We’ve got the perfect excuse for a summer road trip. It’s called The Great American Eclipse.
America will experience its first coast-to-coast solar eclipse in nearly 100 years, a natural phenomenon that takes place Aug. 21. This is when the moon’s jet-black shadow will eclipse the sun in total darkness for more than two minutes, in a path of “totality” running from Oregon to South Carolina, spanning nearly 70 miles wide.
Most of the continental United States is within a day’s drive to the eclipse path, with vantage points and viewing celebrations taking place from sea to shining sea.
While most hotels and lodging within the path of “totality” have been booked for a few years now, with a little creativity—such as bunking with friends and family; camping; contacting local colleges (as some are opening up dorm rooms for travelers); or staying a bit further afield—you can position yourself in the best place to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. Here are some ideas.
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Your complete guide to the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse
Are you ready to enter the path of totality? Here’s where to see the once-in-a-lifetime solar phenomenon crossing 12 states on August 21, 2017.
Location: Depoe Bay, OR
Total Eclipse Starts: 10:15 a.m. PST
Duration: 1:58 minutes
Right on the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Depoe Bay is famous for whale watching tours. Pre-book a boat to experience the eclipse from the water and witness how it effects marine life.
Location: Salem, OR
Total Eclipse Starts: 10:17 a.m. PST
Duration: 1:54 minutes
Base yourself in Oregon’s capital then pick a winery in the world-famous Willamette Valley to sip a pinot noir as the sky goes dark. Viewing parties will be held at Eola Hills and Arcane Cellars, among others.
Location: Madras, OR
Total Eclipse Starts: 10:19 a.m. PDT
Duration: 2:02 minutes
Oregon Solarfest celebrates with entertainment, hot air balloon rides and kid-friendly fun. Although Madras’ 300 hotel rooms are mostly booked, the 500 RV and 6,000 tent spaces at “Solar Town” offer epic views in a gorgeous mountain setting.
Location: Stanley, ID
Total Eclipse Starts: 11:28 a.m. MDT
Duration: 2:13 minutes
This tiny town is a springboard to Sawtooth National Forest, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, one of the world’s best white water rafting journeys. Contact local outfitters directly to inquire about tour availability.
Location: Mackay, ID
Total Eclipse Starts: 11:30 a.m. MDT
Duration: 2:13 minutes
Adrenaline junkies will want to wake up early to hike up Mount Borah, the state’s highest peak (12,662 feet), for dazzling sky views.
Location: St. Anthony, ID
Total Eclipse Starts: 11:33 a.m. MDT
Duration: 2:03 minutes
The Idaho Dunes RV Park will offer overnight camping and parking at the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, which boasts 10,600 acres of white quartz sand blown into 400-foot-high dunes.
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
Total Eclipse Starts: 11:33 am. MDT
Duration: 1:48 minutes
Grab a spot along the Snake River to observe the spectacle from the Idaho Falls River Walk.
Location: Jackson, WY
Total Eclipse Starts: 11:34 a.m. CST
Duration: 2:15 minutes
Marvel at the sky from the majestic Grand Teton National Park.
Location: Dubois, WY
Total Eclipse Starts: 11:36 a.m. MDT
Duration: 2:18 minutes
The Northern Arapahoe Tribe hosts a five-day celebration in the Wind River Valley, just an hour outside of Jackson, that includes star-gazing, drumming, singing, storytelling and more.
Location: Casper, WY
Total Eclipse Starts: 11:42 a.m. MDT
Duration: 2:26 minutes
Perched at an altitude of 5,000 feet, Casper will have stellar views (barring clear skies) for the celestial event. It hosts the Wyoming Eclipse Festival, which includes five days of entertainment and programming, plus private and public viewing parties.
Location: Alliance, NE
Total Eclipse Starts: 11:49 a.m. MDT
Duration: 2:30 minutes
Four hours north of Denver, Alliance will enjoy one of the longest viewing times of the eclipse. Among the spots to watch it: Carhenge, a replica of Stonehenge constructed of cars.
Location: Jefferson City, MO
Total Eclipse Starts: 1:13 p.m. CDT
Duration: 2:29 minutes
The Capital Eclipse Celebration will include three days of entertainment, art and astronomy. The parks south of St. Louis, a two-hour drive from Jefferson City and informally dubbed “The Gateway to the 2017 Solar Eclipse,” also provide a great vantage point.
Location: Carterville, IL
Total Eclipse Starts: 1:20 p.m. CDT
Duration: 2:30 minutes
Get your tickets: Ozzy Ozbourne headlines Moonstock, a four-day music festival at Walker’s Bluff. The rocker plans to sing “Bark at the Moon” during the eclipse.
Location: Hopkinsville, KY
Total Eclipse Starts: 1:24 p.m. CDT
Duration: 2:40 minutes
The area celebrates the whimsical Little Green Men Days Festival each year on Aug. 21, so expect an alien-inspired party during the eclipse. Or, get into the “spirit” of the eclipse by timing it with a visit to distilleries such as Casey Jones Distillery or MB Roland, which are hosting viewing parties.
Location: Nashville, TN
Total Eclipse Starts: 1:27 p.m. CDT
Duration: 1:55 minutes
The largest U.S. city in the eclipse’s path, Music City will host viewing parties downtown and at area parks. Head to the Nashville Zoo to observe how the animals react.
Location: Bryson City, NC
Total Eclipse Starts: 2:35 p.m. EDT
Duration: 1:57 minutes
Bryson City, at the very edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, has a great vantage point in Clingmans Dome. The third highest point in the eastern U.S. at 6,643 feet, it will put you close to the skies. Get your tickets in advance. (If you’re traversing the Appalachian Trail anywhere nearby, however, lucky you!)
Location: Columbia, SC
Total Eclipse Starts: 2:41 p.m. EDT
Duration: 2:30 minutes
It’s an all-weekend kaleidoscope of festivities in Columbia. Enjoy astronomy events with astronauts at the Boeing Observatory; ranger-led hikes at Congaree National Park to prime viewing locations; and Solar 17, a free public viewing celebration at Lake Murray.
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