No matter where you are in the U.S., you can probably catch a nice sunset.
But some vacation destinations are so well known for their sunsets that restaurant tables are arranged to show off views, nightly rituals celebrate the evening spectacle and amateur photographers are waiting for the perfect shot as soon as the sun starts to fade away.
So, what, exactly, makes a spectacular sunset? High clouds (which are those above 20,000 feet) provide the ideal conditions for gorgeous sunsets, explains Jesse Ferrell, AccuWeather Meteorologist.
“Generally, the farther north you are, the more high clouds you see, but that’s not a hard and fast rule, obviously they get great sunsets in Florida, too,” he says.
The presence of cumulus clouds (those fluffy, puffy white clouds) also makes for a great sunset, explains Marisa Marulli, a conservation photographer. They give depth and interest to what would otherwise be an empty sky, she explains. Sunsets work well with these types of clouds because the sun lights them up from underneath and bursts through others.
“They always give your photo a reason to be different from every other sunset photo ever taken,” Marulli explains. “You can almost consider cumulus clouds a fingerprint to your sunset photo.”
10 Top Places For Sunsets In The U.S.
Ready to seek out some stellar sunsets? Here’s where you’ll find some of the best sunsets in the U.S.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa On Maui, Hawaii
Sunset cliff-diving ceremony at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
(Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa)
Maui is a regular on lists touting the best sunsets. Explore why at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, where a 60-year Cliff Dive Ceremony tradition begins each night at sunset. As the sun looks as though its making a slow dive into the ocean, torch lights ignite for the nightly lele kawa (cliff diving). According to local legend, the last chief of Maui, Kahekili (Thunderer), proved his spiritual strength by leaping from sacred Pu’u Keka’a into the Pacific. Today cliff divers retrace the steps at sunset, diving into the rolling surf.
Mallory Square In Key West, Florida
Sunset view from Mallory Square
(christina gauss via Getty Images)
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and is well-known for its nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. The street carnival-like celebrations at Mallory Square overlooking Key West Harbor draws arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers, food carts, psychics and musicians. Visitors to Key West can also go out on a magic hour excursion like the Wind & Wine Sunset Sail to enjoy the sunset.
Gumbo Limbo In Naples, Florida
The sunset bell at Gumbo Limbo.
(The Ritz-Carlton, Naples)
Gumbo Limbo is a laid-back beach bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples that’s perched above the white sand beach with views of the Gulf Coast. Each night, designated hotel guests ring a beachside bell to announce the sunset. The tradition is met with applause and clinking cocktail glasses from Gumbo Limbo, where dishes like grouper tacos pair with tropical drinks like hurricanes and pina coladas.
North Lake Tahoe In Nevada And California
With the mountains in the backdrop, and the sun changing the lake’s color, Reno-Tahoe is a special spot for sunsets. Pictured here is Sand Harbor State Park
(Reno-Tahoe)
The sunset may be the main act, but the lake that turns shades of pink and the Sierra Nevada mountains that reflect the warm hues during the golden hour make a nice supporting cast in North Lake Tahoe. In warmer months, unfurl a blanket and watch the sunset on a patch of sand after swimming at Sand Harbor State Park Beach. Sunsets are great here in the colder months, too: Watch one paint the sky pink from the fire pit at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe.
Alpine Falls Ranch In Superior, Montana
Enjoy an extended golden hour at Alpine Falls Ranch in Montana
(Alpine Falls Ranch in Montana)
The surrounding mountainscape makes sunsets special at Alpine Falls Ranch. With the towering mountains, the sun appears to dip below the horizon earlier and creates unique shadows that make for an extended golden, twilight period as the sun continues to drop down to the actual horizon. One great spot to watch a sunset is from the Mountain View Villa, where you can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail on the lounge chairs by the roaring fire pit.
Water Place Park In Providence, Rhode Island
Water Place Park in Providence, Rhode Island
(Go Providence)
Providence is host to the dream-like WaterFire festivals, but it also puts on a gorgeous sunset on a more regular basis. A popular spot to catch the sunset is at the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge and the nearby Waterplace Park located downtown. For a more romantic sunset experience, book a gondola ride (yup, just like the ones in Venice, Italy) along the river.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas In The U.S. Virgin Islands
Go out on a sunset sail or take in views from The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
(Juan Burgo / The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas)
St. Thomas sunsets are something else: The island’s westward orientation over the Caribbean Sea and minimal light pollution combine to create cotton candy like swirls in the sky. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas has plenty of great perches for sunset viewing, as well as a 1 1/2-hour sunset sail aboard an exclusive 65-foot catamaran.
Bryce Canyon’s Sunset Point In Utah
The hoodoos in at sunset point in Bryce Canyon Country almost look like they’re glowing right before sunset.
(Keith Moore / Bryce Canyon Country)
As its name promises, Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon Country is a wonderful place to witness a sunset. Amid the otherworldly hoodoos, and at 8,000 feet, Sunset Point shows off dramatic views of Bryce Canyon’s main amphitheater. Ancient Douglas firs also stud the landscape, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers, too. Sunset Point is located about a mile from the Visitor Center between Sunrise Point and Inspiration Point.
Going-To-The-Sun Road In Glacier National Park In Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road shows off spectacular sunset views in Montana.
(Visit Montana)
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile road that travels through the heart of Glacier National Park. Logan Pass is the highest point on the route, taking travelers above the clouds and setting a scene with the imposing mountains in the background. A great place to see the sunset is while driving west from Logan Pass and looking down into the valley toward the sunset. For a fun special effect, take note how the sunset changes the colors of the mountains and their snow-capped peaks.
Spain Wine Bar In Ocean City, Maryland
Sunset views from Spain Wine Bar in Ocean City, Maryland.J
(Joey Saah / Spain Wine Bar)
Breathtaking sunsets over the bay in Ocean City, Maryland inspired Peter Elias to open Spain Wine Bar in 2021. The rooftop spot has an outdoor deck and gazebo that provides unobstructed views of the waterfront sunset each night. The wine bar was inspired by his travels to Europe, where diners enjoy leisurely late-night dinners over a bottle of vino, something he wanted to recreate stateside.