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    solar-tastic travel

    10 top last-minute travel packages across Texas for the April 8 eclipse

    Amber Heckler
    Mar 14, 2024 | 9:00 am
    Solar eclipse, April 8 total eclipse

    Don't forget those eclipse sunglasses.

    Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash

    Where will you be on Monday, April 8? Lots of 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 packages 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.

    Here's why: While some areas of Texas will only get a partial eclipse, several cities in Central Texas and the Hill Country — such as Uvalde, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, San Antonio, and Waco — are expected to get the best viewing experience, with the eclipse's path cutting nearly in the center of the cities. (And some, including Bell, Kerr, Travis, and Kendall County, have already issued disaster declarations ahead of the influx of travelers.)

    Parts of Dallas-Fort Worth will also be within the path of totality. 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 planning, we've gathered 10 top 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
    Five deluxe apartment suites are 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 per 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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    New restaurants and bars give Texas coastal town a grown-up glow-up

    Celestina Blok
    Jun 22, 2026 | 4:30 pm
    Texas Clear Water Oyster Gardens
    Texas Clear Water Oyster Gardens/Facebook
    Sip-and-shuck oyster farm tours are new in Port Aransas

    Port Aransas, the beloved Texas coastal destination about three-and-a-half hours from Houston, has long been a favorite family beach getaway, where visitors can slip into "island time" with 18 miles of shoreline waves, sandcastle-worthy beaches, and plenty to keep kids entertained.

    But lately, the island has been giving grownups more reasons to get excited about the trip — or make one entirely on their own. A wave of new openings over the past few months has brought fresh bars, restaurants, boutiques, and other attractions that make Port A an even better getaway for couples, friends, and adults looking for more than a day at the beach.

    Here are eight new things to see and do in Port A this summer — or any time of year.

    Bars & Restaurants

    The Boat Bar
    Opened in March, this floating bar – originally a charter fishing boat known as The Island Queen – is anchored at the Port Aransas marina, providing a taste of the island life with its gentle motion on the water and some of the best views of the bay. The double-decker vessel offers beer, wine, frozen cocktails, and a food menu from neighboring businesses that can be delivered. (Don’t miss the black drum nachos from Jeremiah’s Dock Grill.) With seating for around 60, there’s plenty of room to stretch your sea legs. The Boat Bar is pet-friendly and family-friendly, with children welcome before dark. Open 12-10 pm daily. 154 W. Cotter Ave.

    Sip Yard
    This three-story open-air bar debuted in 2024, providing a first-of-its-kind new option for island imbibing. The ground level is family-friendly with yard games, a full bar, a stage for live music, large screens for game-watching, and multiple food vendors offering items like build-your-own pizza, tacos, Asian bowls, and Cajun cuisine. The second floor is 21-and-up and offers a livelier scene within earshot of any live music and activity below. The uncovered top floor provides picnic table seating and a breezy, bird’s eye view of the Gulf. Note that there is an occasional cover charge depending on live music acts. Open 11 am-10 pm Sunday-Thursday and 11 am-midnight Friday-Saturday. 123 W. Cotter Ave.

    Stout’s at the Shore
    Opened last summer by South Texas native and restaurateur Jason Stout, this elevated take on coastal cuisine is located in the heart of one of Port Aransas’ most popular vacation rental communities, Cinnamon Shore. This is Stout’s first culinary venture on the Gulf Coast, but his restaurant resume includes San Antonio-based Stout’s Pizza Company and Stout’s Signature, a fine dining restaurant that also has a location in Fredericksburg. Stout’s at the Shore is a dinner-only destination with unique cocktails like lavender smoked old fashioneds and a menu that ranges from steamed mussels and Rockefeller oysters to blackened snapper, beef tenderloin bolognese, and filet with compound herb butter and chimichurri. While the restaurant is geared toward adult dining, there is a kids menu, along with options for outdoor seating. 201 Social Cir.

    Tiki Jay’s
    Jason Stout also just opened Tiki Jay’s, a tiki bar with rum cocktails served in playful barware and mugs; and food offerings such as poke bowls, fish tacos, pulled pork sliders, and pineapple upside down cake. Opened in late May, the casual bar and restaurant is located just steps from Stout’s at the Shore. Open 4-10 pm daily. 125 Market St.

    Shopping

    The Boutiques at Cinnamon Shore
    Opened in 2025, The Boutiques at Cinnamon Shore encompass three distinct shops (Paloma, Low Tides, and The CS Collection) featuring clothing and resort wear for men, women, and children. Customers will find logo items, gifts, and high-quality T-shirts along with trendy boutique apparel and accessories including hats, sunglasses, and jewelry. There are great sale racks, too. 125 Market St.

    Saltwater Gypsies
    This fine food and gift market reopened in downtown Port Aransas in 2023 after a long hiatus due to Hurricane Harvey, which caused major destruction on the island in 2017. But there’s now a brand-new satellite location of Saltwater Gypsies, opened in April at Cinnamon Shore. The gourmet market sells everything from pantry staples and fresh eggs to tableware, sunscreen, pet treats, and cookbooks. Customers can stop by either location to stock their coolers while grabbing souvenirs and unique gifts in a pinch. 403 N. Alister St., 5009 Hwy 361.

    Texas Clear Water Oyster Gardens

    Texas Clear Water Oyster Gardens/Facebook

    Sip-and-shuck oyster farm tours are new in Port Aransas

    Attractions

    Salt Island Trail at the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture
    One of Port Aransas’ most noteworthy attractions is the 1,217 acres of upland, tidal flat, marsh, and estuarine habitats that encompass the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture. It’s here that migrating and resident birds find peace amid a rare chunk of undeveloped coastal plain. There are trails where visitors can observe the habitats, but Hurricane Harvey destroyed them all in 2017. The Salt Island Trail, a $2.3 million project that was completed in early in 2025, was the last of the trails to be reconstructed. The trail is 2.2 miles round trip and features boardwalks through tidal saltmarsh that lead to the two-story Salt Island Tower. Also visit the Pavilion at the Nature Preserve for complimentary yoga every Tuesday at 12:30 pm. Registration is required. North access is at Port St. and south entrance is 2650 St. Hwy 361.

    Texas Clear Water Oyster Gardens
    This premium oyster farm is the first to operate out of Port Aransas, established by Bill and Amelia Strieber who met on the beach there in high school. Located on a two-acre site in the southern part of Aransas Bay, Clear Water Oyster Gardens offers unshucked oysters for purchase along with brand new sip-and-shuck oyster farm tours. Taking place on select Sundays, the tours ($94) include a two-hour boat ride with a welcome glass of bubbly, a bit of education by Bill Strieber, and freshly shucked oysters served onboard with curated wine pairings and sunset views. The tours are the first of their kind in Texas. 440 W. Cotter Ave., Slip B.

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