Searches surge 1,000% for US solar eclipse
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb data reveals a 1,000% increase in searches for stays along the solar eclipse path of totality in the US, and the unique opportunity to experience up to 268 seconds of darkness along the eclipse's path.
- Airbnb listings outnumber hotels by more than 15 times along the path of totality across North America, offering more amenities and in more communities across the path of totality.
- To inspire total wanderlust, grab your solar glasses and peer into the eclipse as we share unique spaces perfect for an out-of-this-world eclipse experience.
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb data reveals a 1,000% increase in searches for stays along the solar eclipse path of totality in the US, and the unique opportunity to experience up to 268 seconds of darkness along the eclipse's path.
- Airbnb listings outnumber hotels by more than 15 times along the path of totality across North America, offering more amenities and in more communities across the path of totality.
- To inspire total wanderlust, grab your solar glasses and peer into the eclipse as we share unique spaces perfect for an out-of-this-world eclipse experience.
As the days grow longer and the weather warms, interest in the solar eclipse is helping to drive travel this spring, with many cities along the eclipse’s path named among spring’s top trending destinations. On April 8, skies stretching from Mexico, the US and Canada are set to darken mid-day, marking the last time a total solar eclipse will cross North America for more than 20 years.
Trending destinations along the path of totality
Interest in the 2024 solar eclipse is generating massive demand for stays on Airbnb along what’s called the path of totality. Airbnb insights show a 1,000 percent surge in searches for US listings in cities and towns along the path, as more than a thousand new Hosts plan to welcome guests for the first time to help meet demand1.
North American cities lying in the path of totality are gearing up to welcome the influx of sky gazers. Austin, along with the greater Hill Country region in Texas, and Indianapolis have emerged as the most booked destinations in the US for the solar eclipse weekend, closely followed by Cleveland, Dallas, and Montreal2. And when it comes to guests having a total eclipse of the heart, travelers from New York City and Mexico City have the highest number of guests visiting cities and towns along the eclipse’s path.
Most popular cities along the path of totality
- Austin and Hill Country, TX
- Mazatlán, Mexico
- Indianapolis, IN
- Montreal, Canada
- Cleveland, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Niagara Region, Canada
- Buffalo, NY
- Stowe, VT
- Little Rock, AR
Cities with the most travelers to destinations along the path of totality
- New York City, NY
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Seattle, WA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Philadelphia, PA
- Denver, CO
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Portland, OR
Backyards and private space help drive demand, as listings outpace hotels 15 to 1
Hosts on Airbnb are helping to drive solar eclipse tourism with listings along the path of totality outnumbering hotels by more than 15 to one across North America3. With two-thirds of the US home to listings in areas with no hotels, Airbnb is making it easier for guests to experience the eclipse in more communities and with more amenities travelers might look for when viewing this once-in-a-generation celestial moment.
New data shows that more than 10 percent of guests chose to book with Airbnb for the first time during the solar eclipse4, some likely drawn by the desire to witness the eclipse in a uniquely personal setting, aligning with what US guests were looking for when booking on the platform last year5:
- 76% of guests said amenities like a backyard is important to them
- 59% wanted a private space just for themselves and their group
- 53% wanted a convenient location
- 49% wanted a local event or outdoor experience
Stellar listings along the solar eclipse’s path
Many Airbnb listings along the path offer guests the chance to bask in the eclipse’s shadow for up to 268 seconds of totality—that’s nearly 4.5 minutes of daytime darkness. Listings like this enchanting and secluded cabin hosted by Mario in Durango, Mexico, stand as the pinnacle of eclipse viewing, offering the longest duration under the totality’s shadow. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique listings like Mario’s along the path of totality, each equipped with unique amenities like telescopes and observatories designed to elevate any solar eclipse experience to stellar heights. With new Hosts opening their homes across North America, over 40% of unique accommodations remain available for booking along the path of totality6.
A bright future for spring travel
With the advent of the solar eclipse, a surge in outdoor travel is shaping up to be a bright spot for spring. New data shows a nearly 40 percent increase in searches for outdoor category listings such as Yurts, Campers, and Camping stays7. US domestic spring travel showcases year-over-year growth in destinations along the solar eclipse’s path. Internationally, travelers are seeking tranquility and big city adventures spanning three continents.
Trending domestic US destinations among US travelers:
- Upstate New York (including Lake Placid, Buffalo, Rochester and Niagara)
- Burlington, VT
- Waco, TX
- Little Rock, AR
- Cleveland, OH
- Indianapolis, IN
- Fredericksburg, TX
- Santa Rosa Beach, FL
- Hot Springs, AR
- Rosemary Beach, FL
Trending international destinations among US travelers:
- Tokyo, Japan
- Mazatlán, Mexico
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Kyoto, Japan
- San Salvador, El Salvador
- Nassau, The Bahamas
- La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- San Pedro, Belize
- Fajardo, Puerto Rico
- Antigua, Guatemala
The solar eclipse is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season of discovery and exploration across North America.
All listings included in this article are intended to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not endorse or promote these listings or any other accommodations or experiences on the platform.