San Antonio, Texas has been revealed to be the best value place to visit to see the “ring of fire” … [+]
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The best places to see Saturday, October 14’s annular solar eclipse—including the all-important “ring of fire”—are often said to be the U.S. National Parks of Utah, Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park or Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta.
Look at the price of hotels in those areas and you may think again. However, there is one city in Texas that isn’t getting much coverage and yet will have as good a view of America’s first “ring of fire” since 2012.
“According to online travel agency Priceline’s data, San Antonio’s hotel ($146) and rental car rates ($68) are below average compared other eclipse-viewing destinations, making this Texas city both an economical and enriching choice to experience the annular eclipse,” said Christina Bennett, Consumer Travel Expert at Priceline, in an email.
Although the Americas as a whole will see a partial solar eclipse on October 14, only those within a 125 miles wide path through nine U.S states—Oregon, northern California, southwestern Idaho, Nevada, Utah, northeastern Arizona, southwestern Colorado, New Mexico and Texas—will see the “ring of fire” at the peak of the three-hour event.
Why To See The ‘Ring Of Fire’ In San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, the most populous city in the path at 1.45 million people, falls within the 125 miles wide path of annularity on October 14. Observers there using solar eclipse glasses will see a “ring of fire” for 4 minutes 5 seconds. All observers will need to use solar eclipse glasses to see anything of this event—so buy your solar eclipse glasses as soon as you can. Here’s a simulation of exactly what San Antonians will see.
Priceline’s figures covered the average hotel, flight and rental car costs over the October 14 weekend in 10 U.S. cities, though three of the cities—including San Antonio—don’t actually require a rental car at all. All three are also the three biggest cities in the path of annularity:
“San Antonio’s favorable October weather often provides clear, pristine skies, making it a prime viewing locale for the eclipse as well while the city’s vibrant culture offers a variety of activities to round out your trip,” said Bennett. San Antonio is home to the Alamo and visits typically include River Walk strolls and Tex-Mex food.
The path of the “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse through the U.S Southwest on October 14, 2023.
Costs of Traveling To Watch The ‘Ring Of Fire’
Priceline’s figures also include seven other cities, though none are within the path of annularity, so require a rental car—and a very early start to reach the path before the eclipse starts.
It’s certainly possible to fly in and out of destinations like Portland in Oregon, Las Vegas, Houston, Salt Lake City and Denver, though all are at least a few hours drive from the path. So it’s advisable to be in your viewing location the night before.
The Costs of Traveling To Watch The Annular Solar Eclipse, According to Priceline.
Why To Consider Camping
A lot of campsites in the path are sold out, though that mostly applies only to those either in U.S. National Parks and State Parks or private campgrounds on or near the centerline of the path.
Online marketplace Campspot reports that although RV and camping spots in Utah and Colorado are either booked or almost booked, New Mexico and Oregon have plenty of capacity thus far unbooked.
However, it’s Texas that has the most capacity, with plenty of campsites and RV parks available. “While there is a misconception that all the RV and camping sites around San Antonio are booked for the annular eclipse weekend, there are just so many campsites still available,” said Erin Stender, Chief Marketing Officer at Campspot. Campgrounds in or close to San Antonio include Traveler’s World, Sun Retreats San Antonio West and Shady Oaks RV Park, reports Campspot.
The path of annularity through Texas—and close to San Antonio—on October 14, 2023.
What Is A ‘Ring Of Fire’ Solar Eclipse?
A “ring of fire” occurs when the moon appears smaller in the sky than the sun, so doesn’t block all of its light. In effect what will happen will be a partial solar eclipse. As the New Moon covers the sun’s center, its outer edges will form an annulus—a “ring of fire”—though only 91% of the sun will be blocked.
Those in the path will see a perfect circle for a few minutes—the closer you are to that centerline, the longer it will last—though it’s a diminishing return. All you really have to do is stay away from the southern and northern limits of the path, where the “ring of fire” will last for just a second.
I am the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
