The 5 Best Places to Stargaze in Florida
Words and Photographs by Anthony Sleiman
Even though light pollution is an increasing issue all over the world, we can still find some dark places in Florida to stargaze. Many of them are not as far from the city as some people think.
Here are the five best places to stargaze in Florida.
Everglades National Park
Located in Homestead, FL, just one hour away from Miami, Everglades National Park is my favorite place in the world! The stars are visible even from the park’s entrance, the subjects are unlimited, and the deeper you go into the park, the darker it gets. In this place, you will also get to experience how alive and magical the Everglades are at night.
Big Cypress National Preserve
One of the two designated dark sky locations by the International Dark Sky Association in Florida, the Milky Way shines really bright here! If you are an adventurer at heart and love to explore, this place will be a great spot for you. Just don’t forget your mosquito repellent.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
This is one of the darkest places in Florida, and the International Dark Sky Association has designated it a dark sky location. Just like Big Cypress, the Milky Galaxy shines really bright in this park, making it the perfect location for a stargazing camping trip.
More: Heat, Stars, and Unforgettable Moments at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Dry Tortugas National Park
This park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, making it one of the most remote and least visited national parks in the country. But it offers an amazing stargazing experience due to its location far from light pollution.
Ocala National Forest
This forest, located in Central Florida, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal location for stargazing and observing the Milky Way.
Anthony Sleiman is a South Florida-based landscape, nightscape, outdoor, timelapse, and travel photographer. See more of Anthony’s work and learn about his photography tours and workshops at www.anthsleiman.com.
