The Great North American Eclipse will make its appearance on April 8, 2024. The line of totality will dart across the United States from Texas to Maine, allowing a good portion of the country to experience this event to some degree. Every destination on our list will experience totality, meaning the Moon will be completely blocking the Sun for a handful of minutes varying as the eclipse’s path goes on.
The area on the map where totality is the longest will be in Mexico, so Texas will experience the longest duration. This makes Texas the best place for viewing—and that’s exactly where our list starts!
Just a disclaimer: if you are traveling to or will already be in any region that will experience the eclipse, please remember to get yourself some glasses meant for the occasion. They’re easy to find and are relatively inexpensive, so order them now before you forget!
Waco, TX
April brings sunny, spring days to Waco, Texas, with an average high of 77 degrees—sign us up! Sitting pretty centrally in the state, Waco is easy to access, being less than a two-hour drive from Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, and has its own airport that’s about 15 minutes away from downtown. For our friends who are fans of home renovation shows, the Magnolia brand has become a big presence in the city, with Chip and Joanna’s Silos probably already on your radar. As popular as this design-savvy couple has made Waco, the city offers plenty of other activities and landmarks such as the Cameron Park Zoo, Waco Mammoth National Monument, Dr Pepper Museum, and more!
This Texas city is almost smack dab on the line of totality and will experience 4 minutes and 13 seconds of darkness. To celebrate, Waco will hold a family-friendly festival featuring telescopes, educational activities and programs, food trucks, and more fun activities. Hear from astronomers, participate in a 5K and fun run, and listen to an entire weekend full of live music at various venues around Waco.
For more information, click here.
Hot Springs, AR
Within the Ouachita Mountains, the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, as well as Hot Springs National Park make up a popular destination for those seeking rest and relaxation, as well as those with an adventurous spirit. With plenty of outdoor activities to fill your days, the hot springs themselves are oftentimes what draws most of the region’s visitors. Exploring hiking trails, finding ways to enjoy the nearby waterways, and learning more about the city’s storied past all are best done when the weather is warmer, making spring a great time to visit before the summer crowds settle in.
The Hot Springs National Park will be one of two national parks included on the eclipse’s path, with totality lasting 3 minutes and 37 seconds. Hot Springs has only been in a Total Solar Eclipse twice before this year, so the city is gearing up for a big celebration. There will be many events and activities scheduled as early as April 5th that will lead up to the 8th, with lots of parks and popular spots around town like the Mid-America Science Museum, Oaklawn, and Garvan Woodland Gardens hosting.
For a full list of events, click here.
Bloomington, IN
Home of Indiana University, one of the oldest state universities in the United States, Bloomington welcomes thinkers, dreamers, and adventurers alike. With Monroe Lake and the Hoosier National Forest nearby, those who love the outdoors will love this region. With top-rated golf courses, kid-friendly activities, and an endless list of delicious restaurants foodies won’t want to miss, Bloomington is a great weekend getaway, especially in the spring!
Bloomington is almost on the eclipse’s path of totality, and those viewing from the city’s downtown area will experience 4 minutes and 2 seconds of darkness. University City is very excited about this, calling the celebration “the largest tourism event in Indiana history.” On their official 2024 Solar Eclipse page, you’ll find maps, safety tips, and of course a full list of viewing events on April 8th.
Erie, PA
Pennsylvania’s only Great Lakes Port City, Erie is popular for its waterfront and Presque Isle Bay. Restaurants with picturesque views, attractions lining the water’s edge like the Erie Maritime Museum and Bicentennial Tower, as well as plenty of chances to get out on the water itself. Scenic cruises and tours aboard boats, canoes, paddleboards, and more are popular activities in the warmer months. Erie’s arts and entertainment scene is unique and always offers galleries, performances, and live music, just check the calendar!
Over Ohio, the eclipse’s path of totality crosses into Lake Erie, so the city of Erie is not only the largest city in Pennsylvania that’ll experience the eclipse, but it’ll be the closest. In addition to handing out glasses for the event (first come, first served), there will be many different related events and viewing parties hosted throughout town. Click here for a full list of events.
Niagara Falls, USA
Have you been looking for a reason to finally book that bucket list trip to Niagara Falls? The most powerful waterfall in the world attracts over 22 million visitors per year—that’s if you combine numbers from both Ontario and New York. To see the waterfall up close on a guided tour is always a must, but people are often surprised to learn that Niagara Falls State Park offers 400 acres of protected wildlife and trails to discover. Outdoor festivals and events are abundant in the warmer months and the wineries in the region offer an impressive selection of whites and reds.
What happens when you mix two natural wonders together? An incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plan to see the eclipse at Niagara Falls and you’ll be able to see more than 3 minutes and 31 seconds of the eclipse’s totality. Just like the other destinations on our list, this location is gearing up for the big event and offers plenty of themed events and activities like a Solar Stroll at the Falls, specialty dinners, and the 75-minute production, Phantoms of the Opera Hall: an Eclipse Event. For a full list of events and activities, click here.
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