Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

Quick summary

A rare total solar eclipse will cross the U.S. on April 8, 2024, with the path of totality spanning 13 states from Texas to Maine.
Prime viewing locations include Indianapolis, Cleveland, Dallas-Fort Worth and parts of northern Maine, with NASA organizing group viewing centers in select cities.
Hotel availability is already limited in many areas along the path, and rates are expected to be high with possible minimum-stay requirements.
Alternative viewing options include eclipse-themed cruises and select flights that may cross the path of totality.

What to consider

Weather conditions vary by region, with southern locations statistically having clearer skies in April than northern states.
Many hotels along the path of totality may require multi-night stays and could block standard award bookings for this event.
Specialized eye protection is essential for safely viewing the eclipse outside the period of totality.

What you'll miss from the article

Detailed recommendations for the best cities, hotels and travel strategies to maximize your eclipse viewing experience.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

Less than a year from now, there will be a rare, total solar eclipse across a wide swath of the U.S.

On April 8, 2024, the moon will pass directly in front of the sun, creating darkness in the afternoon sky for more than four minutes in some locations. That places it in an even better category than the eclipse that some parts of the country saw in 2017. Adding to the likely popularity, it will be the last full solar eclipse in the U.S. for two decades, according to NASA.

The best viewing will be in the so-called path of totality, where the moon completely blots out the sun for a period of time. The band where that happens will run from Mexico through Texas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, in addition to parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and Maine. It'll hit New Brunswick, Canada, before exiting North America. There are scheduled to be portions of 13 U.S. states in the path of totality.

NASA will set up group viewing centers in three prime locations: Kerrville, Texas; Indianapolis; and Cleveland.

If you want to see the last total eclipse in the U.S. for the next couple of decades, here's our guide to some of the best spots to watch it and where to stay. A warning, though: You'll need to book hotels as soon as possible, as some are already sold out.

The Moon’s shadow will move quickly during both eclipses. On the map, ovals within the eclipse paths show the location and shape of the shadow at different times. For example, during the total eclipse on April 8, 2024, the Moon’s shadow will be over Dayton, Ohio, at 3:10 p.m. EDT, but by 3:20 p.m. EDT it will have moved to Buffalo, New York. Credits: NASA/Scientific Visualization Studio/Michala Garrison; eclipse calculations by Ernie Wright, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center — Ovals within the eclipse path show the location and shape of the shadow at different times. NASA/SCIENTIFIC VISUALIZATION STUDIO/MICHAELA GARRISON

Best places to see the total solar eclipse in 2024

The best way to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is to go somewhere there is an undisrupted viewing area, the longest amount of totality and clear weather. As you can see from the NASA map below depicting the path of the 2023 eclipse, a few miles in either direction can dramatically change the duration of your eclipse experience and whether you're still in the path of totality.

Naturally, it's not possible to predict the weather a year in advance, but some areas have a higher chance of unfavorable weather in early April than others. Based on historical averages, the northern viewing states have a higher chance of cloud cover that day than the southern U.S. viewing areas, according to Fox Weather.

If you see the weather trending against you on that day in your original position, we recommend waking up very early and driving to another spot in the path of totality (assuming you can get to clearer weather within a few hours by car).

Should you want to stay in a hotel somewhere in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse, we recommend booking as early as possible.

Many hotel chains open their booking calendars about 11 months in advance, meaning now is the time to start looking. Rates right along the path of totality, especially in some of the more remote areas, are likely to be quite high. You're likely to encounter minimum-stay requirements — some of which can be as long as four days — as hotels look to make as much money as possible from this four-minute event. If you can find standard award availability using hotel points, you may be able to score a really good deal, assuming the hotel doesn't block out awards for a special event.

Flight schedules typically open for booking about 11 months in advance, so you can start planning your flights by early to mid-May if you need to fly to view the solar eclipse.

Indiana

The best areas to see the total solar eclipse in Indiana are in Indianapolis and nearby Bloomington (about an hour south). These spots will have the longest amount of time – about four minutes – to view the eclipse. The total eclipse is slated to begin at 3:04 p.m. EDT in Bloomington and 3:06 p.m. EDT in Indianapolis.

If you choose Indianapolis as your viewing spot, the city will celebrate with a full weekend of films, lectures, games, live entertainment and more between April 5 and April 8. Ideal viewing spots include White River State Park, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the grounds of Newfields — home to beautiful outdoor gardens and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

If you are traveling from out of town, Indianapolis has a large selection of points hotels to choose from, including:

Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station, where you can stay in a vintage train car room.
Conrad Indianapolis, a luxury hotel in downtown Indy.
JW Marriott Indianapolis, near White River State Park (an official viewing area for the eclipse).
Residence Inn Indianapolis Downtown on the Canal, for extended-stay accommodations near White River State Park.

In Bloomington, you can find official viewing areas at Lake Lemon, though more will likely be added as the eclipse approaches. You can find points-friendly accommodations near downtown Bloomington at the Courtyard Bloomington and the Hyatt Place Bloomington.

Maine

The whole of Maine typically draws a crowd for eclipses. However, northern Maine appears to be the best spot this time around. If you are considering heading to Maine, book well in advance. Houlton, Rangeley, Jackman, Carrabassett Valley and Baxter State Park are among the top locations in the state.

The path of the 2024 total solar eclipse in the Northeast. NASA/SCIENTIFIC VISUALIZATION STUDIO/MICHAELA GARRISON

There aren't a ton of hotel options in northern Maine, but you could use a points hotel as a base and drive north to the path of totality. Here are a few hotel recommendations.

Courtyard Portland Downtown/Waterfront.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Bangor.
TownePlace Suites Bangor.
Residence Inn Bangor.

New York

Northern New York will be the place in the state to view the total eclipse, but many hotels are currently showing as unavailable. Still, it doesn't hurt to monitor for availability in case the spot you want (like the Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton) opens up for booking.

Consider Lake Placid or even right across the border in Niagara Falls for views of the eclipse unbothered by bright city lights or too large of crowds. Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse are among the larger cities that will have the best views.

Here are some other hotels to consider:

Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa.
Hampton Inn Watertown.
Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
Delta Hotels Utica (Marriott Bonvoy).
Fairfield Inn & Suites Plattsburgh.

To give you an idea of how strategic you'll need to be with points bookings, I looked at how much the Hyatt Place Niagara Falls was charging for April 8. I had sticker shock: A one-night stay on April 8 costs $1,014. Unsurprisingly, it is not currently allowing World of Hyatt bookings.

The Hyatt Place Niagara Falls in New York. COREY STOVIN/HYATT

Ohio

This eclipse is a big deal for people in Ohio, as they haven't been in the path of totality for hundreds of years, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Akron, Cleveland and Dayton are in the path of totality, and Columbus is also relatively close. The state has even created an interactive website to help onlookers find the best viewing spots.

Ohio interactive map feature. ECLIPSE.O — ECLIPSE.OHIO.GOV/STATE OF OHIO

Here are a few points-friendly hotels to consider in Ohio:

Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade.
Hilton Cleveland Downtown.
Hyatt Place Canton.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Akron Fairlawn.
Residence Inn Cleveland Downtown.
Courtyard Dayton-University of Dayton.

Texas

In the U.S., totality will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. Much of the state will have good views, but Fredericksburg, Kerrville, Waco, Eagle Pass and the southern suburbs of Dallas-Fort Worth are among the best spots. Also note that generally, Texas is statistically likely to have clear skies during April. Many of those locations are along a major interstate in case you need to adjust your positioning due to weather.

A few points-friendly hotels to consider for a trip to watch the total solar eclipse in Texas include:

Hampton Inn Kerrville.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Fredericksburg.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eagle Pass.
Hampton Inn Harker Heights (opening June 2023).

If you can't find hotels in the Texas cities with the absolute best viewing, it's worth looking for lodging in nearby San Antonio, Dallas and Austin.

If you can't find lodging in the aforementioned viewing spots, don't fret. According to eclipse cartographers, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., are all within 200 miles of the path of totality. If you don't mind driving, you can easily get close enough to see the eclipse.

2024 eclipse cruises

For a great shot at a nice viewing of totality, consider an eclipse cruise. Here are just a few on offer for April 2024.

Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess: 15-day Panama Canal itinerary, departing April 5, 2024, from Los Angeles. Starts at $1,699 per person for an inside cabin.
Princess Cruises' Discovery Princess: 10-day Mexican Riviera sailing, departing April 3, 2024, from Los Angeles. Sold out.
Holland America's Zaandam: 14-day Mexican Riviera voyage, departing March 30, 2024, from San Diego. Starts at $2,299 per person for an inside cabin.

They generally include things like themed drinks and top-deck viewing opportunities (with free glasses to protect your eyes). Ships can often put passengers in the direct (or nearly direct) path of totality, making for a better viewing experience.

2024 ECLIPSE FLIGHTS

For a completely different view of totality, you can view the eclipse from an airplane seat at 30,000+ feet.

Southwest recently shared their flights with the greatest likelihood of offering travelers onboard the best possible view of the eclipse (weather dependent, natch):

Southwest Flight #1252: departs Dallas (Love Field; DFW) at 12:45 p.m. CDT for Pittsburgh (PIT)
Southwest Flight #1721: departs Austin (AUS) at 12:50 p.m. CDT for Indianapolis (IND)
Southwest Flight #1910: departs St. Louis (STL) at 1:20 p.m. CDT for Houston (Hobby; HOU)

These additional flights may also cross the path of totality during their scheduled operating time:

Southwest Flight #955 departs Dallas (Love Field; DFW) at 12:50 p.m. CDT for Chicago (Midway; MDW)
Southwest Flight #506: departs Milwaukee (MKE) at 1:05 p.m. CDT for Dallas (Love Field; DFW)
Southwest Flight #1734: departs Houston (Hobby; HOU) at 1:35 p.m. CDT for Indianapolis (IND)

Another eclipse is coming this year

If you can't plan a trip to see the total solar eclipse in April 2024, there is an opportunity to see another partial eclipse in October this year. The moon will pass between the sun and Earth, but because the Moon will be farther from Earth during the eclipse, it will appear smaller and won't completely blot out the sun.

Instead, it will create a glowing ring around the moon — sometimes called a "ring of fire."

A map showing where the Moon’s shadow will cross the U.S. during the 2023 annular solar eclipse and 2024 total solar eclipse. — A map showing where the moon’s shadow will cross the U.S. during the 2023 annular solar eclipse and 2024 total solar eclipse. NASA/SCIENTIFIC VISUALIZATION STUDIO/MICHAELA GARRISON

You may not even have to travel for this one, as NASA says it will "be visible from all 48 contiguous United States, plus parts of Alaska and Hawaii."

Annual solar eclipse with "ring of fire." — Totality during an annular solar eclipse with "ring of fire." PHILLIP JONES/GETTY IMAGES/STOCKTREK IMAGES

Tips for viewing a solar eclipse

Go to a clear area for the best viewing of the eclipse. As this is likely to be a very popular eclipse enjoyed by millions, you want to plan to get to your viewing spot early in the day with snacks, drinks, shade and other provisions.
If you want to enjoy the event with like-minded stargazers, some cities along the path of totality will likely have formal viewing areas arranged — some available for free and some with a small fee.
Examples of events include one scheduled at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas, which costs $20 per standard adult ticket and includes ISO-certified solar glasses. At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, there will be a tailgating party set to tunes like Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" and Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" as you enjoy a little under four minutes of totality.
Regardless of where you view this phenomenon, don't forget that you should not look directly at an eclipse in its partial phases before and after totality, as it could severely damage your vision. "Viewers must use specialized eye protection or use alternative viewing methods, such as a pinhole projector, the entire time," NASA warns for most eclipses.

Young man looking up at solar eclipse wearing paper protective glasses — Young man looking up at solar eclipse wearing protective glasses. CAVAN IMAGES/GETTY

Bottom line

Now is the time to start planning and booking your 2024 eclipse trip. Hotels are already sold out in some of the best spots, so you want to start as soon as possible. Remember, as long as you have transportation and are willing to wake up early to beat any potential traffic, you can stay outside the perfect spots and drive to see the path of totality.

Additional reporting by Tarah Chieffi, Ashley Kosciolek and Gene Sloan.

Related reading:

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

at American Express's secure site.
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.