As the Sun Goes Down, We’ll Be Feeling All Right: The Best Places To Watch The Sunset
Watching the slow burn of the sun setting on the edge of the earth will give you pause, fill you with peace, and make you realize you are just a small part of a vast and colossal universe.
The busy staff at Whym rarely gets a chance to look up from their computers to take in the beauty of sundown. As CEO Bridget Scotti has been heard joking, “What’s the big deal, there will be another one tomorrow?!”
To that we say…slow your roll. And we do. When we are vacationing, we make an effort to stop and look up. Where can we find the best vantage point to catch a glimpse of what the locals see when they look up? So Whym decided to make a list. (We love a good list!) Here’s your go-to list of where to enjoy the best sunset views in America.
Mount Haleakala, Maui, HI
At 10,000 feet, nature serves up a spectacular sunset in a truly unforgettable landscape. Cycle, hike, or take a horseback ride to the summit. Here you’re as high as the clouds and the sun breaks through them in such a way that you’ll see a prism of golden lights as the sun disappears into the ocean.
Waikiki, Oahu, HI
You can’t hold a contest for best sunset in Hawaii because they are all perfect, but the majestic shades of purple in the endless skies over Waikiki made even the most chatty Whym-er stop in their tracks. Then on the weekends once the sun goes down, you can watch outdoor movies sitting on the sand.
Honolulu, Oahu, HI – Tiki’s Bar & Grill
Swaying palm trees, and cotton candy-colored clouds floating over the sea make this a Whym favorite. The live music and good food might make you lose track of time, so keep your eye on your watch! Okay, so maybe this Whym-er speaks from experience. We blame the mai tais.
Anchorage, AK
What can we say? The largest city of the Last Frontier should definitely be on your bucket list. The light show over the snowy mountains is like nature’s mood lighting. The buildings turn gold and reflect off the water. It’s awe-inspiring.
Alki Park, Seattle, WA
Walk, bike or rollerblade along the 2.5 mile trail or drive and bring a picnic dinner to watch the sunset at the park. The best thing about this sunset spot is the view of the city as a backdrop.
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
Whym thinks this is one of the most fun places to watch the sunset on the West Coast. This famous Pier has arcades, the historic ferris wheel, and a great beach to enjoy while waiting for that spectacular site. You may even get to see dolphins popping in and out of the golden waves.
Studio Restaurant at the Montage Hotel, Laguna Beach, CA
A little over an hour south of LA, but so worth it if you’re out this way, this pretty little coastal town features drop-dead gorgeous sunsets along its stretch of golden sand. You might want to get a reservation for outdoor seating at the Studio because you’ll quickly learn the secret is out – and for good reason. Whym caught the sunset and the moon rising from the 360 degree view of the coast.
The Stratosphere on the Strip, Las Vegas, NV
Vegas is surrounded by mountains, which creates magnificent sunsets. If you go to the top of the Stratosphere Hotel, which is the tallest freestanding tower in the US, you’ll get a 360 degree view of the rainbow sky.
Glacier National Park, Montana
If you want to feel at one with nature, the snowcapped peaks and shimmering waters of this vast park in Montana’s northwest corner is going to be your happy place. Watching the sun glide over the Rocky Mountains is sublime. You might even catch sight of a humpback whale or puffin while gazing.
Canyonlands, Moab, UT
This is a magical place filled with never-ending vistas of the canyons below. The majestic purple skies against the red and orange rock are even more beautiful than you can imagine. Check out The Sunset Grill, which sits 225 feet above the roads, for an unspoiled view. Or if you’re feeling energetic, take the 5 mile hike on the Delicate Arch where you can stand below the famous rock formation when it’s brightly illuminated by the setting sun.
Hopi Point,Grand Canyon, AZ
As one of the seven wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon has several famous viewing points, but golden hour at Hopi Point is the best. You’ll see amazing views of the undulating limestone cliffs that turn red, then purple as the sun sets. After the show, head to the McKee Amphitheater for a nature talk by one of the park rangers.
Denver, CO
Garden of the Gods or Devil’s Head Fire Lookout are Whym‘s favorite Denver spots. The reds and oranges of the fading light reflecting off the rock formations will make your mouth drop. The 143 steps to the top of the lookout gives you a 360 degree uninterrupted vista.
Old Fort Marcy Park, Santa Fe, NM
The historic ruins, the high elevation of 8,000 feet, and the low light pollution allows this place to serve as a perfect viewing platform. You’ll catch reds, pinks and orange hues peak through the clouds like a kaleidoscope.
The Oasis, Austin, TX
There’s one thing that can’t be ignored about Texas. Sunset. In the Hill Country of the Lone Star State, this bar sits on the cliffs overlooking Lake Travis is so cool. It gets really busy and we wouldn’t go for the food, but get your fill of barbecue, then drive out to the Oasis for a margarita and the view. There are tiered outdoor decks and a convivial attitude. The sunsets are so incredible they get applause from the patrons every night.
South Padre Island, TX
It’s another Tequila Sunset at South Padre. With 113 miles of southern coastline in Texas, this sandy spot stands out with live music and dancing, great drinks, and incredible views. However, you can’t go wrong anywhere along the beach.
Chicago Botanical Gardens, Chicago, IL
Just north of the city, this spot is close to the edge of Lake Michigan and offers a different kind of view. There are several places you can go for good skyline sunset views, but at the garden, you can sit in the Japanese garden, Evening Island or the Crescent and watch the sun go down over beautiful fountains.
Clearwater Beach, FL
Pier 60 is a gathering place in the middle of the hub bub of activity to watch the sun sink. There are also sunset cruises and many cafes to choose from or just sit and bury your toes in the sand. Whichever you choose, enjoy endless views of the Gulf and watch that giant fiery orange ball dip into the blue-green waters. Ahhhhhh. 
Mallory Square, Key West, FL
Sunset is a major event here. Locals and visitors alike show up two hours before the sun descends for an evening festival filled with street performers of all kinds in anticipation of the unobstructed views of the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico at Mile Marker 1.
Four Seasons Miami, Miami, FL
Rooftop happy hours are popular at many of the high-rises in downtown Miami but this spot in the Brickell neighborhood is the tallest building – at 70 stories – with breathtaking bay sunsets. Whym prefers grabbing a margarita at this two acre oasis with a pool in the sky.
Tybee Lighthouse, Tybee Island, GA
Just east of Savannah, Tybee Island is a popular tourist spot for fun in the sun and watching the sunset. Whym has a thing for lighthouses, but this is a cool idea. You are allowed to take a tour to climb to the top of the lighthouse right at sunset. You’ll get an unparalleled sight of the sky as it turns from beautiful blue to vibrant orange.
Outer Banks, Nags Head, NC
It’s true that the East Coast is better known for its sunrises, but sunset here offers blood-orange skies overhead and waves lapping at your feet. This strand of islands has many of secluded beaches for you to have a romantic moment or take a great family picture while looking westward.
Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
Head here to sit on the wrap-around terrace overlooking the Potomac River. Whym-ers have reported that it is a great spot to catch a glimpse of nature and a few national monuments in the glow of the setting sun. Plus you can grab a snack and a drink at the cafe.
Pebble Beach Manhattan Bridge Pedestrian Path, Brooklyn, NY
This spot was made famous in many films as the iconic destination for viewing the sunset with a New York City backdrop. The city’s bright lights twinkle against a colorful skyline, shimmering Hudson River waters and the towering Brooklyn Bridge.
Gay Head, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Boulders, clay and a whole lotta view. Grab a chair or blanket and head near the lighthouse for the perfect vantage point or take the 6:00-8:00 tour on Thursday or Friday and climb the stairs for the high in sky sight. Even on a foggy day, its so pretty and worth your time.
