Prepare your retinas. For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the continental United States on August 21. As the moon passes over the sun, day will (briefly) turn into night. Want the best view of this natural phenomenon? Fourteen states will be prime viewing spots that day. In preparation, people are flocking to get a glimpse of this rare solar event.
The following cities are not only in the eclipse’s path but are also seeing a surge in interest for the days around the 21st, with hotel searches on the rise. Here’s where weather buffs are headed to get the best view:
Lincoln City, OR
Hotel searches up 467%
The eclipse will first track its path over the US on Oregon’s shore. The full eclipse will take place at approximately 10:15am PST. Grab brunch at Wildflower Grill and sit on their patio to experience the eclipse.
Charleston, SC
Hotel searches up 279%
One of the final US cities graced with prime viewing of the eclipse is Chucktown. Around 2:38pm EST, the town will go dark. Want to catch a glimpse? Special viewing glasses are available for just $1 at most official tourist centers.
Jackson, WY
Hotel searches up 273%
This outdoorsy destination is prime viewing for meteorological wonders. And the city is prepping for the eclipse. Events begin on the 19th in celebration of the moon’s blocking of the sun.
St. Louis, MO
Hotel searches up 234%
Just after 1pm CST, St. Louis can expect to get its taste of this rare sight. (There hasn’t been a total solar eclipse in the city since 1442.) To see this historic event in style, check out the rooftop bar at Three Sixty, located at the top of the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.
Nashville, TN
Hotel searches up 161%
Music City is down to party, solar-style. Bars and restaurants downtown are hosting their own viewing parties. If you’re looking for something out in the open air, you can head to the Italian Lights Festival at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall. Admission is free and there will be plenty of food and music to enjoy.
Kansas City, MO
Hotel searches up 133%
With Missouri in prime eclipse-watching real estate, Kansas City is ready to welcome travelers hoping to get a peek. Starting at 1:08pm CST, the moon will begin its path over the sun. Stay in KC but drive up to St. Joe, MO where observers will get the full-experience of a total eclipse. Then, be sure to grab some good ol’ BBQ.
Asheville, NC
Hotel searches up 43%
Consider trendy Asheville your basecamp for eclipse-watching activities. Just a short drive away, the Smokey Mountains of Western NC will have one of the best views of the total eclipse. Then, head back to the city for a meal and cocktail with Spanish flair at Zambra, then head out for a creep-tastic ghost tour.
Wondering how to safely watch the eclipse? Check out these tips.
