To see out of that window, you must go to a place that’s dark enough. But don’t worry – we've got you covered. Pick a clear day, bundle up and bring a thermos because these five Southeastern starry views are worth braving the cold for, especially on the truck bed of your Toyota Tacoma or Tundra.
Cheaha Mountain, Alabama
The Cheaha Scenic Overlook is one of the best places to see the sun set – and the stars that come after.
We named Cheaha Mountain one of the best places to go camping with your car – but as it turns out, it’s also one of the best places to go stargazing in Alabama.
Cheaha is Alabama’s highest mountain. If you spend a few days camping, be sure to check out the north Group Camping Area. Its open field is one of the best places to check out the purple, blue and misty green stars – but it’s not your only option.
Take your Toyota on Alabama 281, otherwise known as the Talladega Scenic Drive, until you’re a mile north of Adams Gap. You’ll see a large pull-over area where you can park your car and get an eyeful of the stars. Another great stop is at the Cheaha Scenic Overlook, which offers a fantastic view of the Talladega Mountains and the bright night sky. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see a shooting star or two.
St. George Island, Florida
The beach at St. George gives you a front-seat view of the stars, uninhibited by light pollution.
St. George Island is on “Florida’s Forgotten Coast,” nicknamed due to its status as the last untouched strip on the Gulf Coast. But this lack of malls and million-dollar houses means it’s free of light pollution and full of stars.
Right over the ocean and the island’s trees, stars sprawl out against the sky in colors like pink and blue. An observation deck built by volunteers edges out over the water, giving you an even better view. You can even regularly see planets like Jupiter and Saturn.
To stay at St. George Island past sunset, you need to camp there or sign up for an after-hours permit. But the sight is the best of its kind in the region, so it’s worth it. There’s even a bridge straight to the island, meaning you don’t have to ferry your vehicle across.
Brasstown Bald, Georgia
Brasstown Bald gives you a stunning view of the surrounding mountains as well as the stars above.
Standing at over 4,700 feet above sea level, Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia – and it’s also one of the best places to see the stars in the entire state.
Its height helps, but its sights have more to do with the fact that it sits in the middle of a three-city triangle: Clayton, Helen and Hiawassee. This geographic location means that Brasstown Bald is in a dark spot, perfect for seeing the stars. While the Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center closes by 5 p.m. every night, staff turn the lights off and leave the parking lot open for curious stargazers like you.
Deep Gap, North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs straight through Deep Gap – and it turns out it’s also a roadway to the stars.
Deep Gap is the home to Appalachian State University’s Deep Sky Observatory, a research facility for astrophysics – and you hardly have to guess the reason why.
Sandwiched in a valley of the light-blocking Blue Ridge Mountains, Deep Gap offers a stunning view of the stars. One spiraling arm of the Milky Way cuts across the sky, bedazzled in purple and blue. The surrounding mountains provide a frame for the sight but don’t obscure it, unlike other places in the state. One of the easiest ways to get a glimpse is to drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop on the side of the road when you find a spot you like.
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
The beach boardwalk at Isle of Palms provides a great way to get a closer look at the night sky.
Isle of Palms is a quaint little coastal town in South Carolina with less than 4,000 people. That’s why their stars remain a secret to everyone but the locals – and why it’s dark enough at night to produce stunning views of the Milky Way.
Isle of Palms offers 7 miles of untouched beach that you can access through 57 different public beach paths. While you can’t drive your car on the beach, you can park near it and walk out at night to see the stars. There’s even a boardwalk leading down to the beach by Ocean Boulevard that makes it look like you’re strolling right into the middle of the universe.
It’s looking like the stars and your car are a perfect match
With your Toyota, there’s nowhere you can’t go – and the stars are waiting for you. If you aren’t close to any of these sites, check out a dark sky locator to find a space near you with no light pollution. Astronomy guide apps like Night Sky, SkyView and Google Sky can also be your best friend, helping you identify constellations and planets with ease.
And if you’re looking for the perfect stargazing vehicle, don’t forget to look at your local Toyota dealership to find the model that’s right for you!