Perseids Meter Shower is back and is set to be even more spectular than ever. With more than 200 meteors per hour lighting up the night sky, you won't want to miss it. Perseids peaks in the wee hours of Friday morning, Aug. 12. So to get the best look, you'll want to pull an all-nighter and head out of San Francisco. Here are some of the best Bay Area spots to watch far from city lights.
Chabot Space & Science Center
Weather and light permitting, the Chabot Space and Science Center's opens its observatory to the public every Friday and Saturday night. But for Perseids, Chabot is welcoming space geeks to the center from 1am to 4am this Friday morning to watch the amazingness that is Perseids. Take a nap after work. // 10000 Skyline Blvd. (Oakland), chabotspace.org
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Marin Headlands Trail, Hawk Hill
Get a front row seat to the Perseids in the Marin Headlands at Hawk Hill. It's recommended that you either trail or drive up to the tallest point to watch the shower peak over the sky. Make sure to bring a jacket and something warm to drink as it may get a little chilly up there! // Hawk Hill, Conzelman Rd. (Sausalito), parksconservancy.org
Mines Road, Livermore
Livermore might not top your list of Bay Area destinations—which is exactly why its perfect for watching a meteor shower unobstructed by city lights. The long, open Mines Road, just off of Tesla Road, leads up the hill—after about 10 minutes, you're likely to see people setting up their telescopes. This wide open space is great for beautiful views and out of this world stargazing— no city lights for miles. // Mines Rd & Tesla Rd, (Livermore); for a map and more info, check out this story on sfgate.com.
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Skegg's Point, El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve
South Bay wilderness lovers will love themselves some Skegg's Point, located in El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve, just west of Menlo Park. Here, undeniably scenic views make for a favorite photo spot, but come nightfall, you better have a pro camera if you hope to capture Perseids. Picnic tables just beg for a late dinner beneath the smattering of stars. // El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve, (South Bay), openspace.org
Lands End and Point Lobos, San Francisco
In the northwestern corner of San Francisco's Golden Gate National Recreational Area sits two geological gems: the higher-elevations at Point Lobos and the ocean-end-vistas at Land's End. Each is perfect for stargazing. San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers occasionally host an amateur's star-watching night at both locations, but its BYO binoculars and telescope. // 680 Point Lobos Ave, (SF), parksconservancy.org
Sibley Volcanic National Reserve
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting, light-pollution-free spot in the Bay Area than Sibley Volcanic National Reserve. Now, this one's a hike, so be sure to lace-up your boots, fill your water canteens, and enjoy the light show above from acres upon acres of open space. // Skyline Blvd. (Oakland), ebparks.org
Want to watch Perseids from the comfort of your own home? Watch it here.
