Your Austin Guide to the 2024 Solar Eclipse

What to Know About the 2024 Solar Eclipse

We are in for a treat! A solar eclipse is a true phenomenon. On April 8, 2024, the moon will slide between the sun and Earth, casting its full shadow to completely obscure the sun. An eerie twilight will appear. Temperatures will drop. Birds will go silent. For a moment, everything will be still.

Because this isn’t just any eclipse. The April 8, 2024, eclipse will be a total solar eclipse, a marvel that hasn’t been seen in Texas since 1878!

The 2024 eclipse is a not-to-be-missed viewing event for Austin locals and visitors alike. It’s a chance to experience an uncommon event in one of the best cities in the United States, known for its fun activities, laid-back style and welcoming spirit. What a great time to be in Austin, Texas!

2024 Solar Eclipse FAQs

Here are the top frequently-asked-questions about this year’s total solar eclipse.

When is the 2024 solar eclipse?

The solar eclipse will take place in North America on Monday, April 8, 2024.

Where will the 2024 solar eclipse be visible?

The 2024 solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States and Canada. It will be at least partially visible in all of the contiguous United States.

Where is the best place to see the 2024 solar eclipse?

The best place to see the 2024 eclipse is Texas, according to Eclipsophile. Our sunny skies and typically low-cloud atmosphere in the month of April make for prime eclipse viewing.

How long will the 2024 solar eclipse last?

The full length of the 2024 solar eclipse will be around two hours and 40 minutes, counting the time when the moon first appears in front of the sun, until the sun is once again fully visible. The totality period, in which the moon completely obscures the sun, will vary, depending on your proximity to the center of the path of totality. Locations on the center of the path of totality will experience around four minutes of midday twilight. The longest viewing period for the 2024 solar eclipse will be near Torreón, Mexico, where it will last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. In Austin, viewers will experience approximately 1 minute and 46 seconds of totality.

What time is the 2024 solar eclipse?

In Central Texas, which is in the U.S. Central time zone, the eclipse will start around 12:15 p.m. on Monday, April 8, and end around 3:00 p.m. In Austin, the period of totality will begin at 1:37. p.m. and last 1 minute and 46 seconds.

How do I safely watch the eclipse?

Watching a solar eclipse is a unique experience, but it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure this event doesn’t leave a lasting impact on your vision.

The only time it’s safe to look at the eclipse without protection is during the brief period when the moon completely covers the sun.

For the 2024 total solar eclipse in Austin, attendees must be particularly cautious due to the partial phases before and after totality. Looking directly at the sun can cause serious eye damage.

ISO 12312-2 Certified Eye Protection

The most important safety tip for watching the eclipse is to use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses. These specialized glasses are designed to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays by filtering out the intense sunlight so that you can safely observe the eclipse.

No matter how dark, regular sunglasses are insufficient to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays during an eclipse.

If you’re staying with us at the Heywood Hotel for the 2024 solar eclipse, we’ll supply eclipse glasses to our guests! So, there is no need to worry about buying your own.

What are the best eclipse viewing spots in and around Austin?

Austin’s vantage point for this total eclipse offers a unique backdrop of the city’s skyline against the darkened sky for some of the best viewing experiences in the nation.

Here’s where to be when the day turns to twilight:

Heywood Hotel

As the solar event of the century approaches, the Heywood Hotel stands ready as the ultimate spot for eclipse enthusiasts converging on Austin.

Located in East Austin, our boutique hotel is more than just a place to stay – it’s your gateway to experiencing the 2024 total solar eclipse in comfort and style.

We believe we’ll have an unobstructed view of the eclipse from the Heywood Hotel courtyard patio. So join us for good views, special treats, and surprises for our eclipse chasers. It’s going to be a lot of fun!

And don’t forget – we’ll supply the eclipse glasses!

Other Viewing Spots Around Austin

If you’re planning to take in this event outside of the Heywood Hotel, here are a few location suggestions:

Inside Austin: Zilker Park and the nearby Lady Bird Lake boardwalk are expected to be popular, so arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

Texas State Parks near Austin: Several Texas State Parks near Austin lie within the eclipse’s path for those looking for more natural surroundings as the eclipse unfolds.

• McKinney Falls State Park: Just 9 miles from the Heywood Hotel
• Pedernales Falls State Park: About 44 miles west of the Heywood
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Located approximately 98 miles west of our hotel

Due to the expected high demand, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Pre-purchasing passes or permits for these parks is highly recommended since they will likely book quickly.

Also, make sure to plan for traffic and parking when putting together your travel timeline from the Heywood Hotel. We expect significant traffic to and from the more popular viewing destinations around Austin and Central Texas. For this reason, you may wish to stay comfortable and stress-free on the Heywood Hotel courtyard patio to watch the 2024 solar eclipse. We will host a private eclipse watch party for hotel guests.

If you prefer not to drive, the Heywood Hotel offers guests free bikes for cycling to your preferred Austin city viewing spot.

Exploring Austin During Eclipse Weekend

Austin is known worldwide as a great town to visit for live music, good food and outdoor adventure. You don’t need the excuse of the 2024 solar eclipse to visit, but what a great excuse it is to explore Austin.

And the Heywood’s concierge team is here to help plan your perfect Austin stay! To get you started, here are a few ideas and resources.

Live Music Capital of the World

Austin’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World” is well-earned, with venues across the city hosting live performances spanning every genre of music.

And eclipse watchers who arrive early are in for a special treat, as Austin is hosting the Country Music Television (CMT) Awards on April 7, 2024!

Time your visit to take advantage of all the live music happening during the CMT Awards. With concerts and eclipse events, Austin will be a fun place for the entire weekend. Plan ahead and stay for the whole weekend leading up to the eclipse!

Read Free Concerts in Austin for more information on Austin’s various venues, or check out this interactive calendar to see what’s going on during the weekend of April 5-April 9, 2024.

Culinary Delights

Austin’s dining scene is among the country’s hottest, with many of our restaurants and chefs making nationwide “best of” lists!

The city is famous for its barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine, but you’ll also find innovative food trucks, farm-to-table restaurants and fine dining establishments.

Check out our guides on places to dine and drink:

• The 7 Best Austin Patio Bars
• Healthy Austin: Where to Eat, Drink and Get Fit
• Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Austin
• Breakfast & Brunch: East Austin
• Best Breweries in Austin

Not sure what you want? Stop by and speak with the Heywood Hotel’s concierge team. Our team knows Austin and is great at finding what you need!

Explore Austin and Beyond

For those who want a little of everything that Austin or Texas has to offer, here are a few other guides to help you find the hidden gems of the city:

• Spring in Austin, Texas: Ideas for 2024
• Places to Swim in Austin, Texas
• Four Short Day Trips From Austin
• A Design Enthusiast’s Guide to Austin
• Things to Do in Austin on a Rainy Day

Book Early for the Best Austin Solar Eclipse Experience

Anticipation is building for the 2024 solar eclipse, and the Heywood is booking up fast. We have just a few rooms remaining.

The Heywood Hotel is an authentically Austin boutique hotel known for its personalized service, thoughtfully curated accommodations, and commitment to supporting local businesses. Guests can immerse themselves in the spirit of Austin through the hotel’s clever decor, locally sourced amenities, and close proximity to the city’s top attractions and best eateries.

We encourage you to book your stay early to secure your spot at our prime location for eclipse watchers. Join us for an unforgettable experience as we celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event together.

Feature image of the solar eclipse by
Scott Szarapka, on Unsplash.