Experience the rare annular solar eclipse at these top Texas spots

SAN ANTONIO - The solar eclipse is always a beautiful sight to see and a rare annular solar eclipse will pass through Texas on October 14th.

Here is a list of places to visit to get the best view of this rare sight.

Annular Solar Eclipse atMission San Jose

The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is hosting an Annular Solar Eclipse at Mission San Jose. The free event will be hosted from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 6701 San Jose Drive on the South Side. They will provide free solar glasses while supplies last since looking at the sun during the eclipse is unsafe without special-purpose solar filters. The National Park Service also shares that there will be telescopes and a 20-minute presentation with an Astronomer from the University of Texas starting at 9:30 a.m. The organization shares that the maximum eclipse view will be at 11:54 a.m. and urges folks to bring a water bottle.

State Parks for Eclipse Viewing

This astronomical phenomenon occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun. This can be seen in Midland, Odessa, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and the Hill Country.

If you are interested in visiting a state park to view the eclipse, here are 17 state parks that will be within the path of visibility according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

1. Big Spring
2. Choke Canyon
3. Devils River - Del Norte Unit
4. Garner
5. Goliad
6. Goose Island
7. Government Canyon
8. Guadalupe River
9. Hill Country
10. Kickapoo Cavern
11. Lake Corpus Christi
12. Lost Maples
13. Monahans Sandhills
14. Mustang Island
15. Old Tunnel
16. San Angelo
17. South Llano River

Those who plan on visiting will need to reserve their day passes or overnight camping trips ahead of time.

San Antonio Zoo Roar & Soar Eclipse Extravaganza

The event starts at 10 a.m. at the San Antonio Zoo. Visitors will be able to learn about nocturnal animals, how the moon's cycles impact animal behavior, and study the animal's behavior.

Special viewing glasses will be handed out as well. If you are interested in visiting, purchase tickets HERE.

Scobee Education Center: La Fiesta del Sol

The event is from 9:30 a.m. and lasts until 2:30 p.m. at the Scobee Education Center near San Antonio College.

Visitors can look forward to guest speakers discussing the natural phenomenon, as well as live entertainment, multiple activities, and free solar-filtered telescopes at the Scobee Education Center.

You can purchase tickets to the event HERE.

Bandera Natural History Museum: DinoSolar Eclipse Event

The Bandera Natural History Museum gates will open at 8 a.m. and visitors can look forward to crafts, t-shirts, and tours during the event. The museum will open at 10 a.m. and an astronomer will be onsite to help attendees practice safe viewing and offer answers to questions.

Reservations will be required and the admission fee is $50 per vehicle with a maximum of six people.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk: Rooftop Solar Eclipse Viewing Event

The Hyatt Regency will offer their rooftop pool deck from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

There will be food, eclipse-themed cocktails, and complimentary eclipse glasses.

Admission is $45 per person and can be purchased HERE.

Natural Bridge Caverns: Eclipse at the Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns is hosting a VIP watch party with three different packages for purchase. Each package offers a different viewing experience within the grounds.

You can get more details by visiting their website.

Experience the Eclipse at Eisenhower Park

This local San Antonio park will offer safe viewing and a telescope to safely view the sun and sunspots. This is a free event with no registration required.

Educational information about the sun, solar radiation, and greenhouse effect will be provided.

You can learn more about the event on their website.

The DoSeum: Moon at Noon

The museum's event will be from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. and the first 500 guests will be given free viewing glasses and free admission!

For more information, click HERE.

Floresville Peanut Festival

The 79th Annual Floresville Peanut Festival will take place downtown Floresville.

The eclipse will occur as soon as the main parade ends.

The event will provide specific solar glasses along with a $40 food ticket purchase.

Learn more by visiting their website.

San Antonio Public Library Solar Eclipse Events

Attend events leading up to the eclipse date to learn more about the upcoming eclipses and how to view them safely.

Spanish-speaking subject matter experts will be available at most events.

You can view the full list of events HERE.

Did you get to see this rarity in person? Send us your photos of the eclipse!