Best Milky Way Tours: Our Top 5

1.The Night Sky Star Story, Galaxy, and Sedona Story Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 243 reviews · 2 hours 5 minutes (approx.) · from $100Our pick

Meet guide Chad at 77 Cultural Park Place for a two-hour Sedona night-sky program built around naked-eye astronomy, Greek myths, local Indigenous star associations, and lively storytelling. You’ll use a laser pointer, planisphere, Play-Doh Milky Way, and other visuals while seated under the sky. Blankets and hand warmers are supplied.

“This was an excellent tour. Lots of good information about stars and astronomy. Guide was very good and made the experience unforgettable. His explanation of the fast and slow movement of the stars was easy to follow and allowed me to understand that aspect of astronomy better than I have before. Best souvenir was the 280 million year old rock.”

Check dates →Read our full review

2.Stargazing and Milky Way Portrait in Capitol Reef National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $160

Meet Mel and Jenny near Torrey for a private, one-hour night-sky outing near Capitol Reef. They explain constellations, adjust the timing if clouds block the Milky Way, and photograph you beneath the stars. Pickup is available in Torrey and Teasdale, and the digital portrait is included unless you choose stargazing only.

“It was so cool! Starting with little to no knowledge of stars, it was awesome learning so much in such a short time! The guide was amazing! So Knowledgeable, nice and funny! Would do this tour again!”

Check dates →Read our full review

3.Milky Way Photography Workshop in Acadia National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 5 days (approx.) · from $2,500Top rated

Join Christopher of Wildscape Adventure for a small-group Acadia workshop built around night skies and coastal scenery. You’ll practice single exposures, stacking, focus stacking, time-lapse work, PhotoPills planning, and Lightroom and Photoshop editing at Jordan Pond, Otter Cliff, Sand Beach, Bubble Pond, and Eagle Lake.

“Christopher is an amazing (and patient) instructor. The classroom and field work flowed very well. Absolutely worth the investment!!!!”

Check dates →Read our full review

4.Mount Bromo Milky Way Photography and Sunrise Private Tour (1D1N)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $169

Leave Surabaya at 7 p.m. in a private air-conditioned vehicle, then spend the night around Mount Bromo watching for clear Milky Way skies. After sunrise, hike to the crater and visit Madakaripura Waterfall if you choose. Your English or Bahasa-speaking guide, private Bromo jeep, water, snacks, and door-to-door transfers are included. Entrance fees for Madakaripura are extra.

“Pickup was on time, transit was overall comfortable and reliable, the driver even escorted us to the train station when we depart to make sure we are at the right station. We went in early July and could see the galaxy extremely clearly (guide told us we were lucky to haRead more”

Check dates →Read our full review

5.Milky Way Photography in Arches National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $275

Join Colin Young and, when available, Geremy for a three-and-a-half-hour night photography trip in Arches National Park. You’ll learn camera settings, work at least two dark-sky locations, and photograph the Milky Way with a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Pickup is offered, and groups are limited to four people.

“I have never taken a photo tour before and really didn’t know what to expect. The Rock Light Photo Tour in Moabe, Arches was incredible. I really didn’t know my camera, but Colin sent an instruction sheet before the tour so we could set our cameras up before night. It helped to have some of the settings started. Colin and Jeremy knew how to help with my camera, and I got some great shots of the Milky Way. Thanks, Colin, for your help, great trip.”

Check dates →Read our full review