Want to see the next USA solar eclipse over Texas?
On Monday, April 8th, 2024, the United States will experience a total solar eclipse that won’t be seen again from the mainland for over 20 years.
Thousands of Americans are preparing to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon, traveling both within and across state boundaries.
Also Read: 40 Best Places to Visit in Texas
This rare event can be witnessed by people along a 70-mile path in North America, stretching from Texas all the way up through Maine and into Canada.
Are you wondering what is the best place to see total solar eclipse 2024?
Texas is the best place to see this stunning natural phenomenon as it lies directly in the path of the eclipse and has a duration of over 4 minutes in several places!
April is also the wildflower season in Texas – which means, a remarkable opportunity to marvel at nature and its incredible beauty at the same time!
Also Read: Texas Road Trip Planner
But did you know that there is another eclipse happening in Texas in 2023?
Yes! On Saturday, October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will be visible from Texas.
That’s right, the Next Solar Eclipse for Texas will be the famous Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse!
And that’s why – 2023 and 2024 are the perfect times to plan a trip to the Lone Star State because of the fantastic astronomical events happening here. including
Take some time to read up on the celestial phenomenon and prepare for an unforgettable experience of the Next Solar Eclipse over Texas!
Also Read: 18 Best Places to see bluebonnets in Texas
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out all or some of the sunlight and casting a shadow over sections of the earth.
When this happens, viewers on the day side of the Earth can witness a total or partial eclipse depending on their location relative to the Moon’s trajectory.
A total solar eclipse is a rare event that happens only once in a while, and can last up to 7 minutes.
Solar eclipses tend to draw crowds of people who want to experience this unique occurrence, oftentimes traveling great distances just to catch a glimpse.
An annular solar eclipse is a different kind of incredible spectacle.
This type of eclipse is different from a total eclipse because at its peak, only part of the Sun’s disk is blocked by the moon.
Instead a bright outer ring (annulus) is created as its light beams through the moon’s surface.
It’s truly a wondrous thing to witness and can only be experienced in areas that fall within the path of visibility.
When is the next solar eclipse in Texas?
Wondering when is the next solar eclipse visible in Texas?
Here are the dates again: plan your trip around these rare celestial phenomenon and enjoy a breathtaking experience.
2023 – Saturday October 14 – Annular / Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse
2024 – Monday, April 8, 2024 – Total Solar Eclipse
Fun fact: Did you know that a destination experiences a total solar eclipse every 350-400 years?
That means, Texas won’t be having an event like this again in your lifetime!
Best Places to See Next Total Solar Eclipse in Texas on April 8, 2024
As mentioned, the next total solar eclipse will occur in Texas on Monday April 8, 2024.
Texas will have a front-row seat to an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
So, Where is the best place to view the solar eclipse in Texas?
The key thing when viewing a total solar eclipse is to find a spot that is not only clear, but free of cloud cover.
Also Read: 28 Best Things to do in Texas Hill Country
Texas offers numerous great spots for seeing the eclipse including Austin, Fredericksburg, Dallas.
Also, small towns like Waco, Belton, and Burnet are ideal for getting a clear view of the eclipse.
Here is everything you need to know to see this event including cities that lie in the path of next solar eclipse 2024 Texas.
Austin
Austin is the capital city of Texas and happens to be located precisely within the path of totality.
The Austin eclipse will last about 1 minutes and 46 seconds, making it one of the top spots for viewing this rare event.
There are numerous free public parks here, such as Zilker Park and Mount Bonnell.
The city will also host various events.
Related: 5 Secret Camping Spots near Austin to see Total Solar Eclipse 2024
Waco
Waco is another great spot for viewing the eclipse.
The city has a totality of whooping 4 minutes, 13 seconds.
The downtown area and the banks of the Brazos river offer unobstructed views of the sky.
Baylor University and the Lowell Observatory will be hosting special events and educational activities.
The Waco Mammoth National Monument or the Cameron Park Zoo are great places to take the kids while on this trip.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a picturesque town located just outside Austin, within the path of totality.
It offers some of the best vistas for eclipse watching and the eclipse here is predicted to be of 4 minutes and 24 seconds.
The town is famous for its German heritage and wineries.
It also has some excellent accommodations and eateries.
Marble Falls
Marble Falls is located in the Hill Country in the Highland Lakes region, within the path of totality.
It offers excellent views and uninterrupted sky for watching the eclipse.
The city has a total eclipse duration of 4 minutes and 13 seconds.
April in Highland Lakes is the peak bluebonnet season and best time for road trips.
You can also enjoy fishing, golfing or hiking while you’re here.
Burnet
Burnet or the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas is a small town located in Central Texas, within the path of totality.
The total eclipse here will last for 4 minutes and 20 seconds.
It has numerous outdoor recreational activities on offer such as boating, fishing and camping.
The Inks Lake State Park is sure to offer some amazing views of the eclipse and is a great spot for camping.
The Burnet County Courthouse Square will also host numerous events related to the eclipse.
Llano
Llano is located in the Texas Hill Country and is expected to receive several thousands of visitors to see the eclipse.
The total duration of the eclipse here will be 4 minutes and 23 seconds.
The city has a rich cultural heritage, as well as some great outdoor activities on offer such as fishing, hunting and camping.
It also has some interesting landmarks to explore, such as the Llano County Courthouse.
So, mark your calendar and make sure you don’t miss this spectacular event.
Del Rio
Looking for someplace to view the eclipse in Texas near the border?
Del Rio is located in Val Verde County and is well within the path of totality.
The eclipse here will last for a duration of 3 minutes and 24 seconds.
There are also several things to do near Del Rio such as water skiing, fishing and kayaking.
The Amistad National Recreation Area is a great spot for eclipse viewing, with its clear skies and views of the lake.
Lampasas
Lampasas is located in Central Texas near Austin and falls within the path of totality for the solar eclipse.
The city offers an impressive duration of 4 minutes and 24 seconds for viewing this astronomical event.
Lampasas also has a charming downtown and some great outdoor activities on offer such as hiking, camping and fishing at nearby lakes.
Georgetown
Georgetown is located in North-Central Texas, just north of Austin and falls within the path of totality.
The total eclipse here will last for 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
This makes it one of the best spots in Texas to view this phenomenon.
Georgetown also has plenty to see and do, such as the Blue Hole swimming hole, river tubing, and historic downtown buildings.
Dallas
Dallas is the largest city in Texas and is located just on the edge of the path of totality.
However, it still offers one of the best views for eclipse watchers in the state.
The total eclipse here will last for 3 minutes and 51 seconds.
Read more about Best Things to do in Dallas now.
San Antonio
One of the major attractions in the Path of 2024 solar eclipse in Texas is the San Antonio Riverwalk!
The city is located in South-Central Texas and falls within the path of totality, offering an impressive duration of 2 minutes and 3 seconds for eclipse viewing.
San Antonio also has some great attractions such as the Alamo, Missions National Park and San Fernando Cathedral.
Temple
Temple is located in Central Texas and falls within the path of totality for the solar eclipse.
The total duration of this phenomenon here will last for a whopping 3 minutes and 44 seconds!
It also offers some great outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, boating and swimming at nearby lakes.
Uvalde
Uvalde is located in South-Central Texas and falls within the path of totality for the eclipse.
The total duration here will be 4 minutes and 15 seconds.
Uvalde also has some great attractions on offer such as golf courses, swimming pools and parks.
It is also home to the famous Lost Maples State Park which offers a great spot for eclipse viewing.
Concan
Concan is located in the Hill Country of Texas and great place to see the eclipse.
The total duration here will be 4 minutes and 25 seconds.
It also has some great outdoor activities on offer such as fishing, canoeing and camping at nearby rivers.
Concan is also home to the Frio River and Garner State Park, both of which are great spots for eclipse viewing.
Bandera
Bandera, Texas is a small town located in the Hill Country of Texas.
With its rolling hills and lush vegetation, Bandera is known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World.”
The town has a long history with roots that go back to 1853 when it was founded by pioneers.
It has been home to multiple rodeos over the years with tourists coming from all over to watch or take part in some legendary events.
Bandera falls within the path of totality for the eclipse with a duration of 4 minutes and 4 seconds.
It also has some great attractions on offer such as the Hill Country State Natural Area, which offers a great spot for eclipse viewing.
Granbury
Granbury is home to a charming downtown district with many historical buildings that date back to the 19th century.
It also has some great outdoor activities on offer such as fishing and boating at nearby lakes.
Granbury falls within the path of totality for the solar eclipse with a total duration of 2 minutes and 5 seconds, making it one of the best spots in Texas to view this astronomical phenomenon.
Canton
Canton is located in East Texas and is one of the best spots for eclipse viewing in the Piney Woods region.
It falls within the path of totality with a total duration of 4 minutes and 5 seconds.
Canton also has some great attractions on offer such as the First Monday Trade Days, which is a popular flea market.
Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs, Texas is a charming city located in Northeast Texas.
It has a rich history that dates back to 1844 and has plenty of attractions for visitors.
The historic downtown area offers shopping, dining, museums, and more, while Sulphur Spring’s natural beauty can be seen throughout the town.
Visitors can explore nearby creeks and rivers or take part in outdoor activities like biking, canoeing and horseback riding.
Sulphur Springs will experience a total solar eclipse that will be visible for a total duration of 4 minutes 21 seconds.
Read more here https://nationaleclipse.com/cities_total.html
Best Places to See Next Annular Solar Eclipse in Texas on October 14, 2023
The Ring of Fire Annular Solar Eclipse in Texas is one of the most awaited events of the decade for astronomy lovers!
It is an amazing phenomenon where the moon passes directly in front of the sun, blocking out its light and leaving a “ring of fire” around it.
Texas is one of the best places to witness this spectacle due to its clear skies and vast landscape.
Here are some of the top spots in Lone Star State you can watch the eclipse from that lie in the path of next annular solar eclipse 2023 in Texas:
Odessa
Odessa is located in West Texas and is known for its beautiful sunsets.
It is one of the best spots for eclipse viewing as it falls within the path of annularity with a total duration of 4 minutes and 49 seconds.
The town also has some great attractions on offer such as the Odessa Meteor Crater, which is a great spot for stargazing and viewing the eclipse.
Midland
Midland, Texas is the perfect spot for an eclipse viewing experience.
It falls within the path of annularity with a total duration of 4 minutes and 55 seconds.
The town also has some great attractions on offer such as The George W Bush Childhood Home, which offers visitors a glimpse into the life of our former president.
Also Read: Ultimate West Texas Road Trip Itinerary
San Angelo
San Angelo has a rich history and is known for its scenic beauty.
It falls within the path of annularity with a total duration of 3 minutes and 11 seconds.
The town also offers visitors some great attractions such as the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, which features works from local artists.
Ozona
Ozona is a small town located in West Texas.
It falls within the path of annularity with a total duration of 4 minutes and 35 seconds.
The town also has some great attractions such as Ozona Park, which features a lake and walking trails for visitors to explore.
Sonora
Sonora, Texas is a small town in West Texas with a population of just over 2,000 people.
It’s located in the heart of the state and is known for its unique scenery and vast landscapes.
The primary attraction here is the Caverns of Sonora, which is an underground cave system.
Sonora also falls within the path of annularity with a total duration of 4 minutes and 56 seconds.
Junction
Junction, Texas is located in the Hill Country of Texas and is one of the best spots for eclipse-viewing as it falls within the path of annularity with a total duration of 4 minutes and 29 seconds.
The town also has some great attractions such as the South Llano River State Park, which offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and camping.
While you’re in town don’t miss out on local restaurants and museums.
Ingram
Ingram, Texas is a small town located in the Hill Country of Central Texas.
It falls within the path of annularity with a total duration of 4 minutes and 23 seconds.
The town offers plenty of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, and golfing for visitors to explore.
Kerrville
Kerrville, Texas is another great Central Texas spot for viewing the eclipse with a total duration of 4 minutes and 15 seconds.
The small town of Kerrville boasts plenty of entertainment options such as shopping, art galleries, and museums.
The town also has some great outdoor attractions including the Kerrville-Schreiner State Park which offers visitors plenty of activities like hiking and biking trails.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, Texas is one of our favorite places to visit in Texas.
It is a small German town in Central Texas known for its beautiful scenery and historic downtown area.
It falls within the path of annularity with a total duration of 2 minutes and 11 seconds.
The town also has some great attractions such as the National Museum of the Pacific War and the Admiral Nimitz Museum which can both be found in downtown Fredericksburg.
The town also offers some great outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and more at Enchanted Rock.
San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas is a great spot for eclipse-viewing with a total duration of 4 minute and 21 seconds.
The city offers plenty to do with its historic downtown area, the River Walk, and other attractions such as the Alamo, SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and more.
New Braunfels
New Braunfels, Texas is a small town located between Houston and San Antonio and is known for its German heritage.
It falls within the path of annularity with a total duration of 0 minutes and 59 seconds.
The town also offers plenty to do with attractions such as Gruene Historic District, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, bbq, and more.
For those looking for outdoor activities, New Braunfels also has some great options such as tubing down the Guadalupe or Comal Rivers or visiting nearby Canyon Lake.
Corpus Christi
Did you know, that the annular eclipse of 2023 can be seen even from the Texas Gulf Coast?
Corpus Christi, Texas is one of the best spots for viewing this natural phenomenon with a total duration of 5 minutes and 2 seconds.
The city offers plenty to do from its beaches and seafood restaurants, to attractions such as the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay and the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History.
Rockport
Another great spot to combine a beach vacation with the Ring of Fire is Rockport Beach.
The beach town is located in the Aransas County and falls within the path of annularity with a total duration of 4 minutes and 32 seconds.
Rockport Beach offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy such as fishing, swimming, and more.
Visitors can also explore attractions such as the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, and the Rockport Center for the Arts.
Port Aransas
Port Aransas is a small beach town located in Nueces County.
It lies within the path of annularity and will experience a total duration of 4 minutes and 50 seconds.
The city has plenty of attractions such as the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, and the Texas Maritime Museum.
The nearby Mustang Island State Park which offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
The city also has some great seafood restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
Read more here https://nationaleclipse.com/cities_annular_2023.html
2023 Texas Eclipse vs 2024 Texas Eclipse: Which should you visit?
If you want to see the famous Ring of Fire eclipse in Texas, then plan a trip to Central Texas in 2023.
If you want to see a spectacular total solar eclipse in Texas, then plan a trip to Central Texas in 2024.
That’s also the peak wildflower viewing season, so combine bluebonnets plus wildflowers!
Can’t get any better!
Ambitious skywatchers can make plans to witness both of these incredible celestial occurrence and enjoy the rare treat.
How to watch the solar eclipse?
For safety reasons, it is important to use the correct equipment when viewing a solar eclipse.
You will need special “eclipse glasses” that block out harmful rays and protect your eyes from damage.
Be sure to buy the glasses well in advance as they can sell out near the eclipse date.
What time is the solar eclipse in Texas?
The annular solar eclipse in Texas will occur on October 14th, 2023 and reach its max at 11:50 AM.
This will be followed by the total solar eclipse of April 8th, 2024 which will reach its peak at 1:43 PM.
If you want to get the best viewing experience, it is best to arrive early and find a good spot.
Be sure to bring your eclipse glasses and other necessary viewing equipment.
Whether you are planning on enjoying the event with your loved ones in the Lone Star State….
…. or taking an exciting road trip to experience totality,…
…. one thing is certain: this awe-inspiring celestial show won’t come around again for quite some time!
Texas will be one of the best states to view the next solar eclipse and with several cities falling within its path, there is sure to be plenty of options for viewing this astronomical event.
From Del Rio near the border, to Lampasas and Georgetown in Central Texas, and San Antonio in South-Central Texas – there are a variety of great spots from which to watch both the eclipses.
No matter where you are in Texas, make sure that you take advantage of this incredible opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse.
Good luck and happy viewing!