Best Places Near OC To Watch The Geminid Meteor Shower
A highly-anticipated event, the slow-moving Geminid meteor shower will light up the skies on December 13th, 2015 and December 14th, 2015. The meteors might be visible a few days before or after those peak dates, though. Generated by the asteroid 3200 Phaeton, the meteors appear to originate in the constellation Gemini, which gives them their name. The experts at the Griffith Observatory recommend traveling to campgrounds or wilderness areas with open patches of dark sky. When you are ready to watch the show, grab a jacket and folding chair before heading to these spots in or near Orange County. Because it closes at 10pm, the Griffith Observatory itself is not an ideal place to watch the meteor shower.
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
East Santiago Canyon Road
Silverado, CA 92676
www.letsgooutside.org
Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015 from 7pm to 9pm
The Irvine Ranch is offering a great opportunity to watch the Geminid Meteor Shower. For two hours in the Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, relax under the stars as certified guides and volunteers point out constellations as the meteors streak overhead. This family-friendly activity is geared for visitors who are 12 years old or older. December evenings in the canyon are cool, so dress warmly and bring blankets and chairs if you like. Space is limited, so make sure to sign up on the "Let's Go Outside" website above.
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
33401 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 923-2210
www.ocparks.com
The Geminid meteor shower kicks into high gear after midnight on its peak days, but some viewing locations shut down after dark. A camping trip to Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park offers more time to watch the meteors, however. If you plan to go during the peak Geminid Meteor days, make an online reservation to secure a camping spot. With over 8,000 acres to choose from, you are sure find a quiet, dark spot to set up chairs and watch the Geminids. Due to the ongoing California drought, showers are not available at the park.
Crescent Bay In Laguna Beach
N. Coast Highway and Crescent Bay Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-3311
www.lagunapages.com
A few years ago, natural history writer Chris Clarke documented 65 stargazing locations in Southern California. For the 2015 Geminid Meteor Shower, one of those spots, Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach, is an excellent observation point. Parking near Crescent Bay is available only on the right side of the street. Additional parking can be found on Fairview Street or Cliff Drive, but keep in mind these are residential areas. As always, dress warmly, find a good spot and look towards the sky on those peak Geminid days.
Related: Best Places For Stargazing Near OC
Orange County Great Park
6990 Marine Way
Irvine, CA 92618
(866) 829-3829
www.ocgp.org
Though the Great Park Balloon sometimes dominates the sky, Irvine also offers great views of the Geminid Meteor Shower. On Dec. 13, a day of expected high meteor activity, the park is open until 10 p.m., providing several hours to watch the sky. In the past, the Orange County Great Park has hosted stargazing events, so check with the Visitor's Center for the best spots to set up chairs and cameras if you bring them.
Holy Jim Falls Trailhead
31171 - 31199 Trabuco Canyon Road
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
(909) 736-1811
www.fs.usda.gov
As writer Chris Clarke pointed out a few years ago, the Holy Jim Falls trailhead and the parking area are good spots to watch the sky. When setting up, make sure to find a good open space away from light sources that would interfere with meteor watching (and make sure to dim the screen of your smartphone, too). Holy Jim Falls is part of the Cleveland National Forest, so you may have to buy an Adventure Pass in order to park.
Related: Best National Parks Near OC