Dark Sky Parks
Big Cypress National Preserve
Ochopee, FloridaBortle 2 Best in Winter
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
Big Cypress was the first National Preserve in the United States to earn Dark Sky Park status and the first National Park Service unit east of Colorado to receive the designation. Located in the cypress swamps of southwest Florida about 45 miles west of Miami, it holds some of the darkest skies in the entire eastern United States. Top stargazing spots include Birdon Road, Loop Road, and Monroe Station along the Tamiami Trail. NPS astronomy programs run December through March during the dry season.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
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