Dark Skies, Eclipses & Stargazing – Why Sonoma County is Capitalising on the Astro-Tourism Boom

Excitement is building for this summer’s biggest celestial event – the solar eclipse on 12th August – and leading the way for a new crowd of travellers: stargazers, astrophotographers and astrotourists. 

While the world looks outwards, astrotourism is having a moment:
According to the Natural History Museum, only 1 in 20 people enjoy skies clear enough to count more than 30 stars clearly
Booking.com revealed that 62% of travellers express interest in darker-sky destinations and noctourism experiences
Get your Guide reported a 130% increase in UK bookings for stargazing experiences between 2024 and 2026

Despite only being 90 minutes from San Francisco, Sonoma County in California offers astrotourists far more than the world-class vineyards and dramatic coastline for which it is known. The destination’s commitment to preserving its natural night skies paired with the region’s geography, create nocturnal landscapes offering unobstructed views of the Milky Way, deep-sky nebulae and major celestial events. It will also be one of the most impressive locations to watch the annual Perseid Meteor Shower peaking in mid-August.

Below is a selection of some of the best locations, experiences and tips for budding astrotourists in Sonoma County.

Top Stargazing Spots
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park & Robert Ferguson Observatory (Kenwood): Home to the largest public observatory in the western US dedicated to astronomy education. Visitors can view deep-space objects through powerful telescopes,
take part in monthly Public Star Parties including a perseids watch party, or join guided after-dark Full Moon Hikes up Bald Mountain ($10).
Bodega Head (Sonoma Coast): Unlike most state parks that close at dusk, this coastal bluff stays open 24 hours. Visitors can walk the wide cliffside paths and watch the stars directly above the crashing waves.
Lake Sonoma Recreation Area (Geyserville): Tucked deep into the coastal foothills with near-zero light pollution, offering dramatic starlight reflections across the water.
Meyers Grade Road (Jenner): A high-elevation ridge overlook offering wide, 360-degree views facing south and west without tree or building obstructions.

Where to Stay & Stargaze
Timber Cove Resort: Perched on the wild Sonoma coastline, guests can request the resort’s telescope for private stargazing or gather at the open-air communal hearth.
Sea Ranch Lodge: Famous for its mid-century eco-architecture, the remote coastal estate offers dark-sky gatherings with local astronomers, in-room telescopes, and daytime solar viewing events.
Dawn Ranch (Guerneville): Set across 22 ancient redwood acres along the Russian River, this retreat offers private Nighttime Stargazing group sessions led by expert astronomers (from $695/group).
Full Moon Hikes (Sugarloaf Ridge State Park): The Park hosts popular ticketed after-dark treks. Hikers bring a torch and climb a challenging 6.5 miles up Bald Mountain to watch the sun set over Sonoma Valley and the moon rise over the Mayacamas. Tickets start from $10.
Night Sky Adventure (Healdsburg): Astronomer brothers Dan and Bill Gordon host small group telescope viewings at a dedicated dark-sky site and run private star parties for weddings or events.
Wine Tasting Under the Stars: Pair daytime vineyard tours with late-night stargazing at St. Francis Winery in Santa Rosa at a “Dinner & The Dark Sky” event combining multi-course wine pairings with guided telescope tours
on the estate lawn. Prices start from $200 per person.

Neil Martin, Sonoma County resident and Astrophotography Program Manager at Sonoma County’s Robert Ferguson Observatory shares his tips for capturing the beauty of the night sky, with just a smart phone:

Solar Eclipse photography: Use solar viewing glasses and a Solar Filter on lenses to protect eyes and cameras during all phases except totality
Timing the Moon: Shoot deep-space objects during the New Moon phase. For lunar imaging, target waning and waxing phases 3 to 6 hours before sunrise when atmospheric temperature drops.
Phone Apps & Stacking: Use sky-mapping apps to locate constellations and take multiple exposures (including a sharp foreground shot) to stack in post-processing.
Pack for Coastal Drops: Summer night temperatures regularly drop below 10°C (50°F). Pack warm layers, a reliable torch, sturdy boots and a weighted tripod for coastal winds.

The Robert Ferguson Observatory runs virtual and in-person Astrophotography workshops at various points throughout the year. More details can be found here.
For more information about Sonoma County visit www.sonomacounty.com