On April 8, at various times, sections of North America will be enveloped in darkness, courtesy of a total solar eclipse. In cities from Fredericksburg, Texas to Montreal, Canada, the moon will completely block the sun. The phenomenon will not occur for another 20 years.
We tapped into our community of Fora Advisors to learn about how best to experience this rare event, which often involves travel to a destination in the path of totality. Spaces for official events and hotel rooms in cities near the path of totality are quickly filling up, and many are already sold out. But in many instances, it’s not too late to plan and book an eclipse-viewing getaway. Expect traffic and crowds, but prepare to be nonetheless wowed. Below, our advisors share their top viewing destinations, key travel tips. Plus, get their recommendations on how to maximize your eclipse-viewing experience as a full-on vacation.
Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your eclipse getaway today.
Texas
Image courtesy of Austin Proper Hotel
Texas is rife with prime eclipse-viewing spots. Austin lies just within the path of totality, and from about 1:36 to 1:38 pm, the city will be completely dark. Unsurprisingly, places are booking up quickly, so now is the time to secure a room, if you haven’t already.
Fora Advisor Scott Dubois notes that there are still rooms left at two of his favorite Austin hotels, the Carpenter Hotel and the Hotel Magdalena, adding that at both properties, you could have the opportunity to watch the eclipse from your balcony.
Fora Advisor Nicole Canal recommends making a trip out of the experience. She votes for Austin, which she says has countless things to see and do.
“The airports will be insane [on the dates] surrounding the eclipse,” she warned, “so make it easier on yourself and extend your trip to explore what the destination has to offer.”
In all of the top viewing cities, expect large crowds. You might have fewer opportunities to see the eclipse itself, but you can still catch a glimpse. For approximately 18 seconds, San Antonio will also experience totality. Fora Advisor Michelle Vivoli recommends the city’s Hotel Emma as a homebase.
If you’re after something more remote and less crowded, several advisors recommended camping out. Bring your own gear, or opt for a tiny cabin from Getaway House, a recommendation from Fora Advisor Mallory Geis.
Image courtesy of Hotel Emma
Other top viewing locations in Texas include Wimberley, an ideal spot for a weekend escape. Fora Advisor Misha Sharp noted that the town has tons of charm and nature reserves worth exploring. And she said to be sure to visit the Wimberley Flea Market.
For additional small-town Texan charm and totality, head to Fredericksburg, in the Texas Hill Country.
The town is “dripping in charm,” Fora Advisor Lauren Ruehl said. It's also home to many of Texas's antique shops and Southern restaurants. (She loves Vaudeville, a tasteful bistro, market and wine club.)
Speaking of wine, Fora Advisor Cheyenne Self also recommends Fredericksburg to maximize the eclipse-viewing experience, alongside a wine-tasting adventure. There are over 60 wineries in the area, she said.
Just outside of Fredericksburg is the town of Stonewall. Fora Advisor Gillian Spatz’s favorite Texas Hill Country winery, Adega Vinho, is hosting an all-day eclipse watch party.
“This is a can't-miss event,” she said, “sipping award-winning wine and delicious eats while admiring the gorgeous Stonewall, Texas views with the main event: the eclipse!”
Where to stay
Carpenter Hotel: Hip and trendy, located on an old pecan grove in South Austin. Fora’s Standard Secret Agent partner perks include $100 food / beverage credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Magdalena: A lively, effortlessly cool stay on South Congress. Fora’s Standard Secret Agent partner perks include $100 food / beverage credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Austin Proper Hotel: A chic and luxurious retreat with award-winning food and the best wellness offerings. Fora Perks include $100 hotel / resort credit, $60 daily breakfast credit for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Emma: A five-star gem in a 19th-century brewhouse. Fora Perks include a complimentary three-course meal for two, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Arkansas
Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas
One of the best parts about a phenomenon like an eclipse is the opportunity to explore rural areas you might otherwise have overlooked. Exhibit A: Hot Springs, Arkansas. Fora Advisor Hailee Willis highly recommends scheduling an appointment at one of the town’s historic bath houses.
Fora Advisor Brandy Cline, who grew up in Hot Springs, will be viewing the eclipse from there.
“Keep in mind that everything will take longer than you anticipate,” she advised. “It's always better to arrive early and be patient. Be kind.”
She added that most places are already booked up, but camping and getting out in nature is an excellent option.
“Arkansas is known as the Natural State, and you'll be astounded by its beauty,” she said.
Little Rock, too, will experience totality, from about 1:51 to 1:54 pm. Fora Advisor Audra Thomas is based there, and before or after the eclipse, she recommends exploring the nearby natural landscape of Pinnacle Mountain State Park or the local Little Rock Riverfront Park.
Fora Advisor Hillary Hermann is also all about the small-town vibes and prioritizing nature to get the most out of the experience.
“Hit the state parks or local parks so that you can see the dark and feel it, away from city lights,” she said.
Where to stay
The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: A boutique historic stay with vintage charm.
Capital Hotel: An elegant Southern gem with five-star hospitality.
The Reserve at Hot Springs: A luxurious boutique stay in a former mansion.
Ohio
Image courtesy of Kimpton Schofield Hotel
Cleveland will be right in the eclipse’s path of totality. Its privileged location allows for nearly four minutes of totality, and the entire eclipse will last about two and a half hours here.
Cleveland-based Fora Advisor Nicole Beck shared that Edgewater Park, on the shores of Lake Erie, will be a popular (and beautiful) spot from which to watch the eclipse.
“Cleveland is expecting several hundred thousand visitors for the solar eclipse,” she said, “so be patient with us.”
Where to stay
Kimpton Schofield Hotel: Quirky and welcoming, housed in a 20th-century brick building. Fora’s IHG Lifestyle partner perks include $50 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenities, an upgrade and late check-out whenever possible.
Indiana & Illinois
Image courtesy of Bottleworks Hotel
Indianapolis is another prime totality location (total darkness will last nearly four minutes!). Indy-based Fora Advisor Kristen Fox’s recommended viewing locations include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, White River State Park, the Newfields museum and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Fora Advisor Taylor Nefouse recommends spending at least a few days in the city, as the festivities will continue all weekend. She notes that camping at the Speedway, where NASA will be live-broadcasting the eclipse, is a great option. Another solid spot is the Indiana State Fairgrounds, which will feature live music, food trucks and drinks. (Craving more Indy? Check out our local guide to the city.)
In Illinois, Carbondale, which also saw totality back in 2017, is another ideal location, per Fora Advisor Lesli Vermileya.
“Southern Illinois is a hidden gem with small town charms,” she added.
Where to stay
Conrad Indianapolis: A contemporary stay displaying works by the likes of Dali and Picasso. Fora’s Hilton Impresario partner perks include $100 hotel / resort credit. Breakfast daily for two and an upgrade whenever possible.
Bottleworks Hotel: A downtown boutique hotel located within a former Coca-Cola building.
Ironworks Hotel Indy Indianapolis: Industrial-chic decor in an unbeatable location.
Omni Severin Hotel: A Beaux-Arts stay with a farm-to-table restaurant and an appreciation of history.
Upstate New York & Canada
Image courtesy of The Lake House on Canandaigua
Make a trip out of a visit to New York’s Chautauqua County, Fora Advisor Samantha Lamb recommended. After marveling at the celestial phenomenon, visit the region’s various wineries, check out Lake Erie and explore the surrounding small towns. (Samantha added that many people rent a limo to winery hop.) If you’re after larger locales, Buffalo and Syracuse will also be within the path of totality.
In Canada, Montreal is well positioned to fully experience the eclipse. Fora Advisor Lucy Montgomery shared how the Montreal Science Centre will be hosting a watch party. Tickets are free, she said, but must be ordered well in advance.
For an especially unique viewing experience, according to Fora Advisor Andrea Fuchs, head to Bota Bota, a floating spa on the St. Lawrence River.
“I can't think of a better place to watch the eclipse than from a spa!” she exclaimed.
The change in light is mesmerizing,” added Fora Advisor Lisa Gentile. “Sharing the experience with others is truly heart-filling.”
Where to stay
The Lake House on Canandaigua: A cozy, chic lakeside retreat. Fora’s Preferred Platinum perks include $100 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hôtel William Gray: Eclectic and hip, with a local vibe. Fora’s VIP partner perks include breakfast daily for two, a welcome amenity, an upgrade and late check-out whenever possible.
Four Seasons Hotel Montreal: Sleek elegance in the middle of Golden Square Mile. When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
The Adelphi Hotel: A welcoming homebase on Saratoga Springs' main drag.
Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection By Hilton: A historic retreat near the gorgeous Saranac Lake.
Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your eclipse getaway today.
