In an urban environment like D.C., it’s hard to catch a glimpse of cosmic curiosities like the green comet expected to be visible in this part of the world this week, the Milky Way, or just your favorite constellation. But there are some spots in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs that experts say offer up some great views, and several places also host special events for all your stargazing needs. Looking to see the stars in D.C. proper? Scroll to the bottom for a few alternative ways to check out the night sky.

Observatory Park at Turner Farm: Located in Great Falls, Virginia, Turner Farm is about a 30-minute drive from D.C. The grounds are usually only open from dawn to dusk, but they extend those hours to the public for astronomy events, typically on Friday nights, hosted by the Analemma Society. There aren’t any special events listed for the green comet, but an $8 telescope observing class for beginners is being offered Wednesday night. (925 Springvale Road, Great Falls, Virginia; FREE)

Cunningham Falls State Park: Located in Maryland, about an hour and a half drive from D.C., during the winter months, the state park’s Manor Area Campground is open for campsite reservations overnight — including some this week!  (14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, Maryland; campsite fees vary)

Sky Meadows State Park: The park is about a little over an hour’s drive from D.C. and typically closes at dusk. However, the park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park and has monthly astronomy programs. If you’re up for a camping trip, you can reserve a campsite or cabin to stay overnight. (11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, Virginia; parking fees range from $5-$10)

George Mason University Observatory: The observatory on George Mason’s campus and is about a 40-minute drive from D.C. They have special events, like their Evening Under the Stars programs and designated public access hours. Their next public hour is this Thursday at 6:30 p.m., and their next Evening Under the Stars is Feb. 7. (Research Hall, 10401 York River Road, Fairfax; FREE)

C.M. Crockett Park: Located a little over an hour from D.C. in Fauquier County, Virginia, the park closes at dusk but astronomy groups like the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) host special stargazing events in the area. (10066 Rogues Road, Midland, Virginia; FREE)

Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area: The Lorton, Virginia park has a wide open field only about 30 minutes away from D.C.’s city lights. Although the area closes at dusk, staff don’t actively discourage night gazers. (10406 Gunston Road, Lorton; FREE)

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal: The 180-plus-mile canal stretching along the Potomac River runs through lots of less-developed and undeveloped land away from city lights. Harper’s Ferry is over an hour’s drive from D.C. and offers an isolated area to view the night sky with less light pollution. (Various locations, fees vary; Harper’s Ferry, 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, $20 parking fee)

Shenandoah National Park: This national park is about two hours away from D.C., but regularly hosts astronomy events, including their Night Sky Festival in August. The park itself is open in the winter, but some sections may close due to inclement weather. (3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, Virginia; single-vehicle entry pass is $30)

Lost River State Park: If you’re open to an overnight trip, this West Virginia state park offers more than just clearer skies. In addition to multiple trails and horseback riding, the grounds have museums, archery, tennis, and more to pass the time during the day before gazing at the stars at night. The park is over two hours away by car. West Virginia also offers Watoga State Park, Calvin Price State Forest, and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, all of which have been designated as Dark Sky Parks by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). (321 Park Drive, Mathias, West Virginia; campsite and cabin fees vary)

Big Schloss Overlook in George Washington National Forest: The George Washington National Forest is about two hours from D.C. The park’s Big Schloss Overlook is in the Wolf Gap Recreation Area and accessible by hiking trail. There are great stargazing opportunities from the overlook and elsewhere in the recreation area — including from the parking lot — if you want to camp overnight. (Wardensville, WV; FREE)

Assateague Island: This island on Maryland’s Atlantic coast is infamous for its horses, but the minimal light pollution makes it an excellent stargazing location, especially if you’re willing to camp overnight. It’s one of the furthest options, requiring an almost three-hour trip by car. (6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, Maryland; Entrance fees vary but $25 for a 7-day vehicle pass)

Bonus Suggestions/Honorable Mentions

National Air and Space Albert Einstein Planetarium: You won’t be gazing at the actual night sky, but you can see different movies dedicated to exploring the stars  — including one narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson — at this planetarium at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. (6th Street and Independence Avenue SW, FREE but timed tickets required)

Rock Creek Park Planetarium: Located in the Nature Center, Rock Creek Park’s Planetarium shows different ranger-led star films in the theater. (5200 Glover Road SW, FREE)

The David M. Brown Planetarium in Arlington: Don’t want to drive all the way out to get your astrological fix? The newly reopened planetarium — which just celebrated its reopening Jan. 28 — may not offer the perfect stargazing views but will have programs returning in 2023 including events and shows in the planetarium. (1426 N. Quincy St., Arlington)

Correction: An earlier version of this story mischaracterized the access to Seneca Creek State Park. It is closed at dusk and does not have campsites.