This realistic List of Best Places helps you pick the top spots to view 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Texas.

The Total Solar Eclipse is coming to the United States and the Lone Star State on April 8, 2024. Texans and visitors should do some planning to experience this event.

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A Total Solar Eclipse is an event when the Moon goes between Earth and the Sun. The Moon does not allow for the sunlight to pass. Its shadow travels on Earth and creates night like conditions.

Total solar eclipses occur about every 18 months. But most people will only see an eclipse a few times in their lifetime. They take place in different parts of the planet. Clouds and weather often get in the way.

This makes April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse very special. Totality in Texas will be from about 1:25 p.m. to about 1:50 p.m. Places within the path will experience up to 4 minutes and 26 seconds of darkness.

Crowds, traffic, and higher prices on hotels and gas are the by-product of solar eclipse viewing. This List of the Best Places to View 2024 Total Solar Eclipse helps you plan an unforgettable trip.

1. Enchanted Rock

• Duration of Totality: ~4 minutes 20 seconds.
• Address: 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.
• Nearest Large City: San Antonio.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is the best place to view the Total Solar Eclipse in Texas. This 1,825-ft (556-m) high granite dome is in right next to the center of the path of totality.

You could expect to be in the shadow of the Moon for almost 4.5 minutes. It is among the longest eclipse times from all parks, areas, and sites in the state. Most eclipse chasers know about it all too well.

Therefore, Enchanted Rock will sell out on April 8. Even high daily entrance fees of $8 per adult will not be a hurdle. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department brought special measures to keep their website running.

You will not be able to reserve a day pass for the Eclipse Viewing online. Instead, you need to call the Customer Service Center at 512-389-8900 starting from 8 a.m. on March 11, 2024.

2. Garner

• Duration of Totality: ~4 minutes 20 seconds.
• Address: 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838.
• Nearest Large City: San Antonio.

Garner State Park is the second best place to view the Total Solar Eclipse in the Texas Hill Country. This park is near the southwestern side of the region. It is about halfway between San Antonio and Mexico.

The park is a very scenic destination. The winding Frio River and hiking trails through the hills attract countless visitors. The Total Solar Eclipse will only make it worse.

Some eclipse chasers will summit Old Baldy and experience the Moon’s shadow there. Cedar and oak trees make Garner a formidable rival to Enchanted Rock.

This park is certain to sell out within hours once the reservation window opens. Be among the first people to book your $8 per adult day pass.

3. Lost Maples

• Duration of Totality: ~4 minutes 20 seconds.
• Address: 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885.
• Nearest Large City: San Antonio.

Lost Maples State Natural Area is the third best place to view the Solar Eclipse in Texas. This park is almost at the center of the path of totality. The Moon’s shadow will cover the Sun for over 4 minutes.

Lost Maples is no stranger to crowds. Countless visitors drive to this remote park to experience fall foliage in November. The park also routinely sells out on the weekends in spring and fall.

This area has been one of the few parks inside two solar eclipse paths within 6 months. A few eclipse chasers saw the Annual Solar Eclipse on October 14, 2023 in this park.

A handful of them would plan to continue this experience on April 8, 2024. You need to book a $6 day pass online on March 8 to guarantee admission.

4. Inks Lake

• Duration of Totality: ~4 minutes 15 seconds.
• Address: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.

Inks Lake State Park is an amazing spot to view the Total Solar Eclipse in the Lone Star State. This park is a solid recreational area but it rarely wins awards for its beauty. Yet, the Eclipse will put it on the map.

The lake is near the center of the path of totality. It means that you could expect over 4 minutes of darkness in the middle of the day.

The park has a major advantage over many other parks. It is next to Highway TX-29. You could view the Eclipse and get back on the road quickly.

This plan depends on your ability to get a day pass to the park. It costs $7 per adult. The reservations open on March 8, 2024.

5. Colorado Bend

• Duration of Totality: ~4 minutes 10 seconds.
• Address: 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.

Colorado Bend State Park is a great place to view the Total Solar Eclipse in Texas. This park is outside of the major cities and highways. But its serene beauty and sights attract crowds on most weekends.

The park is home to Gorman Falls, the highest waterfall in the Lone Star State. It also has a cave and some 35 miles (56 km) of multi use trails.

You might want to head to Colorado Bend on Sunday to explore everything it has to offer. Camping reservations opened back in November. The park likely sold out all camping spots by now.

But you could try your luck with cancelations. If camping is not your thing, you might not find an affordable hotel nearby. Either way, book a $5 day pass as soon as possible.

6. LBJ Ranch

• Duration of Totality: ~4 minutes 15 seconds.
• Address: 199 Park Road 52, Stonewall, TX 78671.
• Nearest Large City: Austin, San Antonio.

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and National Historic Park is among the great places to view the Solar Eclipse in Central Texas. It is the best spot to travel to if you fail to get a reservation to other parks.

The park will be within the path of totality just a few dozen miles east of its center. The LBJ Ranch in Stonewall is a park unit with the best views. You could see the Eclipse from the hangar with Air Force 1/2.

The Johnson Settlement in Johnson City is further east. But this unit is also within the path. You should be able to spend just over 4 minutes inside the Moon’s shadow at either unit.

This park does not charge entrance fees. It will also not take reservations for the Total Solar Eclipse. But you should plan to be at the park early. Once the parking lots are full, the park will close to new visitors.

7. Pedernales Falls

• Duration of Totality: ~3 minutes 50 seconds.
• Address: 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.

Pedernales Falls State Park is a solid choice for anyone looking to experience the Total Solar Eclipse. This state park is on the Pedernales River 26 miles (42 km) east of LBJ State Park.

You might not think about this distance much. It takes 30 minutes to cover it without traffic. But it will matter on the day of the Eclipse. Pedernales Falls will be in the dark for some 30 seconds less.

But Pedernales Falls could give you a greater peace of mind. The park allows visitors to get a day pass reservation up to 30 days in advance. The $6 per person day pass guarantees entrance to the park.

Once in the park, you could go to the main falls. But if you arrive early enough there is a way to see the Eclipse in Pedernales Falls with less people. Head to the Hill Country Overlook on the Cypress Mill Loop.

8. Balcones Canyonlands

• Duration of Totality: ~3 minutes 50 seconds.
• Address: 10645 FM 1174, Bertram, TX 78605.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is a surprising place to view Total Solar Eclipse in the Texas Hill Country. This preserve is off the beaten path for most locals and visitors to Central Texas.

Yet, the park is quite close to Austin, Cedar Park, and Leander. It will also be in the path of totality for almost 4 minutes.

The refuge will not change its admission policy for the Solar Eclipse. It means that you could park at Shin Oak, Doeskin Ranch, and Warbler Vista free of charge.

But remember that there are very few parking spots. You need to arrive at Balcones Canyonlands quite early in the morning. This is the only way to guarantee a spot.

9. Meridian

• Duration of Totality: ~4 minutes.
• Address: 173 Park Road #7, Meridian, TX 76665.
• Nearest Large City: Fort Worth.

Meridian State Park is a lesser known place to see the Total Solar Eclipse in Central Texas. This state park is within the path of totality slightly west of the center.

The park is a great recreational area in the spring. You could choose to hike one of the park trails or explore Lake Meridian before or after the Eclipse.

Meridian State Park has admission fees of $5 per adult. Kids visit free. Texas State Park Annual Pass covers these fees for the pass holder and guests. Make sure to book your day pass as soon as possible.

A somewhat remote location of this park is the only downside. It will take you about 1.5 hours to reach the park from Fort Worth. A trip from Waco is just under 60 minutes.

10. Cleburne

• Duration of Totality: ~3 minutes 30 seconds.
• Address: 5800 Park Rd 21, Cleburne, TX 76033.
• Nearest Large City: Fort Worth.

Cleburne State Park is a nice place to watch the Eclipse if you are in Fort Worth, Texas. This city is just inside the western limit of totality. If you want to experience it for longer, you should drive south or east.

This park will be slightly off center within the path of totality. You could still expect about 3.5 minutes of complete darkness during the day.

Cleburne State Park has a lake and a few hiking trails. They could be a good addition to your trip after the Eclipse passes the park.

11. Guadalupe River

• Duration of Totality: ~3 minutes.
• Address: 3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070.
• Nearest Large City: San Antonio.

Guadalupe River State Park is a great spot to catch the Total Solar Eclipse in Texas. This park is one of the closest Eclipse viewing spots from San Antonio.

Guadalupe River is a great destination for hiking, biking, and bird watching. Yet, most people come to this park to wade in the river and grill some meat.

The park attracts crowds during most weekends. You should expect a large number of visitors for the Eclipse viewing, too.

Book your day pass in advance. If you plan on viewing the Eclipse in an adult group, you should buy a Texas State Parks annual pass. It covers the $7 entrance fee for you and your guests.

12. Pace Bend

• Duration of Totality: ~3 minutes 30 seconds.
• Address: 2805 Pace Bend Rd N, Spicewood, TX 78669.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.

Pace Bend Park is a nice place to view the Total Solar Eclipse in Central Texas. It is the first park on this list that is not a Texas State Park or Area. It is a Travis County park.

Pace Bend is west of Austin on the shores of Lake Travis. Lake access makes it a popular destination for camping and day visits in the summer. Spring is a great season to enjoy the park trails and wildflowers.

You cannot book a spot to view the Eclipse in advance. So you have to be at the park early. The $5 fee applies to anyone 13 and older. You could only pay it in cash. No checks, credit, or debit cards.

13. Muleshoe Bend

• Duration of Totality: ~3 minutes 50 seconds.
• Address: 2820 Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area is a solid place to view the Total Solar Eclipse in the Texas Hill Country. The area is just north of Texas State Highway SH-71.

Most locals know Muleshoe Bend as a fantastic spot to see bluebonnets in the spring. But it is also going to be a great place to catch the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) manages this park. It costs $5 per adult to visit Muleshoe Bend. But LCRA increased admission fees to $20 just for the Solar Eclipse.

While you get “free” eclipse glasses, you will be paying 4x the usual fee. If you do not mind this somewhat dishonest price increase, reserve a spot. At least, you might see the blooming bluebonnets.

14. Grelle

• Duration of Totality: ~3 minutes 50 seconds.
• Address: 640 Co Rd 412, Spicewood, TX 78669.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.

Grelle Recreation Area is a place off the beaten path to view the Total Solar Eclipse in Central Texas. It is another Lower Colorado River Authority park on this list.

The area has a few hiking and biking trails. Compared to other nearby parks, it tends to attract far fewer visitors. You could usually enjoy the river views in solitude.

Grelle’s admission requirements are quite similar to Muleshoe Bend. A day pass costs $5 for anyone ages 13 and older on any day of the year.

Yet, anyone 4 and older has to pay $20 to view the Eclipse at Grelle Recreation Area on April 8. It is hard to know what could be a more blatant way to make more money off visitors.

15. Longhorn Cavern

• Duration of Totality: ~4 minutes 20 seconds.
• Address: 6211 Park Road 4 S. Burnet, TX 78611.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.

Longhorn Cavern State Park is a nice place to experience the Solar Eclipse in Central Texas. You might find this choice a bit surprising. In the end, this park protects an underground cave.

It is a no-brainer that you need to be above the ground to see the eclipse. You are absolutely right. But few people realize that Longhorn Cavern has a couple of hiking trails and an observation tower.

Imagine experiencing the Total Solar Eclipse from a Civil Conservation Corps Tower. You could capture amazing images and videos.

But there is one issue with visiting Longhorn Cavern on April 8th. The private tour operator that manages the park already sold out all eclipse viewing packages. You could try your luck with cancelations.

16. McKinney Falls

• Duration of Totality: ~1 minute.
• Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744.
• Nearest Large City: Austin.

McKinney Falls State Park rounds up this list of the Best Places to View Solar Eclipse in Texas. To be honest, you are taking a bit of gamble if you decide view the eclipse from this park.

McKinney Falls is right on the eastern edge of the path of totality. If the path does not shift, you should experience about 60 seconds in the Moon’s shadow. But you might also view only a partial eclipse.

On the bright side, this park is a great destination beyond the Eclipse viewing. You should be able to see a few bluebonnets and waterfalls afterwards.

Like with other Texas state parks, you should make a reservation as soon as possible. Apply your Texas State Parks annual pass or pay $6 per adult.

Takeaways: Best Places to View Total Solar Eclipse in Texas

The Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 gives Texans an amazing chance to see an astronomic event first hand. The next solar eclipse in the United States will take place in 2044.

Unless you plan on traveling abroad or waiting 20 years, you should not miss this eclipse. If you live or work just outside the path of totality, make an effort to travel inside. A few miles could make a difference.

Expect heavy traffic on all major highways within the path. Interstate Highways I-35, I-35E, I-35E, and I-10 will be extra busy. Most parks and sights will be crowded or sold out.

Out-of-state visitors who have not booked a place to stay yet will pay a hefty premium. You might be better off staying outside of the path and driving to view it.

No matter where you choose to experience the eclipse, remember to protect your vision. Buy special glasses online or at your local store. Do this in advance in case they sell out closer to the eclipse.

Take a look at this Video List of the Best Places to View 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Texas. And visit the YouTube channel for the latest videos.

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Safe realist travels!