With one of the hottest summers in recent memory, night time might be the right time for your latest adventure. Boston — and a couple other not-too-far-flung destinations — offer breathtaking opportunities to look to the skies.
- Observe It All
- Take the Castle
- Follow the Science
- See the Seashore
- Go Singing
- Make the Reservation
BU’s Judson B. Coit Observatory is open to the public on clear-sky Wednesday nights — and attendees have the use of telescopes and binoculars to gaze into the night sky. NBC Boston has Coit Observatory on their Boston Bucket List, noting the magic and wonder one feels looking at “the moon, Saturn, and the million things in between.”
Castle Island, the treasured Boston beach located on the north point of Pleasure Bay, is 22-acres of beautiful park and sandy beaches — with historic Fort Independence as its crown at the top of the hill. Because it’s removed from the downtown light pollution, Castle Island is an ideal spot for stargazing. History buffs, get there early for a tour of the fort.
From a descent through Jupiter’s atmosphere to a tour of the night sky, velvety black and strewn with stars — the Charles Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Science has it all. On weekend nights, take in The David Bowie Experience as it redefines nightlife in Boston by fusing stunning visuals with the sounds of the legendary artist.
Ok, this one warrants more than a day trip, but definitely worth adding to your late summer must-do list. The Cape Cod National Seashore is one of the darkest areas in Massachusetts — and the complete lack of light pollution makes it the ideal place for a night sky featuring layers and layers of stars. Here are the six beaches that make up the CCNS.
Named for the sound of the wind blowing across the sand, beautiful Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea is a great option for stargazing. You can drive to the beach in just under an hour — but public transportation is also available. If you arrive early, check out the historic bathhouse (that was built in the 1920s) and visit the snack stand.
Just over an hour (give or take, depending on traffic) from Boston is Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, a premier spot to take in the stars. The Wachusett Mountain summit, which you can drive to, offers breathtaking 360-degree views. Try to fit in a quick trip to the neighboring Petersham State Forest, a great destination for nighttime photography.
