April 8, 2024 is right around the corner, so it’s time to start looking for the best place to see the total solar eclipse in 2024! The 2017 total eclipse was the first total solar eclipse that was viewable in the United States in the age of Instagram, and the coverage of the event was elevated to an absolute frenzy. Eager eclipse viewers were willing to travel great distances to view the magnificent event in the path of totality, and unsurprisingly, they were left awestruck.
Like 2017, there will be hordes of excited people scrambling to find the best place to view the 2024 eclipse and traveling in droves to get there, so don’t wait to make your plans! Fortunately, for avid eclipse watchers, there are some major American cities directly in the path of totality. Consider checking out the following best places to see the total solar eclipse in 2024, and don’t forget to order your solar eclipse glasses before they’re sold out!
1. Dallas, Texas
Although the state capital of Austin is also in the path of totality, the Dallas metroplex may very well be the Lone Star State’s best city to take in the magic. The old saying “everything’s bigger in Texas” usually holds true, especially when it comes to big events. Dallas, Fort Worth, and its many suburbs are bustling with places to go and things to do before and after the eclipse.
To get into the Dallas-Fort Worth area, fly into either one of Dallas’ major airports: Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) or Love Field. Additionally, Dallas is one of the best places to see the total solar eclipse in 2024 because finding accommodations in the metroplex should be easier than many other areas due to the large number of hotels in the area.
2. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis knows how to handle big events. The Indianapolis 500, the crown jewel of American auto racing, is held at the mammoth Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Speedway is the largest sports venue in the world, with a total capacity of around 400,000. You can be sure that Indianapolis can handle an influx of eclipse visitors, so it’s among the best places to view the 2024 eclipse without being overcrowded.
Heading to Indy? The best place to see the total solar eclipse in 2024 might just be the extremely walkable and entertaining downtown district. If you’re looking for a more quiet, meditative eclipse experience, heading several miles out into the expansive Indiana farm country will still keep you directly in the path of totality.
3. Little Rock, Arkansas
If Little Rock isn’t on your 2024 eclipse cities radar yet, it should be! The capital of Arkansas has gone through a renaissance of sorts over the past several years. There’s an abundance of parks and green space in the city, and the downtown core is easy to traverse with its historic Metro Streetcar trolley system.
Little Rock may be the best place to see the total solar eclipse in 2024 if you’re looking for some classic Southern charm to accompany your trip. The city’s most well-known tourist destination is the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, but there are plenty of other exciting places to visit as well, like the Arkansas Arts Center.
4. Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York could be the best placeto view the 2024 eclipse as long as you don’t mind chilly weather! Although spring will already have sprung, the average low temperature on April 8th in Buffalo is an extremely brisk 34 degrees Fahrenheit, with the actual lows often dropping below freezing. However, if you’re willing to withstand the elements, you’ll be treating yourself to possibly the best place to see the total solar eclipse in 2024.
If you want the real Buffalo experience, make sure you get a plate (or more!) of Buffalo wings, which were first served at the Anchor Bar right in Buffalo. Although Anchor Bar is still serving up plates of their famous wings, locals will often tell you the best wings in town are actually at Duff’s Famous Wings. Try them both for a post-eclipse meal that’s uniquely Buffalo in style.
5. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland has gone through a much-publicized revival over the past several years, and this city on the shores of Lake Erie might also be the best place to see the total solar eclipse in 2024.
Looking for things to do in Cuyahoga County before or after eclipse watching? How about a stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Early April will also mark the beginning of the Major League Baseball season, meaning catching a Cleveland Guardians home game is a possibility, as well.
If the hustle and bustle of major 2024 eclipse cities aren’t your cup of tea, consider the nearby cities of Akron and Toledo. They’re also in the path of totality and some of the best places to view the 2024 eclipse without large crowds.
6. Carbondale, Illinois
Although Carbondale will likely not be on many people’s lists for the best place to see the total solar eclipse in 2024, it has a unique claim to fame that should get your attention.
The city of 21,000, which is about a two-hour drive from St. Louis, was also in the path of totality for the 2017 solar eclipse! Carbondale is one of the few cities in America that will experience both eclipses. How rare is this? On average, a solar eclipse is seen from the same location once every 375 years. Talk about star-crossed!
Because it’s such a small city, finding solar eclipse eyewear locally will be difficult, if not impossible. Order yours at Rainbow Symphony today!
7. Burlington, Vermont
The Queen City is located on the beautiful Lake Champlain, making it among the best places to see the total solar eclipse in 2024 while surrounded by nature. Although Burlington is in one of the most remote areas of the country, it’s also the largest city in Vermont and has a unique mixture of urban and small-town vibes.
If you’re planning to view the 2024 eclipse from Burlington, consider staying in one of the many historic inns located in the area. Also, for a unique side trip, bring your passport and visit the beautiful city of Montreal, Quebec (which also happens to be in the path of totality!).
Prepare Now for This Amazing Event!
You can’t go wrong with any of these 2024 eclipse cities, so start getting your plans in order now before the best places to see the total solar eclipse in 2024 are all booked up! Hotels, flights, and rental cars are getting claimed quickly, so having a game plan ready now will ensure you
won’t miss out on one of nature’s most spectacular shows.
Most importantly, don’t overlook eclipse safety—you can’t view the eclipse with the naked eye. At Rainbow Symphony, we carry all the tools you need to make sure you can watch the eclipse safely. Buy eclipse glasses and eclipse viewers, and be sure to pick up some solar filters for your camera or binoculars.
It doesn’t matter if you’re at the best place to see the total solar eclipse in 2024 if you don’t get to see the main event, so get eclipse glasses now before it’s too late!
Learn More About the Upcoming Eclipse
Let the experts at Rainbow Symphony be your go-to resource, not only for eclipse viewing products, but as your April 2024 eclipse guide. These seven best places to view the 2024 eclipse are a great starting point, but you can use our interactive solar eclipse map to find other locations that may be closer or more appealing to you. You can also check our guide to the Great North American Total Solar Eclipse 2024 (part 1 and part 2) to learn more.
In closing, even if you’re not able to travel to the best place to see the total solar eclipse in 2024, this astonishing celestial event is absolutely still worth experiencing no matter where you are. Don’t miss it!
All Rainbow Symphony eclipse viewers and glasses meet the transmission requirements of scale 12-16 of EN 169/1992, are "CE" Certified, and meet the standard for ISO 12312-2:2015. Trusted by the AAS and NASA, our solar glasses also meet the 2012 Transmission Requirements of EN 1836:2005 and AS/NZS 1338.1:1992 for eclipse filters (Queensland Directive).
