Whilst winter’s approaching and days are getting shorter, it’s not all doom and gloom as there are many amazing activities you can experience only after dark. From night skiing in Japan to witnessing skyline views of Hollywood, we look at ten of the best things to do when clocks go back.
Stargazing adventures
- Joshua Tree National Park, Greater Palm Springs, California
An hour’s drive outside of Greater Palm Springs’ nine cities is International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree National Park. One of the best spots in the world for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts, the park is a place of rugged beauty, home to a diverse ecosystem with grand rock formations and the striking desert plant which gave the park its name. Due to warm temperatures and year round sun, the park is home to many nocturnal animals and offers an incredible after dark experience for tourists too. There are numerous tour operators and hotels which offer stargazing as a bookable experience, such as a stargazing tour with Sky Watchers or the Camp’d Out Joshua Tree Experience with La Quinta Resort & Club. www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
- Tuolumne Meadows, Tuolumne County, California
Tuolumne County is an adventurer’s dream come true for all things outdoors, including stargazing. Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is a quiet part of the park with wide-open spaces perfect for a clear view of renowned meteor showers. Watch as glorious sunsets fade and the Milky Way come into view, lighting up the night sky. Book a tour with a professional guide to get the most of your time in the great outdoors. www.visittuolumne.com
- Goto Islands, Kyushu, Japan
Lying roughly 62 miles off the coast of Kyushu in the East China Sea, the Goto Islands’ location makes it an incredible spot for some serious stargazing. The largest of these islands is Fukue, which is home to the Onidake Observatory. Visitors can get a close up view of the night sky through their 60-centimetre Newtonian reflecting telescope. www.visit-kyushu.com/en
- Dark Sky Reserves, Colorado
Home to eight International Dark Sky Parks and five International Dark Sky Communities, Colorado prides itself on diminishing sky pollution in as many areas as possible. Aiming to provide vast starry nights and a nocturnal environment for scientific, natural and public enjoyment, the preserves welcome a rare experience that not many destinations obtain. Recently, Colorado’s self-guided stargazing tour added new experiences in destinations including Gunnison, Ridgway and Nucla, Naturita and Norwood. www.colorado.com
- Alki Beach, Seattle, Washington
In close proximity to stunning mountains and beautiful waterways, Seattle is a perfect spot to see the stars. With limited light pollution due to its closeness to Elliott Bay, Alki Beach in West Seattle offers spectacular views of the northern sky. Recognised as one of the city’s best beaches, Alki Beach offers the opportunity to stargaze whilst enjoying the solitude of the soft golden sands – a true bucket list experience. Visitseattle.org
Night time spectacles
- Night skiing in Hokkaido, Japan
Internationally renowned Hanazono Niseko resort has newly opened night skiing routes, making the return of ski trips in Japan this 22/23 winter season even more exciting. Located in northernmost Hokkaido, Niseko is known for its powder and being one of the most popular ski destinations in the world offering something for everyone. The resort’s new night routes will be accommodated with extended hours to its shuttle bus service and bar opening hours to accommodate late night adventurers and bring longer days of skiing. www.japan.travel/en/uk/
- Bruce Munro’s Light at Sensorio in SLO CAL, California
Coming alive at night, Light at Sensorio features two captivating solar-powered installations by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. Field of Light, Munro’s largest artwork to date, is a 15-acre walk-through experience which lights up the rolling hills of Paso Robles wine country with more than 58,800 colourful stemmed spheres. The latest installation, Light Towers, features 69 towers made up of more than 17,000 wine bottles, with glowing optic fibres that shift colour in time to inspiring music. Tickets cost £45 for an adult and £25 for a child. www.slocal.com
- Rooftop culture in West Hollywood, California
With year round warm weather and skyline views not to be missed, West Hollywood is the go to place for rooftop drinks and late night bites. Sit atop the L.P. rooftop with a cocktail in hand whilst enjoying stunning views of the bustling city below. The venue’s rooftop is also home to Melrose Rooftop Theatre for late night screenings year round. Another rooftop space with incredible LA skyline views is atop the sustainable 1 Hotel West Hollywood, Harriet’s Rooftop. With a seasonal menu and herbaceous cocktails on offer, it’s easy to spend hours enjoying happy hours and resident DJs. www.visitwesthollywood.com
- Urban Lights exhibition in LA, California
Located at the Wilshire Boulevard entrance to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Chris Burden’s Urban Light sculpture features 202 vintage street lamps, neatly positioned in several rows. Night is the best time to visit this glowing sculpture and since its 2008 installation, Urban Light has been visited by many and widely photographed and shared on social media. Director Ivan Reitman was one of the first filmmakers to incorporate the public artwork in a motion picture, using the location for a scene in his film No Strings Attached. www.visitcalifornia.com
- City views at Monterey Bay, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Offering stunning views of the Pittsburgh skyline and serving fine dining seafood cuisine, Monterey Bay is one of the best locations to witness the city light up at night. Located on the top of Mount Washington, diners can see the sky change from blue to sunset, before the night sky welcomes views of bright lights and skyscrapers, as well as unparalleled views of Pittsburgh’s popular sports stadiums. After dinner, visitors can take the historic Duquesne Incline down and see the city in all its glory. visitpittsburgh.com
