Looking for an other-wordly experience to kick off spring? View the solar eclipse on April 8th when it casts its magic and watch the moon pass between the sun and earth and completely block the face of the sun. See the sky darken and appear as if it were dawn or dusk. You won’t be watching this phenomenon for another two decades, so we have rounded up some fun spots to experience this event in all its glory.
If you’re lucky enough to reside in its path and plan on viewing the solar eclipse be sure to follow these important guidelines provided by NASA. We curated a list of seven spots for the rest of us who aren’t on its journey but wish to witness the rare event in style.
Hotel Crescent Court
Dallas, Texas
Experience the rare experience of a lifetime as Dallas plays host to an exclusive total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024. Positioned as the largest city in the path of totality, witness a front-row seat as darkness envelops the city during totality with unparalleled vistas from Hotel Crescent Court, located in the heart of Uptown Dallas at approximately 1:40 p.m. Travelers can also make their celestial adventure an unforgettable experience with the “See You on the Dark Side” package, which includes a bespoke welcome amenity, setting the tone for an extraordinary stay, along with complimentary valet parking, and drink vouchers redeemable at the signature lobby bar.
Westgate Branson Missouri
Branson, Missouri
Whether guests want a serene getaway hugging the shores of the sparkling Table Rock Lake or a log cabin-style villa in picturesque Ozark mountains, Westgate Branson Resorts will put you on the direct path to view the solar eclipse starting at 12:35 p.m. CST.. Those looking to experience the eclipse are encouraged to lodge with Westgate’s Branson Lakes Resort and Branson Woods Resort, both of which are offering “Eclipse Watch Party” events that provide Eclipse Glasses, fun themed snacks (Moon Pies, Sunchips, Sunny D/Sunkist drinks) plus games and fun themed music like: Bonnie Tyler – Total Eclipse of the Heart; Smash Mouth – Walkin on the Sun; Sugar Ray – Every Morning; Gravity Four – Chariots of Fire; Death Cab for Cutie – No Sunlight; The Strokes – Under Cover of Darkness; Bill Withers – Ain’t No Sunshine. Each event will be complimentary and begin at noon on April 8.
Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls, New York
Witness the 2024 total solar eclipse in Niagara Falls State Park, which offers prime, unobstructed views within the path of totality. Guests can experience this solar event in tandem with the beauty of the falls between 2-4:40 p.m., with totality occurring at 3:18 p.m. EST for about four minutes. Scientists, experts, and astronauts from NASA will be stationed on-site in Niagara Falls from April 4-8th to host a series of exciting programming activities in preparation for the solar eclipse! All events will be free to the public with a complete schedule available on the official Niagara Falls eclipse landing page. Make it an all-day affair by exploring the falls, then close out this once-in-a-lifetime experience with a spectacular firework display on the evening of April 8th in downtown Niagara Falls.
Bolt Farm Treehouse
Whitwell, Tennessee
Nestled within a sprawling 55-acre expanse on the outskirts of Chattanooga, Bolt Farm Treehouse has the perfect vantage point on an enchanting Tennessee mountaintop to witness a 90% partial solar eclipse this April, with the choice of accommodations from unique treehouses, immersive domes, or reflective mirror cabins. The property will be providing guests with safe viewing glasses and a guide to the solar eclipse. Post-eclipse, travelers can continue the stargazing from their accommodations’ private hot tubs and outdoor decks, or choose to go on a starlit hike on the resort’s 2.5 miles of trails on the mountaintop.
A Solar Stay Package at Smyth Tribeca
New York, New York
Get a front-row seat to this extraordinary cosmic occurrence at amazing places and special events as the total solar eclipse cuts a 124-mile path across the Empire State — from Chautauqua-Allegheny to the majestic Niagara Falls in Greater Niagara, over the pristine Finger Lakes, mighty Adirondacks, and magical Thousand Islands-Seaway. Head to the city after your one-in-a-lifetime experience and book a stay at Smyth Tribeca with their “A Solar Stay Package” between April 7-9, 2024.
The Lytle Park Hotel
Cincinnati, Ohio
Prepare for an extraordinary experience at The Lytle Hotel’s rooftop oasis, the ‘Vista,’ as they anticipate the remarkable 2024 solar eclipse on April 8th. Situated in Cincinnati’s heart, the luxury haven offers an optimal vantage point aligned with the eclipse’s path, ensuring an exceptional viewing opportunity. Delight in specialized eclipse-themed programming. Witness the beauty of the moon’s shadow enveloping the city, a rare occurrence. Secure your spot at The Lytle Hotel’s ‘Vista’ rooftop and immerse yourself in an unforgettable cosmic journey.
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection
Meadow of Dan, Virginia
Boasting the largest private observatory on the East Coast, spend the April 8 Eclipse at Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection. Situated on top of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains on 12,000 acres of untouched wilderness, Primland offers one of the best backdrops to witness 87 percent of the Total Solar Eclipse crossing the country on this day – the last total eclipse to grace the United States in the next twenty years! Enjoy complimentary eclipse-themed treats and pick up your eclipse glasses a half hour before the eclipse begins at 1:56 PM. Stroll in and out of the Telescope Dome anytime during the experience, while the property’s resident astronomy team walks guests through this rare celestial alignment with the moon and sun.
For some more adventure-friendly places to check out this year read our guide to adventure travel for 2024.