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    solar-tastic travel

    10 top Texas lodgings where you can still find a room for the eclipse

    Amber Heckler
    Mar 14, 2024 | 3:58 pm
    Solar eclipse, April 8 total eclipse

    April 2024 total solar eclipse is drawing near.

    Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash

    Where will you be on Monday, April 8? Lots of North Texans already have plans to view the solar eclipse of the century, but for those who want to travel out of town, there are still some great last-minute travel options out there.

    The total eclipse has quickly skyrocketed into the travel event of the year, with an estimated one million out-of-state tourists expected to descend on Texas - one of the best places in the world to see it. Searches for lodging have shot up 1,000 percent for bookings April 4-8, according to Airbnb, and many hotels offering special eclipse packages sold out months ago.

    According to NASA, the partial eclipse will begin in Dallas at 12:23 pm, and totality (i.e. the phase of the eclipse where the moon is completely hidden by the sun) will last from 1:40-1:44 pm. Then it will turn back into a partial eclipse, which will end at about 3:02 pm. Interactive maps showing the detailed path of the total eclipse can be found on NASA and The Eclipse Store's websites.

    Don't forget to pick up a pair of American Astronomical Society-approved eclipse glasses prior to April 8. The AAS provides a comprehensive list of safe vendors and manufacturers of eclipse glasses, smartphone solar filters, telescopes, binoculars, and camera lenses.

    To assist in any last-minute trips, we've gathered 10 Texas hotels, campgrounds, and resorts that (somehow!) still have vacancies available less than a month before the eclipse (as of publication time). Most have special watch parties and other eclipse-related perks, but they don't necessarily come cheap.

    In the Hill Country

    Skye Texas Hill Country Resort
    16880 US-87, Fredericksburg
    This brand new, aptly named resort officially opens on Monday, March 18, and is the only RV resort in the greater Fredericksburg area that still has available accommodations, according to the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce. The 250-acre preserve has dozens of full-hookup RV sites, cabins, and futuristic nature glamping pods available for rent. Standard rates for RV sites begin at $200 per night, $450 per night for standard cabins, and $600 a night for nature pods.

    McKenzie Guest House
    910 3rd St, Marble Falls
    There are five deluxe apartment suites still available at McKenzie Guest House, with a minimum three-night stay from April 6-8 with rates beginning at $650 per night. Each recently renovated, boutique suite has its own kitchen, and the Buchanan and Inks suites each have their own washer and dryer in-unit. Eclipse glasses will be provided for guests, and the Guest House is conveniently located within a six-minute walk to the downtown Marble Falls Eclipse Block Party taking place from 11 am to 2 pm at Ms. Lollipop Parties Fun & Gifts. Bookings at McKenzie Guest House for the eclipse will be handled directly by contacting info@mckenzieguesthouse.com.

    In Austin

    The Driskill Hotel
    604 Brazos St, Austin
    The historic Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin has several rooms and suite options available for bookings during the eclipse, with rates beginning at $685 a night. Hotel guests and the public are also welcome to join The Driskill for an eclipse-themed cocktail hour beginning at 1 pm on April 8, with complimentary eclipse glasses and a signature "Driskill Sunrise" tequila cocktail. Tickets for the event are $17 per person, and can be purchased via hyattexperiences.com. Guests can book their stays via hyatt.com.

    The Otis
    1901 San Antonio St, Austin
    The Otis is offering guests a special "Total Solar Eclipse of the Heart" package for stays between April 8-9 with the code "ARN." Guests will receive two specialty cocktails from any on-site bar, and two pairs of eclipse glasses to watch the cosmic event unfold. Hotel guests also get free admission to The Otis' eclipse viewing party at Otopia Rooftop from 12-5 pm, which will fundraise for the University of Texas at Austin's Department of Astronomy. Nightly rates with the "Total Solar Eclipse of the Heart" package begin at $562.

    Note: Travis County, which covers Austin and parts of the Hill Country, has provided a list of preparation tips for those staying in the area during the eclipse.

    In Waco

    Hotel Herringbone
    319 S. 4th St, Waco
    Waco's brand new shipping-container hotel has a very limited number of rooms and suites available for two-night minimum stays with a special "Eyes on the Skies" package. The package includes admission for two to the hotel's rooftop eclipse viewing party at Lucky Buck's from 12-2 pm. The afternoon will begin with a sound bath, then complimentary lunch provided by Lucky Buck's, and a rooftop totality toast at 1:30 pm while the eclipse passes through Waco. Single tickets are $60 per person, and Hotel Herringbone room rates with the eclipse package begin at $793 per night.

    In East Texas

    Jellystone Park Tyler
    5583 FM 16 East, Tyler
    For those who didn't know, the upcoming eclipse is the first total eclipse that will be visible in Tyler since the late 19th century. What better way to spend it than by going on a cabin weekend adventure at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in northeast Texas. The park will host an eclipse party beginning at 1:30 pm on the pool deck with DIY crafts, music performances, games, and more. Room rates begin at $256 per night.

    Across Dallas-Fort Worth

    The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
    2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas
    The Ritz-Carlton's Solar Eclipse package is a deluxe accompaniment to the once-in-a-lifetime solar spectacle. Guests who book using the code "ES8" for stays between April 3-10 will receive breakfast for two each day through in-room dining or Fearing's Restaurant, overnight valet parking for one car per day, access to a viewing area during the eclipse, and two 50-minute "Solar Package Reflect and Protect" vitamin C facials. Rates begin at $974 per night. The Ritz-Carlton is also hosting a Celestial Soirée from 12-3 pm on April 8, with themed light bites and beverages provided. Tickets for the event ($49 per person) can be purchased via Eventbrite.

    Hôtel Swexan
    2575 McKinnon St, Dallas
    Come for the hotel's prime eclipse viewing experience on the 20th floor rooftop, and stay for an the evening of restorative meditation and self-care. The Hôtel Swexan is offering an exclusive opportunity to experience a joyful sound bath and other self-care rituals during the new moon, in partnership with Breathe Meditation and Wellness, on the evening of April 8. There will also be a selection of planetary films screened to entertain and educate eclipse viewers. Rates at the Hôtel Swexan are priced at $698 per night during the weekend-long events.

    Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection
    200 Mule Alley Dr, Fort Worth
    The Backyard at Hotel Drover is hosting a celebration during the celestial phenomenon, with hotel guests and diners at 97 West Kitchen & Bar getting a premium viewing experience of the eclipse while enjoying live music, and indulging in themed treats and signature cocktails. Hotel Drover-branded eclipse glasses will be handed out to hotel guests and restaurant patrons. There are a select number of rooms available at the hotel, with rates beginning at $699 per night.

    Camp El Tesoro
    7710 Fall Creek Hwy, Granbury
    For those who prefer a camping experience, Camp El Tesoro is hosting an eclipse extravaganza weekend from April 5-8, with limited spaces available for overnight cabin stays and day passes. Get active with one of the fun outdoor activities like kayaking, archery, or sports, or lounge under the stars while enjoying a campfire, s'mores, and camp sing-a-longs. Special activities on eclipse day include a DIY pinhole projector project, eclipse shadow play, an art showcase, and more. Cabin stays begin at $550 for the weekend for up to four people, and day passes cost between $15-$25 per person. More information and registration can be found on camfirefw.org.

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    where to travel right now

    10 ideas for the ultimate spring break trip around Texas in March 2026

    Amber Heckler
    Mar 3, 2026 | 10:43 am
    Waco Magnolia Silos, Spring at the Silos
    Photo by Ruthie Martin
    The Magnolia Silos in Waco are a beautiful backdrop for some spring break shopping.

    Texas is saying goodbye to its mild winter, and with the arrival of spring come long-awaited spring break vacations. North Texas adventurers can take a road trip to a West Texas museum to visit a groundbreaking fashion icon's legacy, go antiquing in Big Top and book a stay at a luxe farm cottage, or check out a family-friendly circus on the Gulf Coast.

    Here are CultureMap's top picks for a refreshing spring break escape around Texas in March.

    Across Texas

    Travelers that want to learn more about Black history and landmarks in Texas can take self-led tours using The Texas Historical Commission's recently updated guide: African Americans in Texas: A Lasting Legacy. The guide identifies schools, universities, monuments, churches, and cultural sites established by Black communities during segregation, which includes landmarks in East Austin and San Antonio. The guide is available to download for free online.

    West Texas

    Road trip enthusiasts won't want to miss this: A rare exhibition honoring American fashion designer Halston has popped up at the Ellen Noël Art Museum in Odessa, about 350 miles west of Dallas. Called "Halston: Inventing American Fashion," the 75 mannequins on display are outfitted with showstopping ensembles from flowing Ultrasuede daywear to dramatic draped gowns. "Halston: Inventing American Fashion" will run through March 22, and museum admission is free.

    Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum The exhibits includes photos of the Halstonettes, models who walked most of Halston's runway shows. Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

    Central Texas

    It's almost time for Spring at The Silos in Waco, a celebration of the season of renewal and growth held every Friday and Saturday from March 6 through April 25. The extravaganza is hosted at the sprawling Magnolia property owned by Fixer Upper stars and Magnolia moguls Chip and Joanna Gaines. This year's festivities include mahjong classes, spring craft workshops, live music, outdoor movie nights, an Easter egg hunt, and shopping, of course.

    Travelers heading to Round Top to shop for the best antiques at the 2026 Spring Show from March 22-28 can book their overnight stays at Hideaway Round Top, a newly opened elevated farm retreat. The 21-acre property is located less than 10 minutes from the Big Red Barn, and is just over 200 miles from Dallas. Hideaway is also near other Round Top attractions like The Compound and Marburger Farm. Rates begin at $450 per night in March.

    The iconic Central Texas renaissance festival Sherwood Forest Faire, located about an hour from Austin in the town of McDade, has begun its 2026 season running every weekend through April 19, plus one extra day, on March 20. An average day at the fair includes 150 shows — from full-contact jousting and falconry to live music, and a castle siege — and 170 artisans. Tickets ($16.59-$33.48 for one day) are available online via etix.com.

    San Antonio

    San Antonio's Briscoe Western Art Museum has prepared a whole week of family-friendly craft events in anticipation of spring break visitors from March 9-13. Each day will have its own theme: Native People of the Americas (Mar. 9), Cowboy and Vaqueros (Mar. 10), Wildlife and the Land (Mar. 11), Tejanos and Spanish Heritage (Mar. 12), and Full STEAM (Science, Technology, Education, Art, and Mathematics) Ahead (Mar. 13). These Spring Break Roundup events are included with museum admission ($16 for non-members, with discounts for active duty military, seniors, and children), and admission is free on March 11 for Wild West Wildlife Wednesday.

    After years of development, San Antonio's newest luxury hotel is finally ready to welcome its first guests. The Monarch San Antonio, a 17-story, 200-room boutique hotel featuring three on-site restaurants, will make its debut on March 3. The property's design was inspired by the monarch butterfly's migration journey, and includes sustainable design elements like native landscaping, while its water features will mirror the natural beauty of Balcones Escarpment. Nightly rates start at $465 in March.

    The Monarch San Antonio The lobby bar at The Monarch has a striking, tree-like centerpiece. Rendering courtesy of The Monarch San Antonio

    Houston

    The Lancaster Hotel, located in the heart of Houston's Theater District, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with special events and a dedicated "Centennial Package" for bookings made from March 4 until December 31, 2026. Per a release, the package includes "a custom Lancaster candle infused with the hotel’s signature scent and a beautifully designed booklet chronicling a century of timeless hospitality and unforgettable stays." The hotel will also host quarterly centennial celebrations, with the first two planned on March 4 and May 20.

    Along the Gulf Coast

    The Zoppé Italian Family Circus is heading to Galveston's Stewart Beach from March 6-30 for several weeks of fun-filled shows under a 550-seat big top tent. Attendees at this family-friendly affair will be no more than 20 feet from the action, which includes acrobatics, equestrian and canine performances, antics from Nino the Clown, and more. General admission starts at $28 per person, and VIP tickets begin at $48.

    At home in Dallas-Fort Worth

    ICYMI: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) opened the state's first new state park in 25 years on March 1. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is located about a two-hour drive west from downtown Dallas, and offers 4,871 acres of former ranchland plus a 68-acre lake for visitors to explore. Ahead of spring break, TPWD encourages visitors to reserve day passes in advance, which can be reserved online or by calling the Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12 years old and younger.

    Waco Magnolia Silos, Spring at the Silos
    Photo by Ruthie Martin
    The Magnolia Silos in Waco are a beautiful backdrop for some spring break shopping.
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