The Great North American Solar Eclipse of 2024 is fast approaching, and photographers from around the world are gearing up to capture this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event. On April 8, 2024, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow across North America and creating a breathtaking total solar eclipse. To help you plan your eclipse photography adventure, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 locations to photograph the 2024 Solar Eclipse, along with travel tips and recommended accommodations.
1. Mazatlán, Mexico
Mazatlán, a beautiful coastal city in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, will be one of the first places to witness the 2024 Solar Eclipse. With a totality duration of 4 minutes and 26 seconds, Mazatlán offers photographers ample time to capture stunning eclipse images. The city’s picturesque beaches and historic downtown area provide a variety of interesting foregrounds to enhance your eclipse photos.
Travel Tip: Fly into Mazatlán International Airport (MZT) and take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel. Recommended Accommodation: Stay at the beachfront Riu Emerald Bay for easy access to the eclipse viewing area.
2. Nazas, Durango, Mexico
Nazas, a small town in the state of Durango, Mexico, lies directly in the path of totality and boasts one of the longest eclipse durations at 4 minutes and 28 seconds. The town’s remote location and clear skies make it an ideal spot for eclipse photography, offering unobstructed views of the celestial event.
Travel Tip: Drive or take a bus from Durango City to Nazas, as the town has no airport. Recommended Accommodation: Book a room at the Hotel Hacienda Maribel for a comfortable stay in Nazas.
3. Dallas, Texas, USA
Dallas, the bustling metropolis in North Texas, lies in the path of totality and offers a unique urban setting for eclipse photography. With a totality duration of 3 minutes and 48 seconds, photographers can capture the eclipse against the backdrop of the city’s iconic skyline.
Travel Tip: Fly into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) and rent a car or take a ride-share to your hotel. Recommended Accommodation: Stay at the Hyatt Regency Dallas for stunning views of the city skyline.
4. Waco, Texas, USA
Waco, a city in central Texas known for its historic suspension bridge and the Waco Mammoth National Monument, will experience a totality duration of 4 minutes and 13 seconds. The city’s blend of natural and man-made landmarks provides diverse foreground options for eclipse photography.
Travel Tip: Fly into Waco Regional Airport (ACT) or drive from nearby cities like Austin or Dallas. Recommended Accommodation: Book a room at the Hilton Waco for a convenient stay in the heart of the city.
5. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, USA
Hot Springs National Park, a unique blend of urban development and natural beauty in Arkansas, will experience a totality duration of 4 minutes and 7 seconds. The park’s thermal springs, hiking trails, and historic bathhouses provide a picturesque setting for eclipse photography.
Travel Tip: Fly into Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock and drive to Hot Springs National Park. Recommended Accommodation: Stay at the historic The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa for a luxurious experience in the heart of the park.
6. Carbondale, Illinois, USA
Carbondale, a city in southern Illinois, will experience its second total solar eclipse in seven years, with a totality duration of 4 minutes and 9 seconds. The city’s location near the Shawnee National Forest and the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge offers photographers a mix of natural and urban settings for eclipse photography.
Travel Tip: Fly into Southern Illinois Airport (MDH) or drive from nearby cities like St. Louis or Chicago. Recommended Accommodation: Book a room at the Holiday Inn & Suites Carbondale for a comfortable stay near eclipse viewing areas.
7. Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Indianapolis, the capital city of Indiana, will experience a totality duration of 3 minutes and 53 seconds. The city’s iconic Monument Circle and the Indiana State Capitol building provide unique urban foregrounds for eclipse photography.
Travel Tip: Fly into Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and take a shuttle or ride-share to your hotel. Recommended Accommodation: Stay at the JW Marriott Indianapolis for stunning views of the city skyline.
8. Niagara Falls, New York, USA
Niagara Falls, the world-famous natural wonder straddling the border of the United States and Canada, will experience a totality duration of 3 minutes and 33 seconds. The falls themselves, along with the surrounding parks and observation decks, offer photographers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the eclipse against a breathtaking backdrop.
Travel Tip: Fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) and take a shuttle or drive to Niagara Falls. Recommended Accommodation: Book a room at the Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa for unparalleled views of the falls.
9. Pointe-Taillon National Park, Quebec, Canada
Pointe-Taillon National Park, a hidden gem in Quebec’s Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, will experience a totality duration of 3 minutes and 17 seconds. The park’s pristine lakes, sandy beaches, and boreal forests provide a stunning natural backdrop for eclipse photography.
Travel Tip: Fly into Saguenay-Bagotville Airport (YBG) and drive to Pointe-Taillon National Park. Recommended Accommodation: Stay at the Auberge des Battures, a charming inn near the park entrance.
10. Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada
Anticosti Island, a remote island in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, will be one of the last places to witness the 2024 Solar Eclipse, with a totality duration of 3 minutes and 4 seconds. The island’s untouched wilderness, including towering cliffs and pristine beaches, offers a truly unique setting for eclipse photography.
Travel Tip: Take a ferry from Sept-Îles or fly with Air Liaison from Mont-Joli Airport (YYY) to Port-Menier, Anticosti Island. Recommended Accommodation: Book a stay at the Auberge Port-Menier, the only hotel on the island.
In conclusion, the 2024 Solar Eclipse offers photographers an incredible opportunity to capture a rare celestial event against a variety of stunning backdrops across North America. By planning your trip to one of these top 10 locations, you’ll be well-positioned to create unforgettable eclipse photographs while experiencing the unique beauty and culture of each destination. Happy shooting!
Last Updated on April 8, 2024 by TPW