Looking up at the stars alone can be pretty relaxing, but sharing these moments with a special someone can make memories of a lifetime. This is why they typically make for great dates.
You might be able to look up at the night sky anywhere, but some places give a much more substantial view than others.
What is to follow are some of the best stargazing date ideas that will be sure to go down well.
From simple to relatively time-consuming, you’ll be able to find something on the list below that suits you and your date.
Stargazing Date Ideas
Grill Under The Stars
As the sun sets and dinner comes around, it’s always a great idea to light up the grill and spend some time in the backyard.
You and your loved one can watch the sunset as the stars appear one by one while relaxing with a delicious meal, secluded from the rest of the world.
As dinner starts to wind down, you can rest together in your favorite outdoor chairs and look up at the night sky.
You’ll have better luck if you live outside the city, but nevertheless, you’ll still get a stellar look at some of the most prominent stars that are viewable from Earth.
This is a great date idea as you can do it from home, and it doesn’t incur too many expenses outside of the food itself.
Grilling in the backyard is a tradition for many people, and there are many ways you can make it romantic for your partner. You can even cozy up on the grass with a thin blanket and maybe even share a little wine together.
Regardless of your preferences, this is a date idea that can be exercised at any time, and it gives you a reason to spend hours in the backyard on a warm summer night.
Visit An Observatory
Across the United States and other parts of the world, large observatories are posted up at high points in natural locations. Not only do these observatories gather tons of data on our stars and beyond, but a majority of them welcome visits from the public for tours.
It’s common to have to pay for entry, but you and your partner could get the chance to look through some of the world’s largest telescopes.
This will give you a detailed view of the stars and many other amazing celestial objects. You might have to make travel plans if there isn’t an observatory near you, but it’ll be worth every minute, and you’ll never forget the experience.
In many cases, observatories give you the option of a variety of telescopes that can reach far into the universe. There’s usually the option of either group tours, or you can pay a little extra to make a private visit with your special person.
Aside from the stargazing, the people who work there will be full of interesting knowledge about the night sky and will give you plenty of tips on what to look for when using their telescopes.
This is a date idea that’s bound to bring plenty of wonder to anyone, and you’ll always be fond of the journey you took along the way.
Download A Stargazing App
Most people ponder at the stars aimlessly, and although that offers plenty of satisfaction, it always helps to know what you’re looking at. In our current age of technology, you can find many apps that help you learn about our solar system and the whole of the universe.
From constellations unique stars, planets, and many other celestial objects, these apps can help you learn about the many wonders our sky has to offer.
You can share these memorable moments with your loved one from anywhere, and you don’t need to be able to see every single object for the app to detect its location.
Full of fun information, data points, and new discoveries, stargazing apps are always fun to use.
Get the most out of the experience by sourcing unique stars in the sky above you, and if you want to get the best view possible, visit a more rural area so you can see more of what outer space has to offer.
What makes stars hard to see is the natural light that cities produce, and once you remove yourself from that environment, the night sky looks entirely different.
There are quite a few stargazing apps to choose from, but it’s evident that some are better than others.
One of the most popular for most people is the SkyView app, which provides an immense amount of detail about the night sky, giving you every data point you might need to learn about a vast range of celestial objects.
It’s guaranteed to give you and your partner hours of fun, no matter where you are.
Take A Telescope Outside City Limits
Nowadays, portable telescopes come with all kinds of cool features, and they’re only becoming more affordable over time.
You can get a decent telescope that offers a substantial range for just a few hundred dollars and can last for a lifetime with proper care.
You and your partner can take a portable telescope somewhere outside of the city to get a better view of what the evening sky is known for.
The farther you get from the city lights, the more stars will start to show themselves. If you find an ever more rural area, it’s even possible to see the milky way in all its glory.
Once you have your telescope set up, make sure to have a few comfortable chairs with you, and feel free to aim it at anything that catches your interest.
Most portable telescopes come with a great pivot, and those with more advanced features can even track specific objects in the sky, so you don’t have to put in so much manual work.
Read more: Best Monocular Telescopes For Stargazing [Top Picks & Buyers Guide]
It’s an outstanding way to pass the time with your partner out in nature and share what you find with each other until it’s time to go home.
You can also use your telescope in conjunction with stargazing apps to help track certain objects or find specific stars and constellations.
Even if there are only a few stars in the sky, based on your location, getting a closer look at them through a portable telescope is an amazing experience.
Though, you may want to consider a pair of astronomy binoculars too/instead of; these are very versatile and can work just as well if not better in some circumstances.
Read more: Telescope or Binoculars For Stargazing [How To Decide]
Go Camping
Even if you live in a populated city, it isn’t too difficult to get away for a while and spend some time outdoors. Not only does camping offer a nice change of pace in routine, but there are plenty of fun activities you can enjoy over a campfire.
Of course, you’ll also have a tent with you, and if it has a mesh top, you can make it as cozy as possible on the inside so you and your partner can relax under the stars in safety.
Enjoy the silence of the woods after dinner over the campfire, and spend time together looking at the stars with all of your favorite pillows and blankets.
Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, and enjoy each other’s company in solitude among what nature has to offer.
Camping also gives you plenty of destinations to choose from. You can either choose something close to home or make a little vacation out of it by choosing something a bit more distant.
Although there are many natural parks and camping sites you can choose from, one of the most popular is the Grand Canyon in the U.S.
Campsites near the Grand Canyon are so removed from light pollution that you can literally view thousands of stars cramped together, among the wonderful colors the Milkyway is known for.
You don’t need a massive list of equipment for a successful camping trip, as essentials will easily get you by while you spend time pondering at the stars with your loved one.
What Makes a Good Stargazing Date?
A good stargazing date is one that is relaxed, interesting, and conversation-generating. Most importantly, you see lots of stars!
The best part about stargazing dates is that you don’t need much to have a great time.
Although I have given you quite a range of date ideas under the stars above, you can have a great time with just a blanket on the ground, warm summer air, and your favorite person.
Stargazing dates are always a good time, whether it’s a first date idea or a favorite pastime for long-term partners.
The perfect recipe for a good stargazing date is great weather, your loved one, and any other comforts you might need.
If you want to add on the comfort, you can throw in some snacks, pull up a star gazing app, and even bring a personal telescope to get the best view possible.
Of course, everyone has different preferences, but the suggestions listed here come with a decent range of suggestions for you and your partner to enjoy.
Whether you live out in the country or live in a major city, you always have access to a gorgeous night sky full of celestial objects.
For the most memorable experience during a stargazing date, choosing a more rural area is always best so you can see as many stars as possible alongside other celestial wonders you’d never see within city limits.
When To Go For A Stargazing Date?
Although you can go for a stargazing date on essentially any night, there are optimal times of the year that provide the best possible view. Autumn and spring are popular seasons for stargazing due to the weather, and it’ll also benefit if you choose to do it before or after every new moon.
Believe it or not, the bright light from the moon can actually dwindle some of your viewing experience, so it’s best to avoid nights that carry a new moon.
Summer’s weather may seem like the most ideal, but due to common weather conditions, it’s actually not the best option.
It’s understandable if you aren’t exactly picky, but if you’re planning for a special outing, there are many times of the year that provide the best view you could possibly find.
It may be a bit too cold in some areas, but winter is also great for stargazing due to clear skies and the evening lasting longer than other seasons.
However, don’t let these suggestions convince you to delay your stargazing date, as the night sky looks beautiful in its own way, no matter the day or season.
Of course, it’s in your best interest to pick a night with clear skies and moderate weather, as clouds, rain, or snow can obstruct your view entirely.
Considering the vast number of climates across the world, the best time for a stargazing date may change for different locations.
However, no matter where you live, the stars will always be there when you’re ready to plan that date for you and your partner.
Read more: When Is The Best Time To Go Stargazing? [For The Best Views]
Things To Take On a Stargazing Date
You want to make sure you have the comforts you need, such as comfortable chairs, blankets, and a handful of snacks to hold you over throughout the evening. Apparatus to view the stars can be an added bonus if you have some already or are willing to invest.
What you take all depends on personal preferences, but there’s plenty you can bring with you to enhance the experience you share with your loved one.
If you’re posted up in your backyard, there’s nothing wrong with sharing a bottle of wine or even a home-cooked meal.
Maybe you’re looking to get a closer look at the stars, and in that case, you’ll want a portable telescope that’s built for the job.
Whether you use it or not, it’s always a good idea to download a trusted stargazing app on your phone, as it’ll answer any question you might have about what you find in the sky.
You can make your stargazing date as simple or as complicated as you want.
Considering your stargazing date could last quite a while, it’s always best to have any creature comfort you might need.
If you’re getting out of the city for a bit, it’s essential you take enough water with you, especially if you’ll be out in the wilderness.
Stargazing dates are fun no matter how old you are, and it can be a new tradition for you and your partner to share as you go through life together, creating memories along the way.
Hey, my name is Jeremy. I’m a passionate and seasoned astronomer who loves nothing more than observing the night sky. I also love researching, learning, and writing all things Space and the Universe. I created Astronomy Scope to share my knowledge, experience, suggestions, and recommendations of what I have learned along the way while helping anyone to get into and maximize their enjoyment of the hobby.
