10 Enchanting Ways To Experience The Magic Of Florida After Dark
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Victoria W
Author
Even though we’re known as The Sunshine State, there’s plenty to see here, even after dark. If you want to do some stargazing, these are the best places in Florida to try it out:
The International Dark Sky Association named this state park in Central Florida our state's first official Dark Sky Park. Of course, all of our state parks close at sundown, so if you want to stargaze here, you can either reserve a camping spot or an astronomy viewing pad by calling the park.
The Nature Coast is a great escape from the hustle and bustle (and bright lights) of the big city. This island fishing village has some of the darkest night skies in the state.
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The Winter Sky Party, the largest annual event of the Southern Cross Astronomical Society is held right here on this island in the Keys in February. Hundreds of stargazers attend this event at the Girl Scout Campground, bringing their telescopes and some even staying overnight for the best views.
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Not only does this park have some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, it's also one of the best places to capture the night sky. Just look at this shot of the Milky Way, high above the trees. Next time you go camping here, make sure you bring a telescope.
This island paradise is a haven for sea turtles, which is why they request minimal lighting near the beach from May through October. Local laws have also kept the shoreline free of high-rises and light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing.
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It has a reputation for being the wildest part of our state, so it shouldn't be surprising that the Everglades is the perfect place to gaze into the night sky.
The Escambia Amateur Astronomers Association, a group of amateur astronomy enthusiasts in Northwest Florida, provides several free or affordable telescopes for in this area.
On the rooftop public observatory of this educational planetarium, visitors can view planets, stars, and more directly through the observatory's 24-inch-diameter telescope.
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The Santa Fe Canoe Outposts offers full moon kayak trips, departing from High Springs. During the school seasons, UF's Astronomy Department offers free, public open houses on Friday night in Gainesville.
This iconic pier that reaches 700 feet out over the Gulf of Mexico is rumored to be the best place in town to view a sky full of stars.
If you want to meet up with fellow star-lovers, this amateur astronomy group is the ideal place to practice your passion.
Have you seen the stars at any of these magical nighttime destinations? What’s your favorite place in Florida to look at the night sky?
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