We’ve gathered 6 stellar spots to see the solar eclipse on April 8th from a TX-sized viewing package and an out-of-this-world opportunity to witness the event with NASA at Niagara Falls State Park, to other incredible destination resorts on the path of totality, along with two more prime vantage points to catch a partial view that are still FULL of fun – we’ve selected a shortlist that everyone, everywhere can venture to for this celestial spectacle!
*TOTAL ECLIPSE VIEWING*
Hotel Crescent Court – Dallas, TX
Experience the rare experience of a lifetime as Dallas plays host to an exclusive total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024. Positioned as the largest city in the path of totality, witness a front row seat as darkness envelops the city during totality with unparalleled vistas from Hotel Crescent Court, located in the heart of Uptown Dallas at approximately 1:40 p.m. Travelers can also make their celestial adventure an unforgettable experience with the “See You on the Dark Side” package, which includes a bespoke welcome amenity, setting the tone for an extraordinary stay, along with complimentary valet parking, and drink vouchers redeemable at the signature lobby bar. Visit crescentcourt.com to learn more and to book.
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park – Gatlinburg, TN
As the only resort located inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park provides guests with the perfect opportunity to witness the eclipse from a bird’s eye view at around 1:49 p.m. EST and immerse themselves in fresh, mountain air. The resort is home to the first ever Southern Comfort restaurant, in partnership with the iconic spirits brand. When guests aren’t relaxing in their own luxury villa, they can indulge in relaxation at Serenity Spa, or get their adrenaline pumping with the Flying Bear Zipline. Kids will love the 60,000 square-foot indoor water park, along with archery and mini golf offered on the property. PRO TIP: Noting that Westgate Smoky Mountain is the only resort located inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it makes for the best lodging option for those heading to the nearby Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA to watch at its event, which is just a mere 10 minute drive away and expected to be completely sold out for overnight sites.
Westgate Branson Missouri [Two Resorts] – Branson, MO
Whether guests want a serene getaway hugging the shores of the sparkling Table Rock Lake, or a log cabin style villa in picturesque Ozark mountains, Westgate Branson Resorts will put you in the direct path to view the solar eclipse starting at 12:35 p.m. CST. Featuring newly renovated spacious luxury villas with dazzling open sky views and natural scenic beauty, the resorts offer a myriad of exciting outdoor recreational activities – including two glistening pools to take a dip, mini golf, and sand volleyball, along with close proximity to Table Rock State Park offering aquatic sports and scenic hiking trails. Those looking to experience the eclipse are encouraged to lodge with Westgate’s Branson Lakes Resort and Branson Woods Resort, both of which offer great proximity to surrounding events! For more information on nearby happenings, visit the state of Missouri’s solar eclipse website for a variety of eclipse-related events at other destinations around the state.
Niagara Falls State Park – Niagara Falls, NY
Witness the 2024 total solar eclipse in Niagara Falls State Park, which offers prime, unobstructed views within the path of totality. Guests can experience this solar event in tandem with the beauty of the falls between 2-4:40 p.m., with totality occurring at 3:18 p.m. EST for about four minutes. Scientists, experts, and astronauts from NASA will be stationed on-site in Niagara Falls from April 4-8th to host a series of exiting programming activities in preparation for the solar eclipse! All events will be free to the public with a complete schedule available on the official Niagara Falls eclipse landing page. On eclipse day, any of the park’s main viewing areas will provide the perfect vantage point to see this solar phenomenon, including Terrapin Point, Prospective Point, and Luna Island. Within the park, guests can enjoy food and beverage concessions from Top of the Falls, the only restaurant overlooking Niagara Falls. Additionally, Cave of the Wind Eatery and Shops at Niagara will be reopened from renovations just in time for the eclipse. There will be signage and QR codes conveniently located throughout the park with special eclipse-focused content, maps, and an information directory. Make it an all-day affair by exploring the falls, then close out this once-in-a-lifetime experience with a spectacular firework display on the evening of April 8th in downtown Niagara Falls.
*PARTIAL ECLIPSE VIEWING*
Westgate Park City Resort & Spa – Park City, UT
Those in the Park City area will have an opportunity to view a partial eclipse (with 54% magnitude) at around 12:30pm MT. Sitting high in the sky at an elevation of 6800 feet, Westgate Park City Resort & Spa offers a clear unobstructed skyline of the surrounding mountainscape that’s sure to provide an entertaining perspective of this astronomical phenomena. Not to mention, the all-new Edge Patio is the ideal viewing platform for a prime vantage point to witness this partial eclipse that’s still full of excitement. Just as the sunand moon will be on a direct path to meet, the new patio also has its very own counterpart – Edge Steakhouse – where eclipse viewers can pair their patio watch party with out-of-this-world dining and drinks to bring this monumental moment full circle. PRO TIP: While supplies last, the Park City Library is giving away special glasses to watch the celestial showstopper as it barrels along a path just to the west and south of Park City between Oregon and South America, crossing the richest concentration of national parks in the United States.
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort – Cocoa Beach, FL
Just a short walk to the shoreline of none other than the aptly named Space Coast, Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is the perfect location to enjoy the extraordinary phenomena of a solar eclipse. While the clear skies of Cocoa Beach already offer an outstanding viewpoint of this astronomical occurrence, right on property and just steps from their suite, guests can find the resort’s newly renovated private Beach Deck. Whether you are wanting to be “front row” or relaxing in the new cozy cabanas, the Beach Deck is the ideal scene for viewing the partial eclipse (with 63% magnitude) at around 3pm EST. On the way to the Beach Deck make sure to stop by the Aloha Tiki Bar to grab a refreshing cocktail to accompany you during the “out of this world” spectacle. Not to mention, just 12 miles north of the resort you’ll find the world-renowned Kennedy Space Center, a visitor complex featuring space-themed simulations and educational attractions debuting the history and future of space exploration where eclipse experiencers can embark to learn even more about this interstellar event and beyond.