Top Spots Near Philadelphia To Watch The Geminid Meteor Shower

December's Geminid meteor shower is one of the most magnificent meteor showers of the year. Peak activity for the Geminids comes Dec. 13- 14, and you don't even need any special equipment to view these celestial fireworks, as this spectacular shower is view-able to the naked eye. When looking for a place to view the Geminids in the Philadelphia area, it's best to get away from the artificial lights and pollution of the city and head out to an open space in the outskirts of the city. Read on for five spots to view the Geminid meteor shower, all of them less than two hours from the city limits.

Valley Forge National Historical Park 
1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 783-1008
www.nps.gov/vafo

Known for its 3,500 rolling acres, Valley Forge National Park is only about half an hour from the city of Philadelphia. This historical park boasts acres of open fields and clear views for meteor watching, and there's plenty of free parking throughout the park. In fact, there are so many spots at this park that are suitable for your stargazing party, your biggest decision will be which section to park in. Be sure to bring a blanket and bundle up, because it will be December, after all.

Brandywine Creek State Park
41 Adams Dam Road
Wilmington, DE 19807
(302) 577-3534
www.destateparks.com/park/brandywine-creek

If you really want to get away from Philly's city lights, head to Delaware. Located just 45 minutes from Philadelphia, Brandywine Creek State Park is another area park with a great environment that's ideal for stargazing. A popular birding site, this park has several open fields near the nature center parking lot. The "Hawk Watch" parking lot is a good place to watch the meteor shower.

Related: Top Spots To View Wildlife Near Philadelphia

Belmont Plateau
Fairmount Park
2000 Belmont Mansion Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19119
www.phila.gov/ParksandRecreation

For Philadelphians who want to stay closer to home, the Belmont Plateau offers a great view of the Philadelphia skyline. Located in Fairmount Park, the plateau is elevated, and it's far enough from the bright lights of the city to see some stargazing activity. Another bonus: There is ample free parking, a rarity anywhere near the city.

Pine Barrens
Southern New Jersey
(609) 894-7300 (NJ Pinelands Commission)
www.pineypower.com

While there is no single address for the New Jersey Pine Barrens, this coastal plain encompasses over a million acres, with its closest point only about an hour from Philadelphia. The rural community of Warren Grove in Stafford Township is a popular destination for meteor watching. Just prepare to do some hiking.

Related: Top Spots For Birdwatching Near Philadelphia

French Creek State Park
843 Park Road
Elverson, PA 19520
(610) 582-9680
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/frenchcreek

This Elverson park is known as an oasis for wildlife, but it also plays host to the occasional "star" party. The park's frozen lake even showcased Geminid meteor streaks that can be seen in spectacular photography posted on Space.com. As with any park setting, you'll want to scout around to find the perfect open pace to view the Geminid meteor shower, but with 7, 730-acres, this Chester County park offers many options.

Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.