Dark skies, bright stars, and nature are what stargazing is all about. Laying under a starscaped sky transports you into an otherworldly moment in time. Canopy at Citrus Park shares our favorite spots to experience this firsthand – just don’t forget the bug spray.

East Beach

Head an hour South to Tampa’s farthest point along the bay and you’ll get a jaw-dropping oceanfront view of a starry night sky. East Beach is the perfect spot for laying out on this white sand beach while you look up at the stars. Park in the large lot right off of Anderson Blvd. and walk over to the shoreline.

Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area

This stargazing spot requires a bit of a drive, but a 2 hour trip to this sightseeing destination is well worth it. This management area is full of Florida wildlife, peaceful waterways, hiking trails, dirt traveling roads, and even an observation deck. Looking for a weekend getaway? Camp out here and have back-to-back stargazing opportunities.

Linda Pedersen Park

The Dawn Observation Tower is the star (get it?) of the show at this outdoor gazing destination. With just an hour drive North, you’ll arrive upon a wooden tower lookout point surrounded by moving waterways, tropical Florida foliage, and stunning night skies. Linda Pedersen Park closes at 8pm, so if you’re exploring around the observation tower, your best bet is to park across the street.

Looking to find the best spots for limited light pollution? Check out this awesome virtual map. For more fun things to see and do around Canopy at Citrus Park, make your way over to our blog page.