Dinogo Plan-it: Your guide to planning an eclipse adventure in the path of totality

When I asked my daughter what she wanted to give her dad for Christmas, she immediately said, “A camping trip.” A wave of emotions hit me: pride, affection, and the realization that I now had to organize a camping outing.

Where should we go? And the big question for a busy mom—when? Then I recalled an app a friend recommended, Hipcamp—it’s like Airbnb for camping. My excitement soared as I saw a map on Hipcamp’s homepage displaying the eclipse path of totality for 2024, highlighting spots visible across Canada, Mexico, and the US.

I was thrilled. This revelation not only answered my “where” question but also my “when.” I reminisced about the enchanting experience of the 2017 eclipse, when we gathered with friends in a park to witness the wonder. The temperature dropped a good 5°F, night insects began their symphony, and stars emerged in the twilight. It was hauntingly beautiful, and I want to relive it. Plus, after this year, the next total eclipse in the contiguous United States won’t happen until 2044, by which time my daughter will be 30. We need to seize the moment!

So, I began consulting all the travel-savvy experts in our office and beyond—where within this path of totality would you recommend planning a trip? Here’s what I discovered.

Factors to consider when choosing a viewing location

Recognizing the importance of expert advice, I reached out to Robyn Higdon from the Exploratorium in San Francisco to identify the optimal spot for viewing the eclipse. As a senior project director and executive producer, she has spent the last 20 years collaborating with NASA and the museum on solar eclipse broadcasts. They offer four different broadcasts available in English and Spanish. Robyn is truly passionate about this aspect of her work; she’s a self-proclaimed eclipse enthusiast.

'Very few experiences rival the awe and wonder of an eclipse,' Robyn explains. 'This leads to fascinating questions, which is what we cherish here at the Exploratorium.'

Robyn shared that her planning process for telescope locations begins with the weather.

She specifically consults Jay Anderson and his website Eclipsophile, which analyzes a century's worth of data from the path of totality to predict where the clearest skies are likely to be. This year, Higdon is setting up camps in Torreon, Mexico, and Junction City, Texas, both of which show promising weather conditions.

The next consideration is the width of the path of totality. Near the edges, the eclipse may only be visible for a few fleeting seconds, while those positioned in the center can enjoy up to four minutes of the phenomenon.

When selecting a spot for camping or viewing, choose open fields with expansive sky views and a clear line of sight to the horizon. Although I missed this during my 2017 experience, the horizon can transform into a stunning pink hue, reminiscent of a sunset.

Top locations to consider

Texas Hill Country

After discussions with Robyn and our travel experts, we've concluded that Texas Hill Country is the perfect spot. What better reason to embark on a road trip through this stunning region of the US than to witness the eclipse?

A few tips: Aim to arrive a few days in advance and plan to stay an extra day afterward. Residents of Austin, San Antonio, and even Dallas are likely to flood the countryside on the eclipse day, leading to potential traffic chaos.

If you're in the mood for a celebration to complement your celestial experience, Reveille Peak Ranch near Burnet is hosting the Texeclipse Music Festival. With opportunities for hiking and mountain biking on-site, plus plenty of space to set up and enjoy the main event, it’s an ideal spot for camping or parking your RV.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis is located close to the center of the path of totality and makes for a fantastic weekend escape. With a vibrant food scene, excellent walking and biking trails, and a beautiful art museum, there’s more than enough to fill your trip. Plus, several nearby day trip options exist for eclipse viewing, such as Bloomington, which is even nearer to the center line. To avoid traffic, consider leaving the city a few days early.

For those looking to join a lively crowd (which we highly recommend), Purdue University is teaming up with NASA to host an eclipse viewing event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Experts will be present to answer your questions, and there will be a range of eclipse-related activities to enhance your experience.

Little Rock and Hot Springs, Arkansas

This is where my daughter and I have chosen to plan our trip—our friends are in Little Rock, and we have a soft spot for Hot Springs. The town boasts one of the more unique national parks and offers plenty of family-friendly activities, all conveniently within driving distance for us.

You can explore the fantastic Mid-America Science Museum, where kids can engage with interactive exhibits for hours. One of our favorite spots, Garvan Woodland Gardens, provides a lovely lake for paddleboarding, pontoon boating, and a variety of fun activities. Additionally, Hot Springs National Park is home to stunning bathhouses built between 1832 and 1923, offering a glimpse into history amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

What to pack

Remember to bring your eclipse glasses—not your ordinary sunglasses. You’ll need special solar glasses that block harmful rays, so make sure to purchase them from a trusted source ahead of time. Higdon recommends getting them from Rainbow Symphony or Lunt Solar Systems. Many options on Amazon may not meet safety standards, and using counterfeit solar glasses could cause serious eye damage. 'When you wear them, you should only see the sun,' Higdon advises.

She also recommends carrying a colander with large holes or creating a pinhole viewer. These tools can reveal the stunning crescent-shaped shadows produced during an eclipse, but don’t get so caught up in making them that you forget to look up!

What to anticipate

Although totality lasts just four minutes, witnessing the moon gradually cross in front of the sun is an essential part of the event. As the moon positions itself, the sun shines around its edges, creating a shimmering effect that resembles beads or diamonds on a ring, known as Baily’s Beads.

In 2024, the sun’s 11-year cycle will reach solar maximum, making this an especially captivating year for solar flares, which appear as bright pink hues.

As the sun’s rays are obscured and stars start to appear, you'll witness a sky unlike any other you’ll see that night. In certain areas, planets that are usually invisible after sunset will become visible, so make sure to look up and then check again after dark.

Unless you’re a passionate photographer, it's best to set aside your camera and phone. You'll find far superior images online, and being fully present for this extraordinary event is truly special.