From the San Gabriel Mountains to the South Bay, here’s where to escape L.A.’s light pollution and catch the show

Two celestial events will unfold Wednesday: the Perseid meteor shower will peak over Los Angeles, while Europe will experience its first total solar eclipse since 1999. The timing also coincides with a new moon, creating some of the best meteor-viewing conditions in years for Angelenos.

Widely considered the year’s best meteor shower, the Perseids peak annually in mid-August. Last year’s peak occurred under an 84% full moon, but this year’s new moon will provide much darker skies and significantly better visibility.

The Perseids are known for producing bright fireballs, larger bursts of light and color, making them linger longer than the average meteor. At peak activity, NASA estimates the shower can produce between 50 and 100 meteors per hour and is expected to be most active from the evening of Aug. 12 into the early morning hours of Aug. 13. 

While Griffith Observatory may be the first choice for many residents, the observatory is urging people to stay away. “Because Griffith Observatory is surrounded by urban light glow, Griffith Park and the Observatory are not recommended as meteor shower observing locations,” its website reads.

For those hoping to catch the best display, head beyond Los Angeles. Here is a list of stargazing spots within a short drive of the city.

Mandeville Canyon

The closest location on the list, Mandeville Canyon offers higher elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains but is heavily residential with narrow roads and is still impacted by urban light glow. This makes it a sub-optimal viewing spot compared to truly dark-sky locations, but will work in a pinch for those looking to stay close to home. 

Vetter Mountain Lookout

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This 5,900-foot lookout, listed in the National Historic Lookout Register, offers panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains and is reachable via a 5-mile round-trip hike. The stargazing site is approximately a one-hour and 15-minute drive from downtown. Aside from being an optimal viewing location, the lookout also holds a lot of history, having been originally built in 1937 and rebuilt in 2020 following the 2009 Station Fire. 

Musch Trail Camp

Musch Trail Camp is ideal for Westside locals, located in Topanga State Park and only a 45-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles. The small campground is equipped with picnic tables and restrooms for visitors. For those looking to stay the night, the area is not reservable and camping sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the small fee of $7 per person. 

Laguna Beach

South Bay coast lovers who don’t want to venture too far from the sea can head south to Laguna Beach’s Top of the World lookout point. However, check the weather before heading out, as coastal marine layers and light pollution can limit visibility.

Along the Angeles Crest Highway

If a hike is not possible or there’s no time to plan, a drive along the Angeles Crest Highway is an excellent way to seek out a lookout spot. Also known as California State Route 2, the strip of road is a scenic 66-mile mountain highway that winds through the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains. The best lookout spots along the road include Red Box-Chilao, Mount Wilson Red Box viewpoint and Inspiration Point.

Mount Pinos

If the plan is to call out of work the following morning and a longer drive is doable, Mount Pinos is located in the Los Padres National Forest and will offer the darkest viewing spot of the list. McGill Campground and Chula Vista Walk-In Campground are great areas to set up for the night, offering campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who do not wish to stay the night can pull over in Mount Pinos parking lots.