The best 2024 solar eclipse viewing events from Getaround cities
Trust us: When the moon blocks out the sun for a few minutes on April 8, you'll want to be in the path of totality.
For a few minutes on Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible from southwest Texas through northeast Maine and most states in between. It’s our last chance to see the moon pass in front of the sun until 2044, and we think it’s worth driving a few hours to witness this amazing celestial event!
Before we highlight some fun viewing celebrations within driving distance from Getaround cities, we should point out the most important thing to know about solar eclipses: Never look directly at the sun without protective eye equipment. Doing so could cause short- or long-term damage to your vision. Read more about eclipse eye safety on NASA’s website.
If you’re planning to drive from Houston, Nashville, Chicago, or another Getaround city to see the total solar eclipse, now is the time to book your rental and plan your trip! Keep scrolling to find out which viewing spots we think will be well worth the journey.
Be sure to tag @getaround in the Instagram stories from your trip for a chance to win $20 in Getaround credit!
From Houston or New Orleans to Waco, Texas
Sunny Waco is well-suited to host a large crowd for the 2024 eclipse. The Eclipse Over Texas festival takes place in and around Baylor University’s McLane Stadium and features telescopes, food trucks, STEAM zones, and more. Astronomers from Baylor University and the world-famous Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona will also be on site for educational activities and programs.
Adult general admission tickets are $20 and include solar glasses. Premium stadium parking is sold out, but parking and shuttle buses are available from downtown Waco. To learn more, visit eclipseovertexas2024.com.
Totality begins at 1:38:06 pm and ends at 1:42:18 pm.
From Nashville or Atlanta to Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Nestled along the Mississippi River between Mark Twain and Shawnee National Forests, Cape Girardeau, Missouri is ready to host thousands of travelers from around the Midwest and southeast.
Two free watch parties highlight Cape’s offerings on eclipse day. The first, hosted by VisitCape, takes place at the Cape Girardeau SportsPlex and features music, food, giveaways, and fun activities for kids.
Along the river, Old Town Cape is hosting a block party at the Riverfront Market. In addition to live music and food from local restaurants, this watch party has face painting, cornhole, and sidewalk chalk for the kids. Click here to see more event details on Facebook.
Totality begins at 1:58:20 pm and ends at 2:02:27 pm.
From Washington, D.C. or Baltimore to Erie, Pennsylvania
The city of Erie has dozens of eclipse viewing events open to the public, including several downtown festivals and a lakefront celebration at Liberty Park-Highmark Amphitheater. But if you’re keen to avoid heavy traffic jams before and after, we recommend the Total Eclipse Festival at Lake Erie Speedway, east of the city. There’s room for at least 5,000 and plenty of parking in and around the race track!
To see the full list of viewing parties in Erie, check this blog post on the city’s tourism website.
Totality begins at 3:16:23 pm and ends at 3:20:06 pm.
From Philadelphia to Rochester, New York
The place to be for the dimming in Rochester on April 8 is Innovative Field, home of the Rochester Red Wings (or, for at least the few days leading up to the eclipse, the Moon Rocs). The Red Wings Solarpalooza Viewing Party includes special food and beverage options and a big-board live feed of NASA’s broadcast. General admission is $15, with on-field seats available at an additional cost.
It might also be worth spending a few pre-eclipse nights in the city, because the Rochester Museum & Science Center has three days of concerts, speakers, and educational events planned for the Roc the Eclipse Festival!
Totality begins at 3:20:08 pm and ends at 3:23:47 pm.
From Boston to Plattsburgh, New York
No city on this list is more directly in line with the path of totality than Plattsburgh, New York, on the coast of Lake Champlain across from Burlington, Vermont.
Plattsburgh City Beach is a picturesque spot to view the eclipse, with the city providing live music, kid’s activities, and local food trucks all afternoon. On top of that — free parking!
Point au Roche State Park is also hosting a viewing party with educational activities and refreshments, though you may want to arrive early — admittance will end once the venue fills up. Click here to see more event details on Facebook.
Totality begins at 3:25:44 pm and ends at 3:29:18 pm.
From Chicago to Vincennes, Indiana
Tiny Vincennes, on the banks of the Wabash River splitting Indiana and Illinois, has a host of special events planned for eclipse week. Travelers are expected to stream in from Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, and Louisville, all within a few hours’ drive.
We think the best spot to experience the more than four minutes of totality is at the George Rogers Clark National Memorial. Parking downtown will be at a premium, but once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of green space from which to watch the eclipse along the river. Don’t forget a tailgate chair!
Learn more about events in Vincennes at the Dark Side of the Wabash website.
Totality begins at 3:02:52 pm and ends at 3:06:58 pm.
