A total solar eclipse will be visible across North America on April 8, and a significant portion of Texas is in the path of totality. Viewers near the middle of the path will enjoy a glimpse of the moon surrounded by a brilliant ring of the sun for more than four minutes.
Central Texas anticipates more than a million visitors to witness this phenomenon, so if you don’t have accommodations lined up yet, book quickly. There are countless events on and around the big day, from music-fueled festivals to astronomer-led lectures, and some of the state’s best hotels offer enticing packages and parties to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event.
This Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel will honor the total eclipse with a Celestial Celebration on April 8. Expert astrophysicist Ryan Hennessy will serve as a master of ceremonies, leading participants in interactive astronomy education, including a peek through a state-of-the-art solar telescope. Guests will receive commemorative eclipse glasses and enjoy a gourmet spring barbecue, live music and family-friendly activities such as a photo booth, tarot card readings and more.
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
The Four-Star Commodore Perry Estate is teaming up with Mirasol Springs in Dripping Springs for an out-of-this-world event. The Austin hotel will transport guests to the 300-acre ranch for Solar Eclipse Camp, a full day of tours, hikes, astronomy talks, art projects, astrology activities, garden tours and more. Patrons will also relish the Moroccan-style desert camp lunch prepared by the hotel’s notable chef duo, Bradley Nicholson and Susana Querejazu.
HILL COUNTRY
Since this celestial phenomenon is happening smack in the middle of Texas wine country, many vineyards will hold April 8 events. William Chris Vineyards’ eclipse viewing party will include astronomer-led lessons, wine barrel tastings and a country music concert powered by iHeart Radio. Uplift Vineyards will host an intimate all-day food and wine event featuring James Beard Award winner Jesse Griffiths of Dai Due, a master blending session with its winemaker and an onsite astronomer for eclipse commentary. Ron Yates Wines will throw an eclipse party on its 10-plus acres with plenty of wine, a pig roast, live music, bocce ball, cornhole and horseshoes. Tickets to Wedding Oak Winery’s eclipse party (taking place at all three locations) will come with bottles of commemorative eclipse wine, special eclipse glasses, access to prime viewing areas, snacks and live entertainment.
The luxe Camp Lucy, nestled on a ranch in Dripping Springs, will have an eclipse event in its chapel. The galactic get-together will feature a presentation by NASA senior research astrophysicist Michael McElwain, acoustic music, food and drink, solar eclipse glasses and complimentary parking. McElwain will host stargazing events on April 7 and 8, with fare from local food trucks. Tickets can be purchased here.
This sprawling Dripping Springs retreat will hold Hill Country Solar Eclipse Fest on April 7 with many glamping options (including cabins, yurts and safari tents), heated pools, hot tubs, fire pits and grills. Guests will also get access to two eclipse viewing areas — one on the rooftop and another at Hill Country overlook. Day and weekend passes are available, as well as an add-on blind wine tasting and Italian dinner next door at Bell Springs Winery.
The iconic Utopiafest, a music festival held in Utopia, Texas, had been going strong for 14 years. However, founder Travis Sutherland has decided instead to now focus on smaller events at Meridian, his permanent music venue in Buda. Eclipse Utopia (April 5 to 9) will be the not-to-be-missed swan song: a family- and pet-friendly event held at the spacious Four Sisters Ranch. Not only is Utopia one of the best places to see the total eclipse, but the fest will feature diverse music programming (with headliners like Ghostland Observatory, Butcher Brown and Matthew Logan Vasquez), workshops, yoga classes, hiking, disc golf and mountain biking.
For nearly 50 years, folk enthusiasts have flocked to Kerrville for its celebrated annual folk festival. This year, the Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation will also organize another event, Kerrclipse (April 5 to 8), as a total solar eclipse takes the main stage for more than four minutes. The family-friendly fun will feature science presentations and food and craft vendors. The foundation will branch out beyond folk, bluegrass and Americana with performances by musicians like alt-R&B act THEBROSFRESH and psychedelic rockers Golden Dawn Arkestra, who will play a total eclipse set.
This Four-Star beauty on the Riverwalk offers a Solarbration package that includes custom eclipse glasses, early check-in, late checkout and surprise eclipse-themed gifts. The posh rooftop pool is the ideal place to witness this unparalleled event before soaking in the rays for the rest of the day.
The Moon’s Daughters is the hip rooftop bar and restaurant at Thompson San Antonio, and it will serve a Solar Eclipse Brunch on April 8 featuring a crave-able buffet, cosmic-themed cocktails, eclipse glasses and a rooftop view of the display.
WACO
This luxurious 21-room boutique hotel will open its doors in downtown Waco just in time for some interstellar excitement. Be one of the first to experience the Herringbone’s art deco-inspired rooms, with unique features like a Roman-style bathtub in the middle of the space. On eclipse day, it’ll host a rooftop event called Eyes on the Skies, featuring lunch, a sound bath and a “totality toast” to celebrate this spectacle of nature.
Book the Solar Eclipse package at the Five-Star Ritz-Carlton, Dallas if you’re looking more for high-end relaxation and celestial solitude. The package comes with a special eclipse viewing area, daily breakfast for two and two 50-minute facials, which include a vitamin C treatment that restores vitality to sun-damaged skin and minimizes signs of aging by stimulating collagen.
What better place to observe the total eclipse than at the iconic downtown Dallas sculpture The Eye? Partake in cocktails and snacks while strolling through the Eyeboretum’s gardens. Tickets are only available through the concierge to guests of the Four-Star hotel and those who enjoy lunch in its restaurants (CBD Provisions and Sassetta).
The new boutique hotel will open its 20th floor and telescope to guests on April 8 so they can witness the eclipse. During the weekend, there will be a collection of planetary-themed films and on April 8, a guide will lead participants through new moon rituals, reiki, meditation, a sound bath and a discussion on the significance of the new moon and eclipse.
