The Perseids Are Back Over Southern California

There’s something awe-inspiring about watching the sky burst to life. Every summer, the Perseids return, showering the heavens with light so pretty it will stop you in your tracks! Visible from July 17 to August 23, these meteors are brightest during their August 11–13 climax, offering a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

This meteor shower happens when fragments from Comet Swift-Tuttle blaze through Earth’s atmosphere, creating fiery trails that arc across the starscape. No telescope required, just clear skies, a cozy seat, and a bit of patience.

Southern California offers spectacular backdrops for the show:

• 🌠 Malibu Creek State Park –  Nestled just outside Los Angeles, this park offers wide-open skies and minimal light pollution once night falls, all without straying far from the city. 

• 🌠 Mount Pinos –  Sitting over 8,000 feet above sea level, it’s a top choice for stargazers thanks to its altitude, darker skies, and cool mountain air. 

• 🌠 Death Valley National Park –  As the lowest elevation in North America and one of the darkest places in the U.S., it's ideal for stargazing, just be cautious of intense summer heat during the day. 

• 🌠 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park –  With miles of remote desert and designated stargazing areas, this quiet location is perfect for those seeking solitude and clear views. 

• 🌠 Joshua Tree National Park –  Designated an International Dark Sky Park, it pairs surreal rock formations with brilliant night skies that feel otherworldly. 

Did you know? 

These meteors travel at over 130,000 mph, and the name "Perseids" comes from the constellation Perseus, where they appear to originate.

This season, trade screen time for starlight, you’ll be glad you did. Gather loved ones, bring warm layers, and turn the experience into a memory. Tag us in your photos if you manage to catch a glimpse of the iconic Perseids meteor shower!