This spring solar eclipse mania is sweeping across the path of totality visible from Texas to Maine. Next chances to experience a total solar eclipse in the United States are 2044 (in North Dakota and Montana) and 2045 (from California to Florida).
From public lands to big cities, here are a few ways you can still travel to witness the spectacular solar event on April 8th.
Day Trip to a National Park
Most of the camping sites were reserved ages ago, but you can still day trip to a national park like Hot Springs National Park in southwestern Arkansas. Add a soak in one of the historic bathhouses.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a short drive from Cleveland and Akron. Book a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad while there.
Be a River Rat
See the solar eclipse while boating, kayaking, or fishing. A portion of the International Amistad Reservoir is in Amistad National Recreation Area. It’s the first spot in the United States to see the total solar eclipse.
The 135-mile Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the contiguous U.S. Ozark National Scenic Riverways in southern Missouri is lined with some stunning rocky bluffs that are perfect for eclipse watching.
Day Trip to a National Monument or Memorial
There are 27 National Park Service units in the path of totality. Consider going to a national monument or memorial site instead of a park for less crowds. Three great options are: Waco Mammoth National Monument in Waco, Texas; Perry’s Victory National Memorial in Put-In-Bay, Ohio (requires ferry ride); and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Stacyville, Maine.
Road Trip to a Small Town or Smaller City
You can still find hotel rooms in some of the small towns and smaller city in the path of totality instead of large metropolitan areas like Dallas and Indianapolis. Towns like Grapevine or Plano in Texas are having tons of eclipse festivities.
Other great options are cities like Dayton or Akron in Ohio. In New York State, head to the Finger Lakes Region or Lake Placid.
Last Minute Deals in Big Cities
You could snag a last-minute hotel deal in big cities like San Antonio, Little Rock, or Cleveland because of cancellations. Flights into those cities will be tough to get, so consider flying into a city on the fringe or within a couple of hours of totality like Oklahoma City, Memphis, or St. Louis. Check rental car availability before you book your flight.
Written By: Jennifer Broome, Editor-in-Chief of The Hotel Guide
