Boston's Best

Best Places To Go Star And Moon Gazing Near Boston

July 18, 2015 / 6:00 AM EDT / CBS Boston

Whether you want to bring a telescope or a set of binoculars, or you just want to enjoy a night under the stars, there are quite a few places that offer amazing views of the night sky near Boston. Naturally, you would want to get as far away from the city lights as possible to really take advantage of the show that is put on every night (which you see best when it's clear), but not everyone wants to travel a couple of hours. Below, you will find some perfect locations that should easily fill your desire to star and moon gaze without involving any significant amounts of travel.

Larz Anderson Park
15 Newton St.
Brookline, MA 02445
www.brooklinerec.com

The 64-acre park is the largest in Brookline. While many people go here to see great views of the city, it's also a wonderful place to check out the sky. There are lots of grassy areas where you can put a blanket down and gaze up, seeing much of the night sky on a clear night. The park is open to the public from April through October. For the best view, you should head to the Top of the Hill, the highest point. The area can fit about 150 people (it's also a prime spot for watching fireworks).

Millennium Park
300 Gardner St.
West Roxbury, MA 02132
(617) 635-4505
www.newtonconservations.org

Acquired in 1999, this 100-acre park is a great place to go star and moon gazing, and is right outside of the city. Although it used to be a landfill, Millennium Park has been completely covered by dirt and has become a popular area for people to walk, play, picnic and canoe. There are plenty of spaces that offer views of the night sky.

World's End
Martins Lane
Hingham, MA 02043
(781) 740-7233
www.thetrustees.org

To really get an experience away from city lights, you'll want to travel about 20 miles away from the city. This "slice of heaven" is 251 acres of picturesque landscapes. Go here at night (they close the park after sunset, so you'll have to park outside) and you won't be disappointed. The area was slated to become residential several times, but The Trustees were able to preserve the space so the public can continue to enjoy it.

Arnold Arboretum
125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02131
(617) 524-1718
www.arboretum.harvard.edu

While you might not think that The Arboretum would be a good place to check out the night sky, there are a couple of locations that aren't completely covered by trees. For the best view of the sky, you'll want to head to the top of Peter's Hill. It's a great spot during the daytime as well.

Boston Harbor Islands
15 State St.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 223-8666
www.bostonhardborislands.org

This is one of the best areas to go star and moon gazing near Boston, but it's fifth on the list because it's a bit more involved than a night out with a blanket. You will actually want to pack a tent and a sleeping bag and spend the night on Lovells, Peddocks or Grape and Bumpkin Island (you can find ferry information at the website listed above). Keep in mind that these locations are very rustic — there is no electricity — which makes it pretty ideal for checking out the night sky.

Boston-based writer Effie Orfanides keeps up with all of the latest happenings in her city. She loves eating at Boston's hotspots, having drinks at the trendiest bars, and enjoying all that Boston has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.