Noctourism: Chasing Moonlight
It’s hard to beat the magic of the moonlight. It sets the mood for mystery, romance, excitement. No wonder folks suddenly can’t seem to get enough of it and are seeking celestial experiences. Noctourism — travel to dark-sky destinations — is trending. It’s defined by after-dark adventures, from stargazing and cool nighttime tours in nature, to rooftop dinners, evening walks in zoos and beyond.
A recent Booking.com survey highlights the growing demand for the dark. Nearly two-thirds of those polled said they are considering noctourism by visiting dark-sky destinations, with 72% looking for star-bathing experiences, and more than half seeking once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events like a total eclipse — there’s one in August 2026 — or the aurora borealis. According to the survey, concerns about climate change are also fueling the trend as people are shifting their activities to nighttime to avoid rising daytime temperatures, and some said they would book accommodations without lights to encourage less light pollution and preserve flora and fauna.
Stephanie Webb, a travel guide at See Sight Tours, says noctourism isn’t just a trend. “It’s a whole different lens to experience travel. Whether it’s paddling under the stars in Austin or chasing ghost stories in Savannah, night brings a calm, almost sacred energy to travel. An after-dark experience might become the most memorable part of your trip.”
As someone who loves night crawling, she offers a couple of pointers, “Many of these tours sell out because they’re limited or seasonal, (so) book in advance,” she says. “Bring a tripod or low-light camera, especially for stargazing or city skyline shots. Your phone might not do it justice.”
One of her favorite spots is Boston’s Freedom Trail nighttime lantern-light tour. “You hear the same stories, but somehow, they hit differently under the stars,” she says.
Here are a few other prime spots for a noctourism adventure.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission
195 New Karner Road, Albany
Take a self-guided night hike, do a scavenger hunt or book a guided night walk with one of the preserve’s educators. Enjoy a Night at the Discovery Center event with interactive exhibits, games, storytelling and more.
“Through our evening Science Lecture Series, we engage people in scientific thinking and environmental stewardship,” says Wendy Craney, communications director. “Lectures are presented by local scientists and the preserve’s own expert staff and feature a wide variety of topics from tiger beetles to wild turkeys, to climate research.”
Landis Arboretum
174 Lape Road, Esperance
There’s no party like a “Star Party.” Dudley Observatory, the New York State Parks and Albany Area Amateur Astronomers host Star Parties in the Landis Arboretum to view nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, planets and more. Telescopes are provided. You might want to also bring binoculars. The Landis Arboretum also hosts Full Moon Night Walks.
Letchworth State Park
1 Letchworth State Park, Castile
This gem in is called “the Grand Canyon of the east.” For great dark sky views, head to Upper Falls, Inspiration Point or Archery Field overlook. Camping is available.
Beaver Meadow Nature Preserve
1610 Welch Road, North Java
Make your way toward Buffalo for this nature preserve that’s ideal for watching the moon rise over Beaver Pond or listening to the sounds of nature at night. The Buffalo Astronomical Association’s dark-sky observatory is open to the public the first Saturday of each month from April to October. Stay overnight in a Beaver Meadow cabin to elevate the experience.
Storm King Art Center
1 Museum Road, North Windsor
This open-air museum occasionally hosts nighttime events. Take in art and nature from sunset through moonrise during a special guided event with Storm King educators and an astronomer.
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
You can find special evening events at this Bronx institution, like “Starry Nights” on select nights during the Van Gogh’s Flowers exhibition with music, performers, drinks, food and after-dark Van Gogh-themed drone shows — New York City’s first at a cultural institution.
Wolf Conservation Center
7 Buck Run, South Salem
For an unforgettable experience closer to home, there’s the “Sleeping with Wolves” program. Camp under the stars alongside wild wolves roaming nearby. Expert guides will tell you all about wolf behavior and conservation and you’ll be able to hear the wolves howling in the distance.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
45 E. 42nd St., New York
Stargaze atop this New York City landmark, some 1,100 feet above the bustling streets. You’re high enough to get views of Saturn, Jupiter, meteor showers and more. New York Astronomy Nights with the Amateur Astronomers Association wow with experts who’ll show you constellations, planets and other celestial delights.
Sterling Nature Center
160 Genesee St., Auburn
Located in upstate New York at Cayuga County’s northern tip along Lake Ontario you’ll find the Sterling Nature Center. There are two miles of shoreline with minimal light pollution. There are special Full Moon Walks, comet viewings and night photography hikes.
Rail Explorers, Catskills division
70 Lower High St., Phoenicia
How cool is a moonlit ride on a rail bike, where you sit side by side on pedal-powered carts that wind their way along historic tracks? Rail Explorers offers a ride you’ll never forget through the Catskills, through forests and over bridges with LED lights along the path.
The Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa
378 Main St., Aurora
This collection of historic estates along Cayuga Lake encourages guests to experience all things celestial. You can borrow telescopes, stargazing kits and self-directed guides from the site’s lending libraries. One favorite is the Sunset Hike, which includes a guided adventure, campfire, stargazing from an overlook platform and, of course, s’mores.
