Star Party at Santa Margarita Lake Park
2024-11-02 19:00 - 23:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Margarita Lake Park, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA, 93453
Our star parties are open to the public and held on the weekend closest to the new moon (when possible) and in conjunction with certain holidays.
Location:
Our stargazing site is located in the parking lot of the marina and boat launch at Santa Margarita Lake Park (SMLP). The park is approximately 8 miles south of the town of Santa Margarita, off of Pozo Road.
Address: 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA 93453.
Please see their website for more information on the park: slocountyparks.com/camp/santa-margarita-lake/
Arriving at the park:
We highly recommend that you arrive before dark!
Once you arrive at the park entrance kiosk, inform the Ranger that you are a CCAS member arriving for our ”Star Party”. You will be given access at no charge (providing your arrival time is reasonably close to sunset.) Ask for directions or simply proceed straight ahead and down the hill 1/4 mile to where the road flattens out at the very wide marina parking lot entrance. Our star party will be located at the parking lot of the marina and boat launch.
Telescope area:
The telescope area is at the south end of the parking lot beyond the San Luis Rowing Club building.
Telescope operators: Please park vehicles in two rows, ensuring that a clear lane remains open on either side of the equipment & vehicles.
Attendees not setting up telescopes: Please park in the northern half of the parking lot
with headlights facing towards the parking lot exit and away from the telescope zone.
Groups: If you have a group of eight or more people, instead of attending a star party, please consider Contacting Us to arrange a custom outreach event.
Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines:
We ask that everyone adhere to some basic CCAS and SLO County Parks Department guidelines:

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at CCAS stargazing activities
No smoking or vaping in the vicinity of the telescopes. Park rules prohibit smoking within 30 feet of any structure, parked boat, trailer, or RV. Fire danger due to dry vegetation can be extreme. Smoking materials must be completely extinguished and safely disposed of in a proper receptacle.
It is imperative to avoid trip hazards around the telescopes and adjacent areas. Please stow loading ramps and equipment cases inside your vehicle or under tables and tripods. For the safety of your equipment and park visitors, we recommend marking tripod feet with glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark tape or subtle red illumination.
No white lights after dark. Please use only the minimum dim red light necessary for safety or equipment adjustment. Computer screens should be covered with a red filter or completely shielded on all sides within a box-like housing.
Please use laser pointers sparingly. Never point a laser at the ground, a person, or an aircraft. Prolonged use of lasers for pointing at objects in the sky or aiming optical equipment is bad star party etiquette and detracts from the enjoyment of the night sky by others.

**Cancelled**Star Party at Santa Margarita Lake Park
2024-11-30 19:00 - 23:00 | Santa Margarita Lake Park, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA, 93453
This event has been cancelled due to weather.
Our star parties are open to the public and held on the weekend closest to the new moon (when possible) and in conjunction with certain holidays.
Location:
Our stargazing site is located in the parking lot of the marina and boat launch at Santa Margarita Lake Park (SMLP). The park is approximately 8 miles south of the town of Santa Margarita, off of Pozo Road.
Address: 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA 93453.
Please see their website for more information on the park: slocountyparks.com/camp/santa-margarita-lake/
Arriving at the park:
We highly recommend that you arrive before dark!
Once you arrive at the park entrance kiosk, inform the Ranger that you are a CCAS member arriving for our ”Star Party”. You will be given access at no charge (providing your arrival time is reasonably close to sunset.) Ask for directions or simply proceed straight ahead and down the hill 1/4 mile to where the road flattens out at the very wide marina parking lot entrance. Our star party will be located at the parking lot of the marina and boat launch.
Telescope area:
The telescope area is at the south end of the parking lot beyond the San Luis Rowing Club building.
Telescope operators: Please park vehicles in two rows, ensuring that a clear lane remains open on either side of the equipment & vehicles.
Attendees not setting up telescopes: Please park in the northern half of the parking lot
with headlights facing towards the parking lot exit and away from the telescope zone.
Groups: If you have a group of eight or more people, instead of attending a star party, please consider Contacting Us to arrange a custom outreach event.
Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines:
We ask that everyone adhere to some basic CCAS and SLO County Parks Department guidelines:

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at CCAS stargazing activities
No smoking or vaping in the vicinity of the telescopes. Park rules prohibit smoking within 30 feet of any structure, parked boat, trailer, or RV. Fire danger due to dry vegetation can be extreme. Smoking materials must be completely extinguished and safely disposed of in a proper receptacle.
It is imperative to avoid trip hazards around the telescopes and adjacent areas. Please stow loading ramps and equipment cases inside your vehicle or under tables and tripods. For the safety of your equipment and park visitors, we recommend marking tripod feet with glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark tape or subtle red illumination.
No white lights after dark. Please use only the minimum dim red light necessary for safety or equipment adjustment. Computer screens should be covered with a red filter or completely shielded on all sides within a box-like housing.
Please use laser pointers sparingly. Never point a laser at the ground, a person, or an aircraft. Prolonged use of lasers for pointing at objects in the sky or aiming optical equipment is bad star party etiquette and detracts from the enjoyment of the night sky by others.

Star Party - Santa Margarita Lake Park
2025-01-04 17:00 | CA
Our stargazing site is located in the parking lot of the marina and boat launch at Santa Margarita Lake Park (SMLP). The park is approximately 8 miles south of the town of Santa Margarita, off of Pozo Road.
Address: 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA 93453.
Please see their website for more information on the park: slocountyparks.com/camp/santa-margarita-lake/
Arriving at the park:
We highly recommend that you arrive before dark!
Once you arrive at the park entrance kiosk, inform the Ranger that you are a CCAS member arriving for our ”Star Party”. You will be given access at no charge (providing your arrival time is reasonably close to sunset.) Ask for directions or simply proceed straight ahead and down the hill 1/4 mile to where the road flattens out at the very wide marina parking lot entrance. Our star party will be located at the parking lot of the marina and boat launch.
Telescope area:
The telescope area is at the south end of the parking lot beyond the San Luis Rowing Club building.
Telescope operators: Please park vehicles in two rows, ensuring that a clear lane remains open on either side of the equipment & vehicles.
Attendees not setting up telescopes: Please park in the northern half of the parking lot
with headlights facing towards the parking lot exit and away from the telescope zone.
Groups: If you have a group of eight or more people, instead of attending a star party, please consider Contacting Us to arrange a custom outreach event.
Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines:
We ask that everyone adhere to some basic CCAS and SLO County Parks Department guidelines:

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at CCAS stargazing activities
No smoking or vaping in the vicinity of the telescopes. Park rules prohibit smoking within 30 feet of any structure, parked boat, trailer, or RV. Fire danger due to dry vegetation can be extreme. Smoking materials must be completely extinguished and safely disposed of in a proper receptacle.
It is imperative to avoid trip hazards around the telescopes and adjacent areas. Please stow loading ramps and equipment cases inside your vehicle or under tables and tripods. For the safety of your equipment and park visitors, we recommend marking tripod feet with glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark tape or subtle red illumination.
No white lights after dark. Please use only the minimum dim red light necessary for safety or equipment adjustment. Computer screens should be covered with a red filter or completely shielded on all sides within a box-like housing.
Please use laser pointers sparingly. Never point a laser at the ground, a person, or an aircraft. Prolonged use of lasers for pointing at objects in the sky or aiming optical equipment is bad star party etiquette and detracts from the enjoyment of the night sky by others.

**Canceled** Star Party – Santa Margarita Lake Park
2025-02-01 17:30 | Santa Margarita Lake Park, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA, 93453
This event has been canceled due to weather.
Our star parties are open to the public and held on the weekend closest to the new moon (when possible) and in conjunction with certain holidays.
Location:
Our stargazing site is located in the parking lot of the marina and boat launch at Santa Margarita Lake Park (SMLP). The park is approximately 8 miles south of the town of Santa Margarita, off of Pozo Road.
Address: 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA 93453.
Please see their website for more information on the park: slocountyparks.com/camp/santa-margarita-lake/
Arriving at the park:
We highly recommend that you arrive before dark!
Once you arrive at the park entrance kiosk, inform the Ranger that you are a CCAS member arriving for our ”Star Party”. You will be given access at no charge (providing your arrival time is reasonably close to sunset.) Ask for directions or simply proceed straight ahead and down the hill 1/4 mile to where the road flattens out at the very wide marina parking lot entrance. Our star party will be located at the parking lot of the marina and boat launch.
Telescope area:
The telescope area is at the south end of the parking lot beyond the San Luis Rowing Club building.
Telescope operators: Please park vehicles in two rows, ensuring that a clear lane remains open on either side of the equipment & vehicles.
Attendees not setting up telescopes: Please park in the northern half of the parking lot
with headlights facing towards the parking lot exit and away from the telescope zone.
Groups: If you have a group of eight or more people, instead of attending a star party, please consider Contacting Us to arrange a custom outreach event.
Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines:
We ask that everyone adhere to some basic CCAS and SLO County Parks Department guidelines:

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at CCAS stargazing activities
No smoking or vaping in the vicinity of the telescopes. Park rules prohibit smoking within 30 feet of any structure, parked boat, trailer, or RV. Fire danger due to dry vegetation can be extreme. Smoking materials must be completely extinguished and safely disposed of in a proper receptacle.
It is imperative to avoid trip hazards around the telescopes and adjacent areas. Please stow loading ramps and equipment cases inside your vehicle or under tables and tripods. For the safety of your equipment and park visitors, we recommend marking tripod feet with glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark tape or subtle red illumination.
No white lights after dark. Please use only the minimum dim red light necessary for safety or equipment adjustment. Computer screens should be covered with a red filter or completely shielded on all sides within a box-like housing.
Please use laser pointers sparingly. Never point a laser at the ground, a person, or an aircraft. Prolonged use of lasers for pointing at objects in the sky or aiming optical equipment is bad star party etiquette and detracts from the enjoyment of the night sky by others.

**Canceled** Star Party – Santa Margarita Lake Park
2025-03-01 18:00, 2025-03-29 19:00, 2025-04-26 19:30 | Santa Margarita Lake Park, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA, 93453
This event has been canceled due to weather.
Our stargazing site is located in the parking lot of the marina and boat launch at Santa Margarita Lake Park (SMLP). The park is approximately 8 miles south of the town of Santa Margarita, off of Pozo Road.
Address: 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA 93453.
Please see their website for more information on the park: slocountyparks.com/camp/santa-margarita-lake/
Arriving at the park:
We highly recommend that you arrive before dark!
Once you arrive at the park entrance kiosk, inform the Ranger that you are a CCAS member arriving for our ”Star Party”. You will be given access at no charge (providing your arrival time is reasonably close to sunset.) Ask for directions or simply proceed straight ahead and down the hill 1/4 mile to where the road flattens out at the very wide marina parking lot entrance. Our star party will be located at the parking lot of the marina and boat launch.
Telescope area:
The telescope area is at the south end of the parking lot beyond the San Luis Rowing Club building.
Telescope operators: Please park vehicles in two rows, ensuring that a clear lane remains open on either side of the equipment & vehicles.
Attendees not setting up telescopes: Please park in the northern half of the parking lot
with headlights facing towards the parking lot exit and away from the telescope zone.
Groups: If you have a group of eight or more people, instead of attending a star party, please consider Contacting Us to arrange a custom outreach event.
Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines:
We ask that everyone adhere to some basic CCAS and SLO County Parks Department guidelines:

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at CCAS stargazing activities
No smoking or vaping in the vicinity of the telescopes. Park rules prohibit smoking within 30 feet of any structure, parked boat, trailer, or RV. Fire danger due to dry vegetation can be extreme. Smoking materials must be completely extinguished and safely disposed of in a proper receptacle.
It is imperative to avoid trip hazards around the telescopes and adjacent areas. Please stow loading ramps and equipment cases inside your vehicle or under tables and tripods. For the safety of your equipment and park visitors, we recommend marking tripod feet with glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark tape or subtle red illumination.
No white lights after dark. Please use only the minimum dim red light necessary for safety or equipment adjustment. Computer screens should be covered with a red filter or completely shielded on all sides within a box-like housing.
Please use laser pointers sparingly. Never point a laser at the ground, a person, or an aircraft. Prolonged use of lasers for pointing at objects in the sky or aiming optical equipment is bad star party etiquette and detracts from the enjoyment of the night sky by others.

Star Party – Santa Margarita Lake Park
2025-05-24 19:00, 2025-06-28 19:00, 2025-07-26 19:00, 2025-08-23 19:00, 2025-09-20 18:00, 2025-10-18 18:00, 2025-12-13 17:00, 2026-01-17 17:00 and 8 more dates | Santa Margarita Lake Park, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA, 93453

Astronomy Night & Stargazing at the SLO Botanical Gardens on Jan 24th
2026-01-24 17:30 - 20:30 | SLO Botanical Gardens, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo, United States
Join us for an evening of stargazing at the SLO Botanical Garden. Explore the night sky with telescopes and guided viewing hosted by the Central Coast Astronomy Society. We’ll take a close-up look at Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons, the Moon in brilliant detail, and deep-sky objects including Orion’s beautiful M42 Nebula. Whether you’re new to astronomy or a seasoned skywatcher, this is a fun and welcoming event for all ages.
Reservations Required – Click to reserve your spot!

Address: 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Arriving at the park: We highly recommend that you arrive before start time, to allow for time to check out the telescopes, talk with astronomers, and find a good seat for the star show.
Event Details: The evening begins with a live astronomy presentation at 5:30 pm, where we will take you on a guided tour of the night sky and preview the objects we will be observing. At 6:00 pm, we head outside to the telescope area for hands-on viewing, with stargazing continuing until 8:30 pm. Our friendly astronomers will bring telescopes, you may bring binoculars and your sense of wonder.
Because the star tour sets the stage for the whole experience, we strongly encourage guests to arrive on time. The presentation helps you know what to look for and makes the telescope viewing far more meaningful. Tickets are required for this event, and space is limited. This program is rain or shine. Even if clouds roll in, we will have engaging indoor activities, demonstrations, and astronomy exploration for all ages. Whether the skies are clear or not, you will learn something new and enjoy an evening immersed in the wonders of the universe.
Reservations Required – Click to reserve your spot!

Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines:
We ask that everyone adhere to basic stargazing guidelines:

No white lights after dark. Please use only the minimum red light.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at stargazing activities
No smoking or vaping in the vicinity of the telescopes.
Wear good shoes, we’ll be walking around in the dark on a grassy field.
Do not bring laser pointers if you’re not operating a telescope. Prolonged use of lasers for pointing at objects in the sky is bad star party etiquette and detracts from the enjoyment of the night sky by others.

Star Party – Santa Margarita Lake Park CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
2026-02-21 17:00 | Santa Margarita Lake Park, 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA, 93453
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Our stargazing site is located in the parking lot of the marina and boat launch at Santa Margarita Lake Park (SMLP). The park is approximately 8 miles south of the town of Santa Margarita, off of Pozo Road.
Address: 4695 Santa Margarita Lake Road, Santa Margarita, CA 93453.
Please see their website for more information on the park: slocountyparks.com/camp/santa-margarita-lake/
Arriving at the park:
We highly recommend that you arrive before dark!
Once you arrive at the park entrance kiosk, inform the Ranger that you are a CCAS member arriving for our ”Star Party”. You will be given access at no charge (providing your arrival time is reasonably close to sunset.) Ask for directions or simply proceed straight ahead and down the hill 1/4 mile to where the road flattens out at the very wide marina parking lot entrance. Our star party will be located at the parking lot of the marina and boat launch.
Telescope area:
The telescope area is at the south end of the parking lot beyond the San Luis Rowing Club building.
Telescope operators: Please park vehicles in two rows, ensuring that a clear lane remains open on either side of the equipment & vehicles.
Attendees not setting up telescopes: Please park in the northern half of the parking lot
with headlights facing towards the parking lot exit and away from the telescope zone.
Groups: If you have a group of eight or more people, instead of attending a star party, please consider Contacting Us to arrange a custom outreach event.
Star Party Etiquette and Guidelines:
We ask that everyone adhere to some basic CCAS and SLO County Parks Department guidelines:

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at CCAS stargazing activities
No smoking or vaping in the vicinity of the telescopes. Park rules prohibit smoking within 30 feet of any structure, parked boat, trailer, or RV. Fire danger due to dry vegetation can be extreme. Smoking materials must be completely extinguished and safely disposed of in a proper receptacle.
It is imperative to avoid trip hazards around the telescopes and adjacent areas. Please stow loading ramps and equipment cases inside your vehicle or under tables and tripods. For the safety of your equipment and park visitors, we recommend marking tripod feet with glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark tape or subtle red illumination.
No white lights after dark. Please use only the minimum dim red light necessary for safety or equipment adjustment. Computer screens should be covered with a red filter or completely shielded on all sides within a box-like housing.
Please use laser pointers sparingly. Never point a laser at the ground, a person, or an aircraft. Prolonged use of lasers for pointing at objects in the sky or aiming optical equipment is bad star party etiquette and detracts from the enjoyment of the night sky by others.
