Sometimes, the best family memories happen when you’re technically supposed to be sleeping.
In March 2025, a total lunar eclipse passed over Ohio in the middle of the night. I put my boys to bed like normal, then woke them back up so we could sneak out to a field near one of our favorite parks to watch it. It was a school night, but eclipses rarely happen when they’re convenient.
We laid a blanket in the grass and sat in the dark. Watching the moon slowly change above us was worth the lost sleep.
On August 2, 2027, families will have another reason to look toward the sky. Families can experience a total solar eclipse, with a path of totality stretching from the Atlantic Ocean across southern Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, and eventually toward the Indian Ocean. Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia are among the countries in its path.
Already being called the “eclipse of the century,” this is one family vacation you’ll want to plan ahead.
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What Makes the 2027 Eclipse So Special?
The eclipse my boys and I watched in 2025 was a lunar eclipse. The 2027 event is a solar eclipse, and there’s one big difference.
During a lunar eclipse, Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting Earth’s shadow across the Moon and making it appear dark. During a solar eclipse, the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun. It’s a daytime event that casts a dark shadow on Earth’s surface, especially along the path of totality.
Sometimes the best family adventures begin with a simple reminder to look up.
Photo Credit: Samantha Davis
Along that path, the Moon completely covers the Sun for a brief period, revealing the Sun’s normally hidden corona. Outside it, viewers may experience only a partial eclipse.
What has eclipse chasers especially excited about 2027 is the length of the eclipse. The maximum duration of totality will last about 6 minutes and 23 seconds. That’s the second-longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century.
Of course, being in the right place doesn’t guarantee the perfect view. Cloud cover can make or break eclipse day, which is one reason families should choose a destination they’ll enjoy even if Mother Nature refuses to cooperate.
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Where to See the 2027 Eclipse
More than a dozen countries are in the eclipse’s path, but the following table gives families a quick look at some of the best places to turn the eclipse into a vacation.
| Destination | Country | Totality | Duration | Weather Risk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxor / Aswan | Egypt | Yes | ~6 min 23 sec | Very Low | Maximum totality + ancient sites |
| Cairo | Egypt | Yes | ~5 min 30 sec | Low | City-based families, easier logistics |
| Seville | Spain | Yes | ~4 min 45 sec | Low | Europe base, excellent family infrastructure |
| Marrakech | Morocco | Yes | ~4 min 15 sec | Low to Moderate | Eclipse + immersive cultural experience |
| Sahara Desert | Morocco | Yes | ~4 min 30 sec | Very Low | Dramatic setting, glamping options |
| Algiers | Algeria | Yes | ~4 min 50 sec | Low | Longer totality, less-traveled |
| Muscat | Oman | Yes | ~3 min 15 sec | Low | Gulf region, family-friendly |
| New York City | USA | No (partial) | — | Varies | ~75% partial coverage |
| Boston | USA | No (partial) | — | Varies | ~80% partial coverage |
| Miami | USA | No (partial) | — | Moderate | ~60% partial coverage |
The exact seconds of totality depend on where you’re standing within the path, so check your specific viewing location before eclipse day.
Cadiz, Spain: Turn it into a European Beach Vacation
For families dreaming of Europe, southern Spain may be one of the most tempting places to view the 2027 Eclipse.
Cadiz sits on the Atlantic coast near the Strait of Gibraltar and falls inside the path of totality for just under three minutes. This isn’t as long as Egypt, but it’s plenty of time to experience that eerie darkness in the middle of the morning. Then, it’s back to vacation mode.
What is There for Families to do in Cadiz?
Spend afternoons at the beach, wander historic streets, eat entirely too many churros, or add Seville and other parts of Andalusia to the trip. For families traveling from the U.S., Spain also provides an easy way to turn eclipse chasing into a bigger European adventure.
Historic streets, beautiful beaches, and nearly three minutes of totality make Cádiz an exciting choice for a European family getaway.
Photo by Jordi Vich Navarro on Unsplash
Where to Stay in Cadiz
Parador de Cadiz overlooks the Atlantic near La Caleta Beach and has a seasonal outdoor pool. That sounds like a pretty good place to spend August once the sun reappears.
Tangier, Morocco: See the Eclipse in North Africa
Head across the Strait of Gibraltar, and you’ll find another family-friendly option, this one in North Africa. Tangier, Morocco sits directly in the path of the total eclipse, but there’s plenty to entertain kids before and after everyone puts on their eclipse glasses.
What is There for Families to Do in Tangier?
Explore the colorful medina, visit Hercules Caves, spend time at the beach, and introduce adventurous eaters to Moroccan cuisine. Families with extra vacation time could even combine southern Spain and Morocco into one trip, experiencing two continents along the way.
From the winding streets of the medina to the famous Hercules Caves, Tangier has plenty to discover beyond eclipse day.
Photo by Youssef Mubarak on Unsplash
Where to Stay in Tangier
Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa offers pools, a kids club, a playground, beach access, and connecting rooms. There is plenty to keep everyone entertained when they’re not staring at the sky.
Luxor, Egypt: Watch History and Astronomy Collide
If we’re talking about once-in-a-lifetime eclipse destinations, Luxor is hard to beat. The area around Luxor will experience about 6 minutes and 23 seconds of totality, close to the maximum duration for the entire eclipse.
What is There for Families to do in Luxor?
Families could explore the Valley of the Kings and Temples of Karnak, cruise the Nile, and then watch the moon’s shadow sweep across a landscape filled with thousands of years of history.
Ancient temples, the Valley of the Kings, and a spectacular solar eclipse make Luxor a truly unforgettable family travel destination.
Photo by Hongbin on Unsplash
The big thing to consider is heat. August in Luxor is seriously hot, and the eclipse happens around midday. Families will need plenty of water, shade, sun protection, and a carefully chosen viewing spot.
Where to Stay in Luxor?
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa sits along the Nile and offers two infinity pools for keeping cool. After exploring ancient temples in August heat, those pools may become everyone’s favorite attraction.
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Marsa Alam, Egypt: Eclipse Now, Snorkel Later
Not every kid will love spending their vacation touring archaeological sites. If yours would rather be underwater, head east.
Marsa Alam sits on Egypt’s Red Sea coast and gets about 5.5 minutes of totality. That’s still an impressively long time to experience the total phase of the eclipse.
What is There for Families to do in Marsa Alam?
Afterward, trade eclipse glasses for snorkel masks. The area is known for its coral reefs and marine life, making it one of my favorite options for turning eclipse day into a family beach vacation.
From watching the solar eclipse to snorkeling among colorful coral reefs, Marsa Alam offers families two very different kinds of natural wonders.
Photo by Pascal van de Vendel on Unsplash
Where to Stay
Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort has four pools, children’s activities, snorkeling and diving, and access to Abu Dabbab Bay.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Middle East Adventure
After crossing the Red Sea, the path continues onto the Arabian Peninsula and through Saudi Arabia. Jeddah gets around six minutes of totality, making it another excellent option for families who want a long eclipse experience.
What is There for Families to do in Jeddah?
Jeddah is an opportunity to experience a different family vacation in the Middle East, with Red Sea beaches, waterfront attractions, and plenty of cultural experiences. As in Egypt, the August heat requires families to plan outdoor sightseeing carefully. Don’t underestimate how intense midday temperatures can be.
From historic neighborhoods to modern waterfront promenades, Jeddah gives families plenty to explore beyond the 2027 Eclipse.
Photo by shahad hassan on Unsplash
Where to Stay
Shangri-La Jeddah sits on the waterfront and has plenty of family accommodations, including a dedicated kids club.
Can You See the 2027 Solar Eclipse in the United States?
U.S. families can see the 2027 eclipse without a passport, but there’s a pretty big catch. The path of totality does not enter the United States.
Northern Maine will experience a partial solar eclipse in August 2027, giving U.S. families an opportunity to watch without traveling internationally.
Photo by Kevin Kandlbinder on Unsplash
Northern Maine will catch a partial solar eclipse. It won’t deliver the dramatic darkness that occurs during totality, but it could still be a fun excuse to pack up the kids and explore Maine. Presque Isle makes a good home base, especially for families who enjoy the outdoors.
What is There for Families to Do in Presque Isle?
At Aroostook State Park, families can hike Quaggy Jo Mountain, swim or paddle at Echo Lake, picnic, or camp beneath the trees. For another outdoor adventure, the Northern Maine Community Trails offer more than 35 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking across more than 750 protected acres.
My favorite eclipse tie-in might be the Maine Solar System Model. The enormous scale model stretches about 40 miles along Route 1, with the sun located at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn Presque Isle offers an indoor pool, free breakfast, connecting rooms, and free parking, many of the essentials that you want when traveling with kids.
Is Traveling for the 2027 Eclipse Worth It?
When I woke my boys in the middle of the night in March 2025, we weren’t standing beside an ancient Egyptian temple or looking across the Strait of Gibraltar. We were in a field near a park we’d visited countless times. But that’s not what they’ll remember.
Whether your family watches from an Egyptian temple or a quiet field close to home, sharing an eclipse can create memories that last a lifetime.
Photo Credit: Samantha Davis
They’ll remember Mom waking them up on a school night so we could sneak out together and stare at the sky. Maybe your family’s 2027 Eclipse story happens on a beach in southern Spain. Maybe you’re standing near the Valley of the Kings, snorkeling in the Red Sea the next morning, or watching a partial eclipse from the woods of Maine.
Eclipses don’t always happen when it’s convenient. Sometimes they happen in the middle of the night, and sometimes they’re halfway around the world. But sometimes, breaking bedtime or booking the plane tickets is how the best family stories begin.
Your 2027 Eclipse Questions, Answered
When exactly is the 2027 solar eclipse?
Mark your calendars for August 2, 2027. The path of totality crosses Spain (including Seville and parts of Andalusia), Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia. If you’re planning to book a trip around it, start researching now — hotels along the eclipse path were filling up a year out before the 2024 eclipse, and this one is going to be just as popular.
Will the 2027 eclipse be visible in the United States?
Not in totality — the path doesn’t cross the continental US this time. That said, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from parts of the eastern and northeastern United States, as well as the Caribbean. It won’t be the jaw-dropping total blackout experience, but it’s still worth watching with the kids, and it’s a great opportunity to talk about how eclipses work before you potentially plan a bigger trip. Just don’t skip the glasses — partial eclipses still require ISO-certified solar viewers the entire time.
Where’s the best place to watch the 2027 eclipse with kids?
Honestly? Egypt is the answer if you want maximum wow factor. Luxor and Aswan sit in the sweet spot for the longest totality in the entire path — around 6 minutes — and August in Upper Egypt is reliably, almost aggressively sunny. Zero clouds, zero drama (weather-wise, anyway — managing kids in 100-degree heat is its own adventure). If a full-on Egypt expedition feels like too much, Seville, Spain is the runner-up: solid 4–5 minutes of totality, world-class food, and a tourism infrastructure that handles families beautifully.
How long does the 2027 eclipse last?
This is what makes the 2027 eclipse genuinely special: at its peak over Egypt, totality lasts approximately 6 minutes and 23 seconds. To put that in perspective, the 2024 eclipse over the US topped out around 4 minutes 28 seconds. Even at the edges of the path — say, Seville or Marrakech — you’re looking at 4–5 minutes of totality. That’s enough time for the temperature to drop, for the stars to appear in the middle of the day, and for your kids to lose their minds in the best possible way.
Do kids need special glasses to watch the eclipse?
Yes, and this is non-negotiable. ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses are required for everyone — kids included — during every phase except the brief window of totality itself. During totality, it’s safe to look with bare eyes, but the moment totality ends, the glasses go back on immediately. If you’re in the US and only seeing a partial eclipse, glasses are required for the entire event since totality never occurs. Buy from reputable suppliers and order early — eclipse glasses tend to sell out in the weeks before, and the knock-off market gets very active. Check the American Astronomical Society’s list of approved vendors to be safe.
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