April 8, 2024, marked a day etched in the cosmic calendars as the United States found itself in the center of a celestial spectacle: a total eclipse. Attracting eclipse chasers from near and far to the path of totality, this was a must-see event. As a New Jersey native, many of my peers drove to remote areas like Vermont, Maine or upstate New York.
However, my boyfriend and I decided to venture over 1,700 miles southwest to Austin, Texas, because it was on the path of totality and, apparently, one of the hottest spots in the cosmos. What was so great about traveling to Austin is that it’s a city bursting with vibrant culture and delicious food, offering lots of things to do leading up to the eclipse. It made traveling for a 3-minute-long spectacle “total-ly” worth it!
Traveling to and Arriving in Austin
My boyfriend and I flew directly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport a week before the eclipse to avoid the airport rush and fully enjoy Austin before the crowds arrived.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the city, the Hilton Austin is the perfect location since it’s in the heart of downtown Austin and within walking distance from some popular sites.
Bonus: The Hilton Austin has a rooftop pool overlooking the city.
Getting Around
While rideshares like Uber or Lyft are widely available throughout the city, we chose to walk and enjoy the fresh air.
When we wanted to change up the pace, we also loved taking electric scooters, like Lime or Bird, so that we could take in more sites in less time.
These scooters were available everywhere — all we had to do was download the app, scan the QR code and we were off!
Where to Eat
Before arriving in Austin, I had heard the city has some great places to eat. I thought, “Okay, that’s nice,” because most people say that about any city.
But man, oh man, Austin has some good eats. Some of my favorites were:
A contemporary Mexican restaurant located in downtown Austin (just blocks away from the Hilton).
A chic, contemporary Japanese cocktail bar and lounge that combines innovative Japanese-inspired cuisine with expertly crafted cocktails.
A French-Vietnamese restaurant that fuses the bustling street food stalls of Southeast Asia with the quaint cafes of Paris, France.
A Mediterranean restaurant with a California influence, featuring a modern approach to Mediterranean cooking.
A hidden gem specializing in authentic Cuban and Caribbean cuisine and cocktails. This restaurant is located past the touristy part of South Congress, so it has more of a local vibe. Shout-out to our Uber driver for this delicious recommendation!
Things to Do
Explore South Congress
South Congress is one of the most iconic streets in Austin, offering an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, restaurants and music venues. Snap a selfie in front of its colorful murals, get your cowboy boots kickin’ at Allens Boots, customize your cowboy hat at Maufrais or cool down with something sweet at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
Walk or Kayak Along Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake is a scenic reservoir located in the heart of Austin. Take a relaxing stroll down the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Trail or enjoy the calm waters and scenic surroundings via kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Tour the Bat Bridge
The “bat bridge,” or Congress Avenue Bridge, is home to a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. From early spring to late fall, nearly 1.5 million bats emerge from beneath the bridge to begin their nightly hunt for insects. We got lucky because the total eclipse overlapped with bat season, so we got to experience not one but two natural spectacles during our trip.
Explore the Live Music Scene
Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. Catch a concert at one of its many iconic music venues, each holding its own unique charm and character. If you’re looking for something slightly more low-key, embrace Austin’s country music roots by visiting one of the bars on Rainey Street. Here, you can dance the night away to local bands, solo artists and DJs.
The Eclipse
After a week of exploring the vibrant sights and sounds of Austin, we decided to relax during the day of the eclipse. Fortunately, my boyfriend’s family lives in Austin, so we got to enjoy this rare celestial event from the comfort of their backyard — equipped with our eclipse glasses, of course.
As the hour approached and anticipation mounted, the usual hustle and bustle of the city seemed to fade into the background.
At 1:35 p.m., we witnessed the mesmerizing dance of the moon as it gradually moved in front of the sun.
For three long minutes, daylight gave way to a surreal darkness, nature kept quiet and the sounds of awed onlookers filled the air.
As the moon continued its journey across the sun, daylight gradually returned, the birds began chirping and the city began to stir once more.
It was a rare and humbling experience, and we were grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of something so remarkable.
Read “6 Must-See Music Festivals Worth Adding To Your Travel Bucket List” for more on the Austin City Limits Music Festival.