Lake Park — both with expansive open spaces and serene waters, perfect for taking in the night sky. Pro tip: Explore one of the many winter trails in the area for even more breathtaking celestial views.
Denali National Park and Preserve
With six million acres of wilderness and almost no artificial light, Denali National Park is an astrophotography’s dream. Denali Viewpoint South, located along the Parks Highway, provides a stunning place to take in the stars while they’re still visible, often with the silhouette of North America’s tallest peak in the background.
Talkeetna
Halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Talkeetna offers a rugged, small-town escape perfect for late-season stargazing. Try heading to Christiansen Lake or the Talkeetna Riverfront for pristine, open-sky viewing. Bonus: If you’re lucky, you might even catch a faint aurora here in early spring.
Get ready for your stargazing adventure
Before you set out, make sure you are prepared for the optimal viewing experience.
Study the stars. Studying the constellations before you go will help you orient yourself in the night sky. Try a stargazing app to help find constellations, either before your trip or on the go. For a tech-free option, try a star map or the more compact planisphere!
Dress for the weather. Spring nights in Alaska are chilly, often dipping below freezing. Stay warm by dressing in layers.
Zoom in. Binoculars can be a game changer, allowing you to get closer views of stars, planets and galaxies without the hassle of a telescope.
Turn off the lights. Did you know that artificial blue lights impact our ability to see the stars? For serious stargazing, get away from city lights and turn off your phone to maximize your visibility.
Astronomers use red lights to navigate the dark without impacting their night vision. You can mimic this by applying a true red tint on your phone (find this in your accessibility settings) or simply wrapping your phone in red cloth, like a t-shirt.
Missed the Stars?
Not every night guarantees clear skies — but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Alaska’s celestial wonders. These planetariums offer immersive, educational experiences where you can explore the universe rain or shine.
Anchorage Museum – Thomas Planetarium
Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, the Thomas Planetarium at the Anchorage Museum offers immersive star shows, where visitors can explore the universe right in Anchorage’s downtown.
UAA Planetarium and Visualization Theater
With full-dome digital projections and live expert-led presentations, the UAA Planetarium is an exciting place to experience the night sky up close. Check their schedule for shows that highlight seasonal constellations, aurora science and deep-space exploration.
Looking to experience Alaska’s night sky?
Whether you’re taking in the stars from a quiet lakeshore or enjoying a planetarium show, there are plenty of ways to appreciate the beauty of the night sky. Make the most of your visit with a stay at one of Holland America Hotels, where you can relax and take in the scenery at your own pace. Start planning your trip today.
