Everything You Need To Know About The Total Solar Eclipse Visible Above The U.S. This April

When it comes to a once-in-a-lifetime event, nothing beats a total solar eclipse over America. Typically, this phenomenon happens every 100 years for many locations.

The upcoming Great North American Eclipse of 2024, occurring on April 8, 2024, will truly be one of the biggest celestial events of our lifetime. Certainly, you’ll want to be part of this grand spectacle, right? With the celestial phenomena passing over several states in America, it’s best to find the most ideal location in the path of totality. And with so many viewing options, finding the perfect destination could become a daunting task. Luckily, OnlyInYourState has done the leg work and has put together a list of 14 of the best places to see the 2024 total solar eclipse.

If you’re up for more of an adventurous viewing experience, we’re partnering with AllTrails to share the best hiking trails where you can witness the total solar eclipse for yourself, from Texas all the way north to Maine.

francis grenier/AllTrails

If you live in one of the prime viewing spots, expect extra traffic in your area for a few days before and perhaps after the eclipse.

When To See The Total Solar Eclipse 2024?

On Monday, April 8, 2024, the eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean, with Mexico’s Pacific coast experiencing totality at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT. The eclipse will then travel across Mexico and enter America at the southwest Texas border. From there, it will sweep across the states and up into Canada and will then dissipate. From start to end, the entire event will last about two and a half hours, but totality will only last for about 90 seconds to about 4 minutes 28 seconds depending on your viewing location. You’ll want to be as close to the path of totality for the ultimate experience.

Check out this incredible YouTube video by Great American Eclipse showing the path of the eclipse as it casts its shadow over Mexico, America, and Canada.

Where To See The Total Solar Eclipse 2024?

If having the best seat in the house to witness the upcoming 2024 solar eclipse is important to you, then you’ll be lucky if you live in one of the 13 states that are in the path of totality. Those states include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Additionally, small portions of surrounding states like Tennessee and Michigan will also witness the totality of the eclipse. Of course, provinces in Canada and states in Mexico are in the path of totality, too. There are some incredible vacation spots within the path, each offering its own vantage points and local festivities. But before we get started on where to go, let’s get some logistics out of the way:

NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio - Beth Anthony, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Glad you asked. I'll try to explain this cosmic show in the easiest way possible. The path of totality is the area where the full eclipse can be witnessed. For the upcoming event, the path will stretch for over 4,000 miles from northwest Mexico through the U.S. to portions of southeastern Canada. Additionally, the path will be approximately 100 miles wide, so you'll need to be within the exact areas for the best seat in the house.

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Moreover, there will be a shadow cast over the earth, transitioning the surface from day to night. If you're in the path of totality, you might experience a sudden drop in temperature, as the light from the sun is interrupted. It's an extraordinary display of celestial wonder unlike any other.

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Without further ado, here are the best places to see the 2024 total solar eclipse. And if all else fails, and you can't make it to one of these prime locations, watch the total solar eclipse live on Space.com from the best seat inside your home.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA

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If you live in Texas, congratulations!!! You'll be the first to witness this grand event in the USA. Certainly, you'll want the best viewing spot in the area, and there's no better place than Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg. Hike to the top of the 425-foot massive rock and enjoy panoramic views as far as the eye can see. Even better, the town is hosting festivals and events leading up to the eclipse, so you'll want to plan your trip a few days in advance. For out-of-towners, hotels in Fredericksburg are limited, but here are some options on Booking.com that are still available. Other towns you may want to consider are Austin, Dallas, Copperas Cove, Gatesville, and Junction, just to name a few. Here's an article with more information about the 2024 total eclipse.

Beavers Bend State Park and Nature Center, 4350 OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA

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If you've never been to Oklahoma, now is your chance to add this destination to your list. At approximately 12:30 p.m., the eclipse will begin to travel over the state. One of the best spots to witness the event is inside Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow. The 3,480-acre park has tons of vantage points for viewing the eclipse. The charming town of Broken Bow is gearing up for the event and has many festivities planned before and after the big show. Hotels are booked, but you might find cabins and vacation rentals available. If you want more adventure after the eclipse, here are some fun things to do in Broken Bow. Also, be sure to read our article telling you more about the 2024 eclipse in Oklahoma.

Petit Jean State Park, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA

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Arkansas is no stranger to eclipse. In fact, during the 2017 eclipse, many cities throughout the state celebrated in the best of ways with festivals, viewing parties, and more. This year is no different. Beginning on April 5 through the 9th, the town of Morrilton has concerts, balloon festivals, kids activities, and more. Head to Petit Jean State Park to secure your spot to gaze at the celestial dance. As one of the highest points in Arkansas, it's arguably the best seat in the state. There's a lodge inside the park, and camping is also available, but you might have some luck on Booking.com as well. Aside from Morrilton, Little Rock and Hot Springs National Park are also in the path of totality and will be hosting tons of events that day, too. Read our article for more information about the upcoming 2024 eclipse in Arkansas.

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA

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Twenty state parks in Missouri are in the path of totality, and Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is by far the best of them. Surrounded by mountains and rugged landscapes, the park is a great backdrop for the eclipse. What's even better, from noon to 3 p.m. the park will host a free picnic with fun and games for the entire family. Hotels in Middle Brook are booked up, but here are vacation rentals that might be available. Also, check out our previous article telling you more about the 2024 eclipse in Missouri.

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Historic Riverfront, 27 The Foot of Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001, USA

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Watching the eclipse from the Historic Riverfront in Kentucky will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. With clear skies, you can view the cosmic event as it crosses over the river. You'll want to plan ahead and make this an all-day adventure because there will be lots of festivities happening in Paducah, including the X Marks the Spot Downtown Festival. Local parks and trails will also be open for your viewing pleasure. If you're from out of town, we recommend you book your hotel room now before it's too late. Don't forget to read our previous article telling you more about the eclipse of 2024 in Kentucky.

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Garden of the Gods, Herod, IL 62947, USA

Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA 4.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Carbondale is preparing to host the biggest event of the year for the 2024 eclipse in Illinois. On the day of the celestial show, Southern Illinois University, a prime viewing location, will host its own eclipse watch party and festival. The city will be filled with lots of people trying to find the best seat in the house for the rare event. If you want to skip the crowds and watch the eclipse from a scenic spot instead, we recommend Garden of the Gods in Herod, IL. You'll be perched on top of the rock garden with clear unobstructed views of the sky. Hotels have been booked for months, but you can find hotel rooms in the nearby town of Marion. For more information about the eclipse, read our previous article about the awe-inspiring event of 2024.

Brown County State Park, 1801 IN-46, Nashville, IN 47448, USA

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Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Butler University will be hosting huge eclipse watch day events, and of course, there will be lots of crowds of locals and visitors alike enjoying all the planned festivities. While these spots will be great for viewing, I suggest heading to Brown County State Park, where you'll witness totality for approximately 4 minutes. With over 15,000 acres of rugged hills, you'll find many areas to witness the event. What's more, you can spend the day exploring the park and all that it has to offer. Most hotels are booked, but here are lodging options near Nashville that will be a great base camp after the big day. Learn more by reading our article about this rare astronomical event in Indiana.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, USA

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If the Cuyahoga Valley National Park has been on your bucket list, now is the time to take the trip. It's one of the best places to see the upcoming cosmic show of 2024. Plus, it's one of the few national parks that is in the path of totality. The last time Ohio had a total solar eclipse was in 1806, so viewing this phenomenon will literally be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The park will be crowded, so be sure to get there early and plan to stay and enjoy the festivities all day. Luckily, there are hotel rooms near the park that are still available, but you'll need to book them before they are gone. And if you need more information about the eclipse, here's an article about the biggest cosmic event of 2024.

Erie Bluffs State Park, 11100 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423, USA

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On April 8, Erie will be crowded with eclipse watchers who have traveled far to see the glorious event. This means that there will be lots of watch parties and festivities throughout the town leading up to the big day. If you want to watch the eclipse from a more natural environment, head to Erie Bluffs State Park in nearby Lake City. Overlooking the gorgeous Lake Erie, you'll be able to find lots of places inside the 587-acre park with unobstructed views of the skies. After the show, you can easily drive to Erie and spend the evening enjoying all the parties in town. Hotels near Erie Bluffs State Park are booking up fast, so be sure to reserve your spot soon. Check out our article to learn more about this epic celestial event of 2024 in Pennsylvania.

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Niagara Falls State Park, 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA

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By far, Niagara Falls is one of the coolest places to witness the 2024 celestial phenomena. Not to mention that it's been almost 100 years since there was a total solar eclipse visible in New York. So, you don't want to miss this event, but you do want the best seat in the house, and Niagara Falls State Park is it. Be prepared for massive crowds, and with all the festivities, concerts, and more, you'll want to spend the entire day inside the park. Get there early, pack snacks, and enjoy the biggest show of the year. If you're from out of town, here are hotels in Niagara Falls that still have availability. We encourage you to book now. Discover more by reading our previous article about this momentous event of 2024.

Waterbury Center State Park, 177 Reservoir Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, USA

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Burlington and Stowe are gearing up to celebrate the 2024 eclipse in an epic way. Featuring watch parties, concerts, guided hikes, and so much more, the towns will overflow with visitors from near and far. If, however, you want a more scenic spot to view the show, head to Waterbury Center State Park. It's one of the few state parks in Vermont open on the big day, so plan to get there early to guarantee your spot. Though tiny, this state park is mighty and has lots of amenities to enjoy. You can also find activities in town or opt to drive to Stowe, which is less than 10 miles away. If you need a hotel room, luckily, there are still open accommodations near Waterbury that will be a great place to rest after a long day of celebrating. And be sure to check out our article telling you about more places in Vermont to view the eclipse of 2024 in Vermont.

Coleman State Park, 1166 Diamond Pond Rd, Stewartstown, NH 03576, USA

Edwin Muthu/Google

Planning on visiting New Hampshire for the eclipse? If so, here are some of the best places to witness the phenomenon. One spot in the path of totality we recommend is Coleman State Park. The park is hosting one of the biggest watch parties in Stewartstown with food, interactive programs, games, live entertainment, and more, for the entire family. The last time New Hampshire was in the path of a total solar eclipse was in 1957 and the next one will happen in 2079. So, you'll want to plan to see this rare astronomical event of 2024! Hotels are completely booked, but here are vacation rental properties near Stewartstown that you may want to consider.

Aroostook County, ME, USA

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As the last state in the US to witness the eclipse of 2024, Maine will be a hotspot on the day of the event. Several towns in Aroostook County will be packed with thousands of folks seeking the best seat in town. These towns have been designated as Star Parks and include Houlton, Presque Isle, Caribou, Limestone, and Island Falls. Throughout the county, there will be many watch locations, including Houlton Riverfront Park, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and Northern Maine Fairgrounds, just to name a few. There will be live entertainment, festivals, food, games, and more, throughout the entire county. Hotels in Aroostook County are booking fast, so be sure to reserve your spot soon. Arrive early to your Star Park of choice, sit back, and enjoy the best seat in the house for this once-in-a-lifetime celestial dance of 2024.

Tips For Best Viewing Of The Total Solar Eclipse

I know you are excited to gaze at the skies on April 8, but before you head out for this sky-gazing adventure, let’s discuss some helpful tips that will make your experience memorable.

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Arrival Time: We recommend you plan ahead and arrive at your viewing spot hours in advance. Remember, millions of folks will be traveling to see the celestial show, too. Allow time for traffic and time to find the best location with the clearest view of the skies. As a reminder, totality only lasts for a few minutes, so you'll want to arrive well in advance.

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Other tips: Book hotel rooms or vacation rentals outside of the cities that are in the line of totality. You'll have a better chance of getting a room for this mini vacation. One last thing, feel free to bring your telescopes or binoculars to the event, but do not use them while the eclipse is in progress. They are safe to use ONLY before or after the eclipse is gone from your viewing area.

Have you decided where you’ll witness the 2024 total solar eclipse? What location on our list do you like the best? Whether you’re watching the eclipse from a mountain peak from a river valley or from your own backyard, be safe as you gaze at the phenomenal show. And remember, this once in a lifetime event will be truly spectacular, so you’ll want to plan in advance for the big day.

Well, gazers, now that you know everything about the Great North American Eclipse of 2024, have fun, raise your head to the skies, and enjoy the incredible show!