A full Solar Eclipse plans to crown beauty queen Texas on April 8, 2024 in Bastrop County, as the moon’s shadow “sashes” its way diagonally across the state. While totality will be immediately to the west of Bastrop County and the Lost Pines Region, local eclipse activities at 99 percent deep magnitude are sure to captivate. Plus Bastrop County has beautiful, relaxing places to stay with a large variety of choices for you and your family. You can easily drive to the full eclipse; or if you want to avoid the traffic, plan to participate in local eclipse activities and experience much more during your stay.
The eclipse will be visible in Bastrop County from approx. 12:16 to 2:58 p.m.
Click below to see some of the local places with solar eclipse happenings.
- Bastrop State Park, Bastrop TX
- Buescher State Park, Smithville TX
- Bastrop Solar Eclipse Watch Party 2024 – Noon to 2 p.m., Bob Bryant Park, Bastrop TX. Free event to the public. Park games, food vendors, and eclipse-themed music. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Limited number of special eye protection glasses will be available.
- Elgin, Texas – information on eclipses, best practices for watching, and countdown clock.
Check back as more Eclipse activities will be added as they are scheduled throughout the county.
Tips on solar eclipse watching:
- Number one, protect your eyes. Purchase eclipse glasses or use a more indirect method of tracking the eclipse such as the pinhole method of viewing.
- Make a reservation now. Some places may be limited in the number of cars or people allowed for safety reasons.
- Come early and plan on staying late since there will be many vehicles exiting at the same time.
- Bring food and drinks, and lawn chairs or blankets to be comfortable, since there may be departure delays.
- Understand that cell phone service may be interrupted.
- We suggest that you read up on the eclipse before arriving so that you and your family can fully understand and enjoy the rare experience.
choose rural, family-friendly Bastrop County
- Bastrop and Buescher State Parks – acres and acres of beautifully pine-treed state parks with hiking, biking and some group led tours.
- Lake Bastrop – parks on both the north and south shores with glamping stays and RV spaces, kayaking, fishing with special one-person boats, canoeing and even children’s watercraft so they can begin to hone their still.
- Colorado River – there are outfitters who will put you in and take you out of the water with kayaks, canoes and paddleboards on this meandering river. They can also guide you!
- Three historic downtowns – Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville. Great architecture, delicious dining and boutique shopping in these walkable areas of the towns.
Enjoy Our Friendly Nature!
