Stargazing Near Washington

Best National Parks for Stargazing Near Washington, DC

National parks near Washington, DC ranked by stargazing quality, with drive times and distances.

Updated

Day Trip (Under 2.5 hours)

A man stands with his back facing us, looking at a waterfall.

Shenandoah

VA

Comfortable

107 mi -- about 1.9 hr drive

Extended Drive (5+ hours)

Two people stand at the edge of a gray rock cliff; in the distance, sunset and trees in fall colors.

Cuyahoga Valley

OH

Moderate Crowds

376 mi -- about 6.8 hr drive

bridge spanning the river

New River Gorge & Preserve

WV

Busy

294 mi -- about 5.3 hr drive