Where to Watch the Sunset and See the Stars in the Bay Area
Once in a blue moon, meteor showers, super moons, and shooting stars pay us earthlings a quick visit. Whether you're into the astrological significance (hey, Age of Aquarius), you're a space aficionado, or you just want to get starry-eyed, call up your friends or that special someone you've been meaning to take out on a date and get to a sweet vantage point to check it out.
Oh, and you know the drill: Bring your mask. Stay 6ft apart. Be a nice human and enjoy the stars.
SAN FRANCISCO
Bernal Heights Park (3400-3416 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110)
Get to the peak of Bernal Hill and you'll be rewarded with a 360 view of the Bay Area. You'll have the best seat in the house for whatever astronomical phenomena, meteor shower, or super moon is coming our way.
Twin Peaks (501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114)
This is an iconic viewpoint you should have visited when you first came to the Bay. If you haven't gone, what are you still behind the computer for? Take a date, take your mom, go on your own... just go!
Mission Dolores Park (Dolores St &, 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94114)
Dolores Park is one of the most popular parks in San Francisco and is the perfect place to get cuddled up and get a good view of the sky (day or night). Bring a blanket, a few snacks, your boo, and your doggo, too.
Tank Hill (Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114)
SF's little secret sitting right below Twin Peaks is faster to get to and if you're lucky, sometimes there's a rope swing you can hop on while watching dusk turn into dawn.
EAST BAY
Chabot Space and Science Center (10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619)
UPDATE: TEMPORARILY CLOSED - In the Redwoods Regional Park of Oakland, you can visit The Chabot Space and Science Center. The average visitor is there for 3-5 hours, so clear out your schedule and go experience their large full-dome planetarium.
Grizzly Peak (Old Fish Ranch Rd, Berkeley, CA 94704)
No need to follow that specific address! Much of Berkeley Hills will offer a good viewpoint for the skies and the stars.
San Leandro Marina (14001 Monarch Bay Dr, San Leandro, CA 94577)
This is the perfect place to bring your mini-cooler, sandwiches, and drinks to wine-down. The San Leandro Marina is so peaceful with a view of the sky (of course), but also the water!
Indian Rock Park (950 Indian Rock Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707)
Indian Rock Park is nestled up in the Berkeley Hills, so you'll def be at higher ground and closer to the sky. You also get a full panoramic view of the Bay along with a little climbing action. But no worries, the stairs are also a good option.
NORTH BAY
Hawk Hill (Conzelman Rd, San Francisco, CA 94965)
There's probably a story behind how Hawk Hill got its name. We don't know it. But the photo above, taken at this trail, tells us it's pretty appropriate.
Robert Ferguson Observatory (2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452)
The RFO is Northern California's most active public observatory and it's highly recommended to bring warm clothing. Get ready to stargaze and get some stars in your eyes.
Balloons Above The Valley (603 California Blvd, Napa, CA 94559)
If you're trying to impress that special someone, this is where it's at. Book a ticket, take flight in a hot air balloon, and see the sky from way up high.
SOUTH BAY + PENINSULA
Lick Observatory (7281 Mt Hamilton Rd, Mt Hamilton, CA 95140)
UPDATE: TEMPORARILY CLOSED - Either the Lick Observatory or any peak around Mount Hamilton should offer a sick view of the sky. It's a win-win.
Maisie's Peak (Coyote Ridge Trl, Saratoga, CA 95070)
This baby has an elevation of 1,100 feet. Our guess is that at that point, you can just touch the moon from there. (Not joking, 100 percent serious.)
Communications Hill Grand Staircase (399 Mullinix Way, San Jose, CA 95136)
When people aren't working out up and down the stairs and high schoolers aren't taking prom pictures, this spot is great for stargazing. The only thing is, you'll have to keep it down since it's in a residential area, but no biggie, the stars will leave you speechless.
Sierra Road (Sierra Rd, San Jose, CA)
Also known as a hidden gem, Sierra Road is definitely where you're gonna want to take your first date. And we all know from high school that first dates in the Bay consist of a good view spot and look of the sky.
Luckily, the Bay Area is full of places you can go to see the sky in style. Keep in mind that these are just cool spots to visit in general, regardless of whatever's falling from the sky.
