Best Places to See the Eclipse

Finding the Perfect View

Words by Alison Bryce

In just a few weeks, many will be turning their heads to the sky to watch as the Great American Eclipse moves directly across Austin. On April 8, 2024, the eclipse will take place from 12:17-2:58 p.m., with the total eclipse starting at 1:37. Though there’s plenty of outdoor space to choose from, the Eastside offers a variety of great eclipse-viewing locations.

Sour Duck Market
Celebrate the eclipse with an extended lunch with drinks on Sour Duck Market’s patio. Grab some friends, snag a table, and enjoy the view with a refreshing drink in hand. While the trees that usually provide welcomed shade may make it difficult to see the sun from all tables, this location still offers some great vantage points and possibly some eery shadows..
1814 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | www.sourduckmarket.com

East Austin Hotel
Head to the rooftop for the view: specifically East Austin Hotel’s rooftop. Plan to spend the afternoon at the hotel’s pool bar while enjoying bites from Second Bar + Kitchen as the moon passes between the sun and the earth. Relax on the rooftop with a cocktail in tow while watching the show, with the correct protective eyewear of course.
1108 E 6th St. | eastaustinhotel.com

Austin Public Libraries
Join in on a total eclipse watch party at many of Austin’s public libraries, including Cepeda Branch, Windsor Park Branch, and Willie Mae Kirk Branch. With themed crafts and treats for all ages, these parties offer some of the perfect views to enjoy the eclipse with family and friends. Solar eclipse glasses will also be available for attendees to be able to see the event without having to purchase or find their own safety glasses.
Locations vary | library.austintexas.gov/event/celebrations/total-eclipse-party

Pioneer Farms
Watch the eclipse Victorian-style at Pioneer Farms during its Citizen Scientist Sun Party. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the festival will feature live music and eclipse-related activities such as decorating eclipse glasses and a punch-hole craft for viewing the eclipse in a unique way. Admission is $12 to the public, while members get in for free.
10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. | www.pioneerfarms.org

Local Parks
For those looking for a simpler viewing opportunity, look towards a local park. The Eastside has a variety of small community parks mixed in with city parks that make the perfect spot to lay down on a blanket and gaze up toward the sun. As the city is anticipating an increase in traffic the day of the eclipse due to Austin being in the direct path of the eclipse, a local park would help alleviate the stress of larger crowds at organized events.

Safety during the Show
While planning the best viewing location is important, so is making sure you have proper eyewear for the event. All Austin Public Library branches will have a limited number of free eclipse glasses available to the public to pick up beginning April 4. For more information on the importance of protective eyewear, visit science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety.