In 2024, Philly couldn’t stop Googling “eclipse glasses,” 4DX theaters... and the Yankees?

Every December, Google’s “Year in Search” report offers a glimpse into what captured our attention over the past year. Philadelphia’s 2024 search trends reveal a city curious about celestial events, inspired by Olympians, and always looking for the next good meal.

Here’s what topped Philly’s Google searches this year:

“Eclipse glasses near me” led the “near me” searches in 2024 as the city prepared for the historic solar eclipse, which brought Philadelphians together to experience a cosmic spectacle. Local parks, schools, and museums hosted watch parties. While Philadelphia missed the totality zone, about 90% of the sun was obscured during the peak at 3:23 p.m. on April 8, offering a breathtaking view of a “cookie with a bite taken out.”

NASA’s Gina DiBraccio, a Bucks County native, called it an “experience of a lifetime,” and local astronomy enthusiasts flocked to events across the region.

But nature wasn’t all beautiful in 2024- or even in April. That same month, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake centered in New Jersey rattled nerves in the region, prompting Philadelphians to search “earthquake near me” in droves. It was a reminder that while quakes are rare here, they’re not impossible — and that we need to be prepared.

Taylor Swift fans continued to reign supreme in Philadelphia, with searches spiking for her latest album release, The Tortured Poets Department. Swift’s Eras Tour didn’t come to Philly this year, but that didn’t stop Swifties from dissecting every lyric of her emotionally charged new album.

Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar’s Euphoria and Meet the Grahams became anthems in the city, alongside Chappell Roan’s indie-pop hit “Good Luck, Babe!” Eminem’s Houdini also emerged as a trending hit, proving that Philly’s music tastes are as diverse as the city itself.

Simone Biles led the pack in 2024′s search trends as her stunning performances at the Paris Olympics dominated headlines. Katie Ledecky also captured Philly’s attention with her record-breaking swimming career, solidifying her place as one of the most Googled Olympians of the year.

When hunger struck, Philadelphians turned to Google for answers. “Food near me open now” was one of the year’s most common searches, underscoring the city’s obsession with late-night eats.

Entertainment wasn’t far behind. Philadelphia moviegoers couldn’t get enough of immersive experiences this year, with “4DX movie theater near me” topping the entertainment-related searches.

As the nation turned its attention to one of the most contentious presidential elections in recent history, Philadelphians sought out information on “where to vote near me.” With Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in deciding the election, voter turnout was a hot topic.

Local news outlets, including The Inquirer, provided extensive coverage of polling locations, early voting options, and ballot breakdowns, ensuring voters had the tools to make their voices heard.

Philadelphians love their sports, but even local fans had to keep an eye on national matchups. Searches spiked for “Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul,” which brought spectacle (and a little chaos) to the boxing world. And believe it or not, “Los Angeles Dodgers vs New York Yankees” topped the list, versus any queries about the Phils.