McDonald Observatory Tours

Things to do near McDonald Observatory

At McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including stargazing at one of the best dark-sky locations in the U.S. Don’t miss the park visitation opportunities, explore the nearby botanical garden, or relax at McKinney Park. A visit to the observatory itself is a must for astronomy enthusiasts, offering fascinating tours and programs to learn about the universe.

Food and drinks

For a delightful dining experience near McDonald Observatory, visit the Stardate Café for a casual bite or the dining room at the visitor center for a more filling meal. Don't miss Château Wright Winery, just 10 miles away, for a taste of local wines in a romantic setting.

Find the best attractions near McDonald Observatory

Visiting McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas, offers a blend of culture and outdoor adventures. Explore the enchanting Davis Mountains and the renowned astronomical observatory, or dive into local history at the nearby historic fort and museum. For a romantic getaway, don't miss the breathtaking landscapes of Big Bend National Park, making this destination perfect for travelers seeking unique experiences in nature and history.

• Davis Mountains State Park: Just 8 miles from McDonald Observatory, this park offers stunning mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. Experience outdoor adventures like camping and stargazing under the clear Texas skies.
• Fort Davis National Historic Site: Located 10 miles away, this historic fort showcases the rich cultural heritage of the American West. Explore restored buildings, learn about military history, and enjoy guided tours that bring the past to life.
• Overland Trail Museum: Also 10 miles from the observatory, this museum highlights the area's history, including Native American and pioneer life. Discover exhibits that celebrate the cultural significance of the Overland Trail.

Best time to go to McDonald Observatory

Visitor numbers around McDonald Observatory is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit McDonald Observatory can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around McDonald Observatory falls in June, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around McDonald Observatory falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	44.4°F (6.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	49.5°F (9.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
March	57.0°F (13.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	64.2°F (17.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	71.2°F (21.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	78.3°F (25.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	77.5°F (25.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
September	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	52.7°F (11.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	46.2°F (7.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for McDonald Observatory

To save money on your trip to McDonald Observatory, consider visiting in January or August to September when hotel prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help you find the best deals, or you might explore last-minute offers on Expedia. Use their search tool to filter by budget, location, and hotel type, including eco-friendly options. Combining flights and hotel stays through Expedia package deals can yield additional savings. Finally, join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash back on future bookings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around McDonald Observatory are January and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around McDonald Observatory is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at McDonald Observatory with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
• Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.