stargazing

As the song goes, "the stars at night are big and bright" deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Fredericksburg offers night sky enthusiasts one of the best places to stargaze in Texas. 

From low levels of light pollution to wide open spaces, the stars really do look bigger and brighter in Fredericksburg. The area's dark skies will be on full display during the next total eclipse as the 2024 eclipse path runs just outside of Fredericksburg.

The Fredericksburg-area now features two International Dark Sky Parks - Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Fredericksburg will be in the path of totality for the April 8, 2024's Great North American Eclipse

Path of Totality for Texas' Two Eclipses

 

2024 eclipse - total solar eclipse

Fredericksburg will welcome visitors from around the world for the next total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024 as the path of totality runs directly over the Texas Hill Country. To learn more about the 2024 eclipse, click here or go to EclipseInFBGTX.com.

Simpleview Eclipse on Background

What time is the 2024 Eclipse in Fredericksburg?

On April 8, 2024, the eclipse will take place from 12:15 to 2:56 p.m. CDT, while the total eclipse will be visible from 1:32 p.m. to 1:37 p.m. in Fredericksburg.

Where can I get or buy eclipse glasses?

A limited supply of eclipse glasses will be available at the Visitor Information Center in 2024. Visit the Safety page to see more about organizations distributing free eclipse glasses and businesses selling eclipse glasses.

To find the Visitor Center, click here.

Where is the best place in Fredericksburg to watch the 2024 Eclipse?

Fredericksburg has a multitude of areas to watch the eclipse including at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, wineries, parks and event venues.

Can I book a place to stay in Fredericksburg for the 2024 Eclipse?

See the list below for those that currently are reporting availability. 

What is an eclipse?

A total solar eclipse, like what people in Fredericksburg will experience, happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.

To learn more about eclipses, click here.

enchanted rock

Just outside of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has for centuries been a place to watch the heavens. It is an International Dark Sky Park that regularly holds stargazing events and welcomes astronomy photographers from around the world.

Enchanted Rock at night

LBJ ranch

East of Fredericksburg, the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park became the area's second International Dark Sky Park in 2021. The park offers astronomy-based interpretive programming regularly.

Stargazing at LBJ Ranch (Credit NPS/Douglas Smith)

city of Fredericksburg initiatives

In 2020, Fredericksburg became a Dark Sky Community and is committed to light pollution control. 

Stargazing Night at VK Marktplatz

Resources to Plan a Future Visit

love Fredericksburg dark skies

As part of the Love FBGTX campaign, please join us in enjoying and protecting the beauty of the Texas Hill Country's night skies. Here are ways to Love Fredericksburg Dark Skies.

  1. When you are done enjoying the outdoor spaces of Fredericksburg's many great places to stay, please turn off outdoor lighting. 
     
  2. Attend a stargazing event at one of Fredericksburg's two International Dark Sky Parks - Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.
     
  3. Make time in your itinerary to take in the splendid show overhead when you are in town.

Learn more ways to Love Fredericksburg at LoveFBGTX.com.

Love Fredericksburg Dark Skies Ad