On April 8, 2024, 15 cities will be inside the path of a Total Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, there will be a total solar eclipse. You’ll want to know exactly where totality will be visible if you want to stake out your location and be amazed by the event. Hopefully, you reside in an area where you don’t have to drive very far, if not at all. Otherwise, you still have plenty of time to organize your trip to see this miracle. However, don’t wait too long because many others are sure to follow your lead. From Mazatlan, Mexico, to Newfoundland, Canada’s easternmost province, here is where you’ll want to be.
Kerrville, Texas
Kerrville, just an hour from San Antonio, will be in in the middle of the totality, with an extra minute of umbral darkness at 13:32. The Guadalupe River runs straight through downtown, and it’s nestled in the center of Texas Hill Country. There are several parks along the river’s banks, as well as 10+ miles of paths with full access to the water, which is popular for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. There are certain to be some fun eclipse-related activities as well as lots of things to do and see throughout the huge city with frequent events such as arts and crafts fairs, live music concerts, and festivals happening here.
Mazatlan, Mexico
At 12:07 p.m. Mexican Pacific Daylight Time, the Moon’s umbra will hit the Mexican shore less than 12 miles southeast of Mazatlan. This is likely to be a popular tourist site with plenty of other things to see and do. It has nearly 17 miles of beautiful sandy beaches with warm blue waters, as well as a renovated boardwalk where you can take it all in. This city is known for its spectacular sunsets, which are best observed from the beach, as well as its intriguing Centro Historico (Old Town), which is centered around Plazuela Machada and features cobblestone roads and gardens.
Russellville, Arkansas
At 13:50 p.m., totality will reach Russellville, Arkansas, allowing residents to witness the state’s longest total eclipse. At Mount Nebo or Lake Dardanelle state parks, enjoy the small-town atmosphere with friendly people and outdoor activities. Mount Nebo is a flat-topped mountain that rises 1,350 feet above the surrounding valley, making it an excellent observation position just minutes from town. With breathtaking views of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River, 14 miles of hiking and bike trails are available.
Sulphur Springs, Texas
Sulphur Springs is located around 80 miles northeast of Dallas along Interstate 30. While it is a small town, it has many beautiful open spaces to visit, such as Coleman Lake and Park, which has waterfalls and paths to explore. Cooper Lake State Park, 15 miles north, is another fantastic option, with a nearly 20,000-acre lake and 2,500 acres of land. You may even charter a boat and see the eclipse from the water, as totality occurs at 12:25 a.m. Central Daylight Time. The town boasts a main street with a community theater and a wine tasting room, as well as some fascinating museums like Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park, which contains 17 historic buildings.
Indianapolis, Indiana
The umbra will cover a large portion of Indiana, but the epicenter will be Indianapolis, where totality will occur at 15:07 Eastern Daylight Time. There are many other attractions for visitors to enjoy as well. Visit the Indianapolis Hall of Fame Museum, drive an Indy car over 150 mph at the legendary Indianapolis Speedway, visit the Indianapolis Zoo, and stroll down Mass Ave, a five-block stretch of art galleries, restaurants, theaters, and diverse, independent boutiques and quirky shops. The Queen Anne and Italianate-style buildings in the Lockerbie Square Historic District is immaculately preserved.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Cape Girardeau, the largest city in southeastern Missouri, will see totality at 12:41 p.m. It is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and has a rich history dating back over 250 years, with notable figures including as Mark Twain, Lewis and Clark, and Ulysses S. Grant. A delightful mix of restaurants, boutiques, and historic sites can be found in historic Old Town Cape. Find antique shops, world-class theater, murals, and more in this hidden gem. It’s also feasible to take a walk along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail or cross one of the state’s four historic covered bridges.
Erie, Pennsylvania
With totality at 15:16, Erie will be the only big city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be honored by the presence of the umbra. It’s 130 miles south of Pittsburgh, on the shores of the Great Lake that bears its name. Presque Isle State Park, which rests on a sandy peninsula extending into the lake and offers 21 miles of hiking and biking trails, more than a dozen beaches for swimming, and chances for bird watching and boating, is also open to visitors. Enjoy the famously brilliant sunsets from here or Liberty Park, as well as a 15-minute journey to 20+ diverse vineyards and plenty of delicious food.
Cleveland, Ohio
Many eclipse chasers will be in Cleveland, and there will be plenty to see and do. Arrive a few days ahead of time or plan to stay until totality occurs at 15:13 Eastern Daylight Time. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Natural History Museum are all located here. Explore the Historic Warehouse District’s unique architecture, take a stroll around the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and savor delectable gourmet fare at the West Side Market. Cleveland Metroparks, which cover over 23,000 acres, provide plenty of green space.
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is a gateway city to Niagara Falls, and it’s only 25 minutes away, so if you’re seeking for big-city facilities close to the falls, you’ll find plenty here while watching totality at 15:18. It’s jam-packed with museums, restaurants, and nightlife places, and it’s located at the eastern extremity of Lake Erie at the beginning of the Niagara River. Take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s multi-structure Martin House complex in the Parkside area and gaze up at stunning architecture. There’s also a restored waterfront area to explore, as well as a burgeoning brewing culture.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls has to be one of the most tempting places to see the solar eclipse. From the Terrapin Point viewpoint, where the sun will hang in the sky straight above the tremendous cascades, you’ll get one of the best views, with totality at 15:18 Eastern Daylight Time. The falls and five islands in the Niagara River are located in Niagara Falls State Park, which spans 400 acres and includes picnic spaces, nature paths, and plenty of picturesque photo opportunities. With over 200 marine mammal species, penguin feeding, harbor seal presentations, and a sea lion display, the Aquarium of Niagara is well worth a visit.
Rangeley, Maine
The Rangeley Lakes region, which lies below Saddleback Mountain, is made up of six major lakes and hundreds of smaller lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Rangeley, Moosehead Lake, and Baxter State Park are all included, with totality occurring at 15:29 Eastern Daylight Time. From Whip Willow Farm Overlook, take a leisurely drive along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway and take in the stunning views of Rangeley Lake and the mountains. If the snow has melted, there are a variety of excursions to choose from, ranging from small nature walks to strenuous expeditions. Keep an eye out for moose because this is one of the best places in the country to see them.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, with its many attractions and charming bed and breakfasts, is one of the best places to see the complete solar eclipse, which will occur at 15:26 Eastern Daylight Time. It is located along Lake Champlain, and one of the best vantage locations for viewing is from the top of Mount Mansfield. Enjoy Waterfront Park and spectacular sunsets as the Adirondacks’ landscapes are changed by pink and purple colours. Nearby Mt. Philo State Park has hiking trails, and the Church Street Marketplace is a car-free zone where you can buy, eat, and watch street performers.
Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
The weather on the Newfoundland coast is starting to warm in April, and you might even see icebergs floating in from Greenland. Totality will occur at 17:13 in the small town of Bonavista, making it a terrific site to be for many reasons. Visit the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, one of the few remaining lighthouses in the world where you can climb the stone tower and see the same seal oil-fueled light that was utilized in the 19th century while taking in the breathtaking views.
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Great North American Eclipse will be visible in its entirety from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, which will endure four minutes of darkness at 16:40. This is one of the most scenic sites to view the eclipse. Before and after, take in the breathtaking scenery, which includes picture-perfect beaches, charming harbors, lighthouses, and verdant mountains set against bright blue waters. There are numerous picturesque communities with cafés serving fresh lobster straight from the Atlantic, as well as the famous 185-mile-long route that weaves through beachfront cliffs. One of the most spectacular journeys in the world is completing a loop on this road around the island’s northern tip before crossing through the Cape Breton Highlands.
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Eclipse lovers planning to visit New Brunswick should make their plans as soon as possible to ensure a top viewing experience, as the province is expected to draw large crowds for the 100 percent totality, which will occur at 16:33 Atlantic Daylight Time. With its location along the St. John River, the capital city of Fredericton will be one of the greatest sites to observe. Visitors can observe a Changing of the Guard ceremony in the Historic Garrison District, an 18th-century British army base. At the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, there are artist studios to visit as well as international and Canadian artwork to see. Many hotel suites have wonderful views of the water, and walking and bike trails along the river banks will get you within a block of the main street.