Where to watch the total solar eclipse in San Antonio, Texas Hill Country
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Giant eclipse glasses on display in Dripping Springs near the Texas Hill Country. Photo: Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images
The total solar eclipse is April 8, and you don't have to go far outside San Antonio — or leave the city at all — to enjoy a watch party.
Why it matters: San Antonio is the largest U.S. city in the path of totality. But every part of the city won't get the same view — the Northwest Side will see more of the eclipse than downtown.
- And Hill Country towns like Kerrville, about 65 miles northwest of San Antonio, are viewing hot spots.
Zoom in: The partial eclipse will begin at 12:14pm and peak at 1:34pm in totality. The view of the partial eclipse will end by 2:55pm.
These San Antonio and Hill Country spots are offering watch parties that range from free and family-friendly to the more luxurious.
- Wherever you go, prepare for the drive to take longer than usual. Officials have warned of heavy traffic along and near the eclipse's path.
Northwest Side, Hill Country
La Cantera Resort & Spa's viewing party will include students and staff from UTSA's Department of Physics and Astronomy who can answer your burning celestial questions.
- Tickets are $130 for adults and $65 for children, with proceeds benefiting UTSA.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas will open from 11am to 4pm for eclipse viewing, with a drone and fireworks show at 1:30pm.
- A basic viewing package starts at $10. A ticket for the drone and fireworks show costs $30.
SeaWorld San Antonio will host a party beginning at 11am, with the opportunity to ride a roller coaster during the eclipse. SeaWorld-themed glasses are available for the first 2,500 guests.
- Admission is $30.
Chicken N Pickle's free viewing party from noon to 2:45pm will feature a special margarita called The Dark Side of the Moon.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium will party from 11am to 2pm on the patio, with an eclipse-themed beer flight and space-themed treats for $24.
Various city parks in San Antonio, including Eisenhower Park, will host free eclipse events from 11am to 3pm.
Natural Bridge Caverns is offering various viewing packages.
- A $200 totality bundle for up to four people includes a picnic table and two lounge chairs, a lunch buffet, souvenir glasses and water bottles, parking and more.
Desert Door Distillery in Driftwood will have tarot readings and live music for the eclipse viewing, 10am-3pm. Tickets are $60.
Louise Hays Park in Kerrville is expected to be an epicenter for eclipse viewing. The free watch party includes speakers from NASA, live music and children's programming.
- No ticket required, but the city can't guarantee space for everyone — arrive very early.
Bandera's Mansfield Park will host Ground Zero Music Fest with 26 bands over five days for those looking to make a long weekend out of the eclipse.
- Camping options available, or single-day tickets cost $65 for the day of the eclipse.
Downtown
The Alamo is hosting a free watch party from noon to 3pm, and will have commemorative Alamo eclipse glasses for $5.
The Witte Museum's watch party is included with the price of general admission, and includes eclipse glasses.
The Moon's Daughters, the rooftop bar at the Thompson hotel, is hosting a solar eclipse brunch with themed cocktails starting at 11am. Tickets are $99.
The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts will host free viewing on the top floor of its parking garage. Parking and eclipse glasses are both free.