local ambassador favorite

Stargazing Nights at Pensacola Beach

Casino Beach Pavilion, Gulf Breeze, FL, USA

Begins at sunset

$

swim

Calling all astronomers! Join a group for stargazing at Pensacola Beach.

Stargazing group gatherings are held on the first quarter moon weekend, beginning at sunset at Casino Beach. More than 20 telescopes of all strengths and size, are set up by volunteers for the public to view the stars and planets as seen from Pensacola Beach. You can also bring your own equipment for viewing. Compare notes and converse with others who have common interests, or just enjoy the views while listening to the waves along the shore. 

Discover the greatness of the night sky on beautiful Pensacola Beach while viewing stars or the planets. The Escambia Amateur Astronomers’ Association hosts this free star-gazing experience at the Gulfside Pavilion and at Ft. Picken’s Battery Worth parking lot. Days to attend are Friday and Saturday at the Gulfside Pavilion or on Friday at Battery Worth parking lot at Ft. Pickens.

Stargazing groups gather and begin viewing right around sunset. Of course, this time will vary throughout the summer based on daylight hours.

The Pensacola Visitor's center posted 2022 stargazing dates at Casino Beach as follows, with time approximate for sunset:

 May 6 & 7 – from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

June 3 & 4 – from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

August 5 & 6 – from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

September 2 & 3 – from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sept 30 & Oct 1 – from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

After stargazing with friends, take a stroll along the coast or stop by a local restaurant for a snack. My kids love to bring a flashlight and walk along the beach looking for crabs that come out at night. 

Features

Good for All Ages Admission Free Star viewing Outdoor Activities Beach Seasonal Great Views
Thoughtfully captured by:
Michelle Morgan
Michelle was born in Ohio, but after studying in Australia for a year, she longed for a sunny beach climate. She has traveled to 23 countries and throughout the U.S., however her home for the last 25 years has been in Pensacola, FL. Michelle is a licensed private pilot who enjoys four-wheeler riding, boating, hiking, extreme couponing, cooking, and dining at ethnic restaurants. She has a master's from the University of West Florida and works as an Instructional Designer. Her volunteerism includes a program lead for a virtual middle school book club through her employer’s school partnership program. She currently lives on 23 acres with her husband and 6-year-old son who jointly care for their (very large) vegetable and herb gardens. Her family donates any over-abundance of produce to a local church who prepares meals for the homeless. Michelle’s family also includes three adult children (one set of twins) and three grandchildren. She can be found most weekends working on their property or out on a family adventure with one or more kids in tow!
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