2024 Eclipse Expedition: 6 Must-Visit U.S. Cities Along the Path of Totality

For many chasing the shadows of the 2024 eclipse, embarking on a journey away from home will be necessary. While the partial eclipse will be visible from the 48 contiguous United States, the awe-inspiring totality experience will only be possible within a narrow band stretching approximately 108 to 122 miles wide at any given point.

For those lucky enough to have the chance to travel and bear witness to this incredible phenomenon, it’s quite likely that flights and hotels have been booked – but do you have plans for after the mere minutes of totality are up?

This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links. The eclipse data in today's post is sourced from NASA.

Today I’m rounding up a selection of 6 Wayward travel guides to destinations in the path of totality, each personally visited and vetted, to round out your solar expedition:

WHERE TO WATCH THE 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE

AUSTIN, TEXAS

Totality Begins: 1:35 p.m. CDT | Duration of Totality: 2m 9s

The Austin Motel sign — Austin may not be quite as weird as it once was, but it’s still full of surprises

Two breakfast tacos in foil wrappers — Tacos are an all-day staple in Austin (starting at breakfast!)

Calling Austin your home base during the eclipse? You’re in for some excellent tacos and barbecue in this fun and funky city. Sure, there are things to do in this city, but activities in Austin are simply ways to kill time between meals.

But where to go? Barbecue fans should consider making a pilgrimage to renowned spots like Interstellar BBQ and la Barbecue, budgeting enough time for a Texas-sized line at each (pro-tip: you can order la Barbecue online before you depart for Austin, and walk right up to the register to pick it up).

As for tacos, well, there’s practically a taco truck on every corner in Austin. Some of my favorite spots are Granny’s Tacos, Oye Taquito, Pinches Tacos, and for a sit-down experience, Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop. Wash it all down with a great cocktail or budget beer at watering holes like La Holly and Mama Dearest.

I’ll wrap up this section with my top Austin tip: rent a car. The city is incredibly car-reliant, and you’ll be glad you did.

→Looking for more to do? Check out my full Weekend Travel Guide to Austin

DALLAS-FORT WORTH, TEXAS

Dallas | Totality Begins: 1:40 p.m. CDT | Duration of Totality: 3m 51s
Fort Worth | Totality Begins 1:40 p.m. CDT | Duration of Totality: 2m 24s

View of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens — An April day is the perfect time to visit Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

View of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame from outside — *Let’s go girls*: the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is dedicated to brave cowgirls, past and present

Alyssa stands outside of a brewery in Fort Worth — Grab a beer at Second Rodeo Brewing before heading to the world’s largest honky tonk

After watching darkness fall over the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, make sure to leave time to explore. April is an ideal time to wander the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, admiring all of nature’s beauty, but if it rains, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a perfect accompaniment to this natural phemomenon.

And while Dallas’s location in the path of totality is better, that doesn’t mean you should skip over Fort Worth! The pace of life here is a bit slower and less showy than Dallas, in a good way. It’s also where you’ll find cultural institutions like the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and the world’s largest honky tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas (you might not get to meet Brad Paisley as we did, but I bet you’ll still have a boot-scootin’ good time). Be sure to pop over to Second Rodeo Brewing to pregame.

Since this is still Texas, you’ll find excellent tacos and barbecue in the Metroplex, too. My favorite spots for the former are Tacos La Banqueta Puro D.F., Trompo, Fuel City (yes, a gas station that serves tacos 24/7!), El Vecino Tex Mex, and Guapo Taco. For barbecue, Goldee’s Barbecue isn’t just vetted by me – they clenched Texas Monthly’s top spot in 2021. Hot Texas day? Cool off with a cone from Melt Ice Creams before heading home.

→Want to read more about Dallas and Fort Worth? Choose your own adventure: 36 Hours in Dallas-Fort Worth or a Four Day Travel Diary

PADUCAH, KENTUCKY

Totality Begins: 2:00 p.m. CDT | Duration of Totality: 1m 48s

Exterior of The National Quilt Museum in Paducah — Paducah is home to the National Quilt Museum, which attracts 35,000 annual visitors

A pastry case at Kirchhoff's in Paducah — No visit to Paducah is complete without a stop at century-old Kirchhoff’s

A string of murals in Paducah Wall to Wall — Art is everywhere in Paducah, including Paducah Wall to Wall, a series of murals depicting the city’s history

The 2024 Total Eclipse occurs just weeks before Quilt Week, when thousands of quilters descend upon Paducah. But there’s still plenty of time to visit the city’s premier museum during your time in this Kentucky gem of a destination. The National Quilt Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that helps keep the craft alive by honoring modern-day quilters, and trust me when I say you’ll be scooping your jaw off the floor numerous times during your visit.

The museum isn’t the only place to get up close and personal with art. Paducah is a UNESCO Creative City with so many incredible galleries and artists in residence, and you have the chance to take home a little art with you at places like Bricolage Art Collective and the shop run by the Art Guild of Paducah. For free public art, head to the riverfront to take in a unique series of murals at Paducah Wall to Wall.

In such a creative city, it should come as no surprise that the culinary arts are thriving in Paducah, too. In fact, Kirchhoff’s Bakery and Deli has been serving freshly baked bread and pastries for generations – and a visit is like a rite of passage. For the health-conscious or those who require a plant-based or gluten-free diet, head to Branch Out, which will please even the biggest carnivore in your group. For a great date night, head to Stella’s for New American fare – and a sweet surprise ending.

Paducah technically isn’t part of Bourbon Country (you’ll have to head over to Louisville to start your journey on the Bourbon Trail, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the spirit in its home state. Barrel & Bond is ranked one of the country’s best bourbon bars, and it only takes a cursory glance at the shelves of bourbons lining the wall to see why. For innovative craft cocktails (truly like you’ve never had before!), pop over to their neighbor, The Foxbriar Cocktail Bar. Call it a night at an inn or Airbnb downtown, and you won’t even need a car!

→Beautifully craft your own itinerary with my Paducah Weekend Guide

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

Totality Begins: 3:06 p.m. EDT | Duration of Totality: 3m 47s

A large wraparound sign reads "MASS AVE" — While in Indianapolis, spend a little time exploring the city’s Mass Ave. cultural district

A photo of meals served at brunch at Milktooth in Indianapolis — Brunch is a must at Milktooth

Penguins at the Indianapolis Zoo — Say hello to your favorite animals at The Indianapolis Zoo

Eclipse or no eclipse, Indianapolis is well worth a visit – though nearly four minutes of totality is certainly a good reason to make the trip.

Arts and culture abound in Indy, which will only surprise people who haven’t visited the city before. The Cultural Trail connects public art spaces with accessible paths for walking, biking, and more (you can check out bicycles through the Pacers Bikeshare program to cover ground a little more quickly). Newfields combines nature and art with gorgeous gardens and the incredible Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Prefer a little shopping and dining with your art? Head to Mass Ave, Indianapolis’ cultural district, for a unique combination of live theatre, architecture, excellent restaurants, and shops filled to the brim with locally-made goods.

Speaking of food (which, if you know me, I’m doing pretty often), Indianapolis is a great eating city. From the famed shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo Steak House (also found at the more relaxed Harry and Izzy’s) to casually elegant French fare at Petite Chou to brunch darling Milktooth, you won’t be hungry for long in this city.

Cap off your day in Indianapolis with a cocktail at Plat 99, and then head upstairs to your room at The Alexander to rest up and do it all over again tomorrow.

→Dive into more of Indianapolis with my 36-Hour Itinerary and review of brunch at Milktooth

CLEVELAND, OHIO

Totality Begins: 3:13 p.m. EDT | Duration of Totality: 3m 49s

Alyssa sits on the Cleveland sign — The Cleveland Script Signs provide visitors the chance to take excellent souvenir photos

Alyssa pulls a slice of pizza from a pie — Cleveland’s dining scene is piping hot – doubly so at Cent’s Pizza

Exterior of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — I hope you’re ready to rock, because Cleveland is home to the must-visit Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Cleveland is cool.

Not just because it is home to the temple of rock & roll, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (which is absolutely worth your time while in Cleveland – budget more time than you think for your visit!), but because it’s truly a cultural wonderland.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is a world-class museum with expansive galleries that house thousands of years of art and is miraculously free to visit. The smaller Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (moCa for short) highlights contemporary artists making waves in the art world. And once the museum fatigue starts to set in, you can always create your own photographic art at the Cleveland Script Signs sprinkled throughout the city.

Cleveland is also an excellent place to eat and drink, with modern establishments like Cent’s Pizza + Goods, Mabel’s BBQ, Juneberry Table, and Cordelia steering the city’s dining culture.

My fellow shopping lovers will also find plenty to bring home from Cleveland from unique boutiques like Rose Parlor and Cool World before heading to City Goods. This collection of seven hangars holds a wonderful selection from local artists. Of course, no visit to Cleveland would be complete without a stop at the historic West Side Market, which has been filling the larders of locals since 1912.

→Hungry for more? Keep planning your Cleveland adventures with my Cleveland Restaurant Round-up and Weekend Travel Guide

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

Totality Begins: 3:20 p.m. EDT | Duration of Totality: 3m 41s

A statue of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony having tea — Making history: Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony both called Rochester home

Alyssa stands by Scrabble letters that read PLAY — The Strong National Museum of Play is an essential stop for kids of all ages

A crowd dining and drinking on the patio at Genesee Brew House — Genesee Brew House is the perfect place to have a beer and watch the water tumble over High Falls

Taking in the eclipse from Rochester, New York? Lucky you!

This vibrant city is packed with things to do, most notably the city’s incredible museums. From historic museums like the George Eastman Museum (of Eastman Kodak fame) and the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House (home of the suffragist – her final resting place is also nearby at Mount Hope Cemetery) to The Strong National Museum of Play (the world’s only museum dedicated to play), there’s a little something for everyone to learn in Rochester.

Beyond the city’s incredible museum scene is its unique setting on the Genesee River. One of a few major cities with urban waterfalls, Rochester’s 96-foot High Falls is a sight best beheld alongside a beer from the patio of Genesee Brew House. If you prefer wine but are too short on time to trek to the Finger Lakes wineries, make sure you at least leave time for a tasting at Living Roots.

Of course, more food adventures await you in Rochester. I hope your visit includes a Saturday, because Rochester Public Market is one of my very favorite markets in the country, with a bounty of fresh produce and excellent local prepared foods so you can feast while you shop.

Prefer a sit-down meal? Start your morning at Jines Restaurant, a classic diner on Park Ave where you’ll likely feel way too full for lunch later (it’s okay, we’ve all been there), and then choose your Italian-inspired adventure from the following impeccable list: down-to-earth pasta from Cotoletta, blistered pies from Strangebird Brewing, or elegant entrees at Vern’s.

→Make the most of your time in Rochester with my Rochester Travel Guide, Rochester Restaurants Guide, and Rochester Museums Guide

FINAL THOUGHTS ON SOLAR ECLIPSE TOURISM

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse occurs only once every hundred years or so in any given location on Earth – which means many Americans will be leaving their homes this year in pursuit of the shadows.

Solar eclipse-driven tourism offers a chance to create even more memories while traveling, and I’d say that’s pretty stellar. Whether you’re heading to Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Paducah, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Rochester, or any city in between, I hope you have an experience that’s out of this world (just don’t forget your eclipse glasses!).

—

Questions for you

Is your home city in the path of totality?

If not, are you traveling to see the eclipse?

Enjoyed this post? You may also like:

Share this post: