How to Experience the Best Viewing of the 2024 Total Eclipse in Texas

This spring, one of nature's most captivating events will take place in Texas: A total solar eclipse will sweep across a significant portion of the Lone Star State after traversing parts of Mexico, before continuing its journey across North America.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, creating a shadow that can either partially (in a partial solar eclipse) or completely (in a total solar eclipse) obscure sunlight. While partial eclipses occur about twice each year, total solar eclipses happen roughly once every 18 months. Notably, the last total solar eclipse witnessed in Texas was 627 years ago—back in 1397—making this upcoming event particularly extraordinary and rare.

Here’s all the essential information you need regarding the forthcoming total solar eclipse in Texas.

What is the date and time of the total solar eclipse in Texas?

The solar eclipse in Texas is set to take place on April 8, 2024, approximately between 1:32 p.m. and 1:41 p.m. CST. Different areas will experience varying degrees of totality (or darkness), with the Texas Hill Country positioned ideally within the eclipse's path. Locations like Kerrville, Bandera, and Fredericksburg will enjoy about four and a half minutes of totality. Several major cities in Texas will also witness the eclipse:

• Austin will experience 1 minute and 46 seconds of totality
• Dallas will enjoy 3 minutes and 52 seconds of totality
• Half of San Antonio (essentially everything north of Castle Hills) will see 1 minute and 10 seconds of totality

Tips for observing the solar eclipse

NASA advises that to safely observe solar eclipses, you should use eclipse glasses (special eyewear made from black polymer designed to filter solar radiation) or a handheld solar viewer (a reflective plastic device that blocks harmful rays). The only moment when it’s safe to look directly at the sun is during totality, when the moon entirely obscures the sun's light. However, as the sun begins to emerge again, make sure to put those eclipse glasses back on immediately; even when the moon only partially covers the sun, the sunlight can still harm your retinas and cause lasting damage.

Booking a night at a nearby hotel might be wise to avoid heavy traffic. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and bring plenty of water. While the weather in Texas in April is usually quite pleasant (with highs averaging around 80 degrees Fahrenheit), dehydration can still be a concern if you’re outdoors for extended periods. It’s a good idea to wear long-sleeved, sun-protective clothing and long pants—these can shield you from mosquito bites and chiggers, tiny mites that lurk in tall grass and create burning, itchy welts.

Where are the prime locations to view the eclipse in Texas?

Kerrville

Totality Duration: 4 minutes and 24 seconds

Nestled at the source of the Guadalupe River and encircled by gently rolling hills adorned with cedar trees, Kerrville is a tranquil town that attracts many retirees looking to enjoy their golden years in a beautiful, sunny environment. To commemorate the celestial event, Kerrville will host an Eclipse Festival, featuring live music, entertainment for children, and lectures from scientific speakers. After the eclipse, there’s still plenty to do in Kerrville—rent a kayak or canoe to paddle along the Guadalupe, home to a variety of native Texan birds, fish, and plants. Don’t miss the quirky downtown area, which boasts not only a classic multi-story antique mall but also unique shops like the Fairy Moon Emporium, specializing in New Age art, eclectic pieces, and delightful knickknacks.

Fredericksburg

Totality Duration: 4 minutes and 23 seconds

Fredericksburg is likely the most charming and renowned of the picturesque small towns scattered throughout the Hill Country. Established in 1846 by German immigrants, the town proudly preserves its German heritage to this day. Recently, Fredericksburg launched a website aimed at informing eclipse enthusiasts about the upcoming total solar eclipse—they suggest visiting the Marktplatz (a quaint park adjacent to the Vereins Kirche Museum) or the expansive 330-acre Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park for optimal eclipse viewing locations.

Experience the town’s rich German heritage at the Old German Bakery and Restaurant, known for its specialties like schnitzels, potato pancakes, and sausages. Then, delve into Fredericksburg’s pioneering history at the Pioneer Museum, which showcases 10 historic buildings filled with artifacts and exhibits that narrate the town's past. To cap off your day on a sweet note, visit Das Peach Haus for fresh peaches (a local specialty), peach cider, and peach cobbler paired with Bluebell ice cream.

Bandera

Totality Duration: 4 minutes and 8 seconds

Situated about an hour northwest of San Antonio and two hours southeast of Austin, visitors will discover Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World. This small town exudes Old West charm, with a main street reminiscent of a classic spaghetti Western, cowboys who gather downtown every Saturday, and monthly gunslinger reenactments held at the visitor center. Even outside of eclipse events, Bandera remains a favored spot for astronomy enthusiasts. Its famously dark skies make it an ideal location for stargazing, and the town is part of the Hill Country Alliance’s Night Sky Program, which promotes reduced light pollution through education and policy changes.

Hotels: Where to find accommodations in Texas during the solar eclipse

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection

Address: 4100 Red River St., Austin | View on Google Maps

This expansive 10,800-square-foot Italianate mansion is nestled on 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Originally constructed in 1928 for cotton magnate and real estate developer “Commodore” Edgar Perry and his wife, Lutie, the Commodore Perry Estate is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2020, it underwent a complete renovation by interior designer Ken Fulk, who aimed to retain the property’s glamorous Roaring Twenties character and Texan charm while incorporating modern amenities. The hotel features 42 guest rooms and seven terrace suites, some with private terraces. Located in Austin’s trendy Hyde Park neighborhood, it’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown, marking the Auberge Resorts Collection’s first urban hotel.

Hoffman Haus

Address: 608 E. Creek St., Fredericksburg | View on Google Maps

For charming and beautifully designed accommodations in the Hill Country, look no further than Hoffman Haus in Fredericksburg. The property features 20 rooms and suites, distributed across a two-story main house and several cozy freestanding cottages. Guests can enjoy completely remote check-in using an electronic keypad with a pre-sent code, but for those who prefer a physical key, the main office offers one along with a friendly attendant and freshly baked cookies. Breakfast is included in the stay and delivered in a gingham-covered picnic basket at 9 a.m. Conveniently, Hoffman Haus is just a 10-minute stroll from Fredericksburg’s bustling downtown, home to over 150 independent shops.

The Adolphus, Autograph Collection

Address: 1321 Commerce St., Dallas | View on Google Maps

The Adolphus stands as the crown jewel of Dallas hospitality—it is the city’s oldest continuously operating hotel, having opened its doors in 1912 on the very site of the original city hall. This Beaux Arts–style hotel, located in the heart of downtown, is hard to overlook; it has been described by the Dallas Morning News as crafted with “explosive extravagance.” With 407 rooms, it features elegant European-style decor and stunning city views. As the Big D will experience the longest totality of any major Texas city, the Adolphus is the perfect place to stay during the eclipse. Guests can consider enjoying the event from its luxurious rooftop pool, complete with private cabanas, a full bar, and a poolside restaurant.