Borrego Springs
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
The first certified International Dark Sky Community in California and the second in the world, certified in 2009. The small desert town sits at the center of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and operates under a comprehensive lighting ordinance that covers public streets, businesses, and homes. The result is a town where you can walk outside at night and immediately see the Milky Way. The surrounding park provides a natural buffer from outside light pollution. Borrego Springs hosts astronomy events year-round including the annual Borrego Springs Star Party. It is one of the few places in Southern California where a genuinely dark sky is within a two-hour drive of San Diego.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
Some links in this section are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby in USA
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
California's largest state park. Silver Tier desert darkness.
Arches National Park
Gold Tier certified: sandstone arches make iconic Milky Way foregrounds.
Big Bend National Park
The darkest national park in the lower 48 and the first certified dark sky park in Texas.