Where to stay: A seaside terrace, a rooftop infinity pool, the nearby beach—there are no shortage of excellent spots to watch the eclipse from Casa Lucila Hotel Boutique. Each room is unique, and many include Pacific Ocean views. Just a five-minute walk from Playa Olas Altas, this hotel is also centrally located within walking distance to Mazatlán’s historic quarter, art galleries, and bars for some post-eclipse tequila.
Austin, Texas
hile Austin might not experience the longest totality at one minute and 46 seconds, like Mexico, it has a better chance of bluebird skies than destinations further northeast. And for anyone looking for a rollicking good eclipse time, Austin is sure to deliver with its live music and bar scene.
Where to stay: It’s hard to imagine a livelier spot for an eclipse viewing than the rooftop of The Otis Hotel, Autograph Collection, located near the University of Texas campus. Known as “Otopia,” this fabulous space includes a pool, firepits, a DJ, cocktails, small bites, and unparalleled city views. For a more serene spot close to the city, head to the Lake Austin Spa Resort, which is hosting an eclipse experience the weekend before the event. Leave the planning to the hotel, which will be hosting an open air pre-eclipse lunch, a cosmic garden party, and eclipse viewing by boat on Lake Austin.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
This lesser known spot in the Ouachita Mountains is, as its name suggests, rich with hot springs. The town is even home to Hot Springs National Park, which will likely host a viewing event. Whether you take in the eclipse from the trails and springs, or just explore the park the weekend before, this area is a great option, with a nice, long three-minute, 37-second totality.
Where to stay: The historic Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa has long been at the center of the Hot Springs, Arkansas scene. You can even book a suite with the area’s mineral water piped straight into your bathtub for some pre-eclipse relaxation. Then sit down for a celebratory post-eclipse dinner at the glitzy (yet historic) Venetian Dining Room.
Bloomington, Indiana
Bloomington is smack dab in the center of totality and knows it. With 4 minutes and 3 seconds of darkness, the city has already declared that the 2024 eclipse will mark “the largest tourism event in Indiana history” and is organizing several viewing events, including a camping/music festival.
