West Coast USA Milky Way shooting?

[SquarePeg36 7]

Going to be heading to California in a week or so. Planning to spend a few nights in the Antelope Valley area then meandering up the PCH from SLO to Carmel. Hoping to shoot some astro if we get clear nights. Already planning on the waterfall overlook at Julia Pfeifer Burns, shooting Bixby bridge, and maybe some star trails at that little church in San Simeon. Any other easily accessible spots for MW shooting? Any don’t miss daytime spots? Any restaurant recommendations?

We’ve all driven the PCH before but not with photography as our goal. Excited to be able to “focus” on my favorite pastime!

 

[denum116 141]

Glad to hear you will be visiting us here in the Golden State! Mono Lake is a popular spot to view the Milky Way. On the south side of the lake there is a parking lot which makes for very easy access and setup. I too want to shoot the Bixby bridge. Had plans to go there in December but got rained out. Good luck on your trip and I look forward to seeing any shots you might post.

 

[SquarePeg36 7]

Glad to hear you will be visiting us here in the Golden State! Mono Lake is a popular spot to view the Milky Way. On the south side of the lake there is a parking lot which makes for very easy access and setup. I too want to shoot the Bixby bridge. Had plans to go there in December but got rained out. Good luck on your trip and I look forward to seeing any shots you might post.

Wow, Mono Lake looks amazing! Thanks for the tip. Putting it on my Milky Way bucket list. It’s a bit off of our planned path but I will keep it in my back pocket in case the skies along the coast don’t look like they’re going to be clear enough. We could drive up that way instead. Need to end our trip in SF as that’s where our flight home is out of.

 

[terri33 4]

Wow, Mono Lake looks amazing! Thanks for the tip. Putting it on my Milky Way bucket list. It’s a bit off of our planned path but I will keep it in my back pocket in case the skies along the coast don’t look like they’re going to be clear enough. We could drive up that way instead. Need to end our trip in SF as that’s where our flight home is out of.

Just remember - retirement sucks and you're probably going to be bored!!!!

 

[PhotoHobbyist115 141]

I used to do astronomy in SOCAL. Consider looking up local astronomy clubs in your area and see if they are having "outreach" events for the public. They usually occur at dark sky sites and you'd be welcome to take astro pics. Check the light pollution map to find "gray or blue" dark areas. Here is a link. [light pollution map]

Sunrise makes for amazing shots of the marine layer rolling out to sea if you are at a high elevation east of SF. Interesting phenomenon on west coast is that the incoming marine layer at night can snuff out all the light pollution of coastal cities. That can make an inland dark site even darker for astro pics. Good luck!

 

[PhotoHobbyist115 141]

If you are going to be in the valley a few days it would be a shame if you didn't see some of the Sierras such as Sequoia NP. However, car break-ins were frequent in those touristy areas. That was 30 years ago, and I don't know about today. I wouldn't leave expensive gear in your car unattended. Putting it in a day pack to carry around and you'd look like just another hiker.