Whether you live by the water, mountains, desert, or a city skyline, you should always find time to see a sunset. It is the perfect way to end a busy day. Have you ever wondered where in the US has some of the best and what time can you expect to catch them? In this article, I have put together a list of the most popular places people go to watch a beautiful sunset during the summertime. Grab a pen and paper to jot these places down. You will want to have this list on hand for your next vacation.
Montage Laguna Beach, California
Hidden behind the palm trees glowing in lustrous color orange and red-filled sky, you will see one of the most beautiful sunsets in California at Montage Laguna Beach. Kick-off your sandals and take a seat in the sand. You don’t want to miss this one. This time of year, at the beginning of June, you will catch the sunset at 7:56 pm glistening off the ocean.
Hopi Point, Arizona
Hopi Point is the first spot on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, making it one of the most popular places to catch a sunset. With its 180 views from the east to the west, you can see the colorful sky above the canyon walls. During late spring, Hopi Points sunsets around 7:40 pm. This spot does get very windy no matter what time of the year you go, so hang on to your hats.
Miami, Florida
With all Miamis Beaches, sunset harbors, and rooftop restaurants, there is no shortage of places to watch the sunset in Miami, Florida. The colors pink and orange never make it a dull moment. While listening to the ocean waves or having a cocktail on the rooftop, Miami always makes you feel like you are ending your day in style. The best time to see the sun setting in Miami is at 8:08 pm.
Maui, Hawaii
Nothing is more romantic than seeing a Hawaiian sunset with your significant other. Here in Maui, you will find the very best. Maui has a unique sunset due to its volcano dust. During the day, the particles spread from the east to the west with tradewinds which enhances the evenings—giving off spellbinding colors such as red, orange, pink, and blue. Maui is also known for having the green flash.
The best time to catch a sunset in Maui is around 8:08 pm.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
A few blocks from Sanat Fe Plaza, a local’s favorite spot to catch a sunset is The Cross Of The Martyrs. With a short hike to the very top of Martyrs, you will enjoy some fantastic views of the city and the sun setting to the west. With its wide-open space and clean, dry air, you will be hypnotized by its cotton candy sky and glowing high desert twilights. Catch the sunset here in Santa Fe around 8:14 pm
Ensign Peak, Utah
Ensign Peak Park is located at the North end of Salt Lake City and is a perfect spot for watching a sunset. Take a short hike to the top for about 20 minutes and get the fantastic views of the sun setting behind the mountains and downtown Salt Lake City. The best time to watch the sunset is around 8:53 pm.
Vista House, Oregon
Vista House is a historic building built in 1918. You can see a crimson sunset that fills the sky and lightens up the entire river. Just 25 minutes from downtown Oregon and overlooking the Columbia River. A good time to go to watch the sunset is around 8:51 pm.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
As the sun descends in the west, you will see the light cascading off the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon. An almost golden ray shines through the mountain tops when the sun sets. Glenwood Springs is an old rail station with a picnic table to sit and enjoy a meal while watching the sunsetting overlooking the Colorado River. Catch the sunset around 8:31 pm.
Anchorage Coastal State Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Alaska, known as the Great Land, is filled with mountains, wildlife, glaciers, and snow. As most people know, Alaska goes dark from November to mid-January. But in June and July, you can catch a fantastic sunset at Anchorage Coastal State Wildlife Refuge. You have to stay up a little late to see the evening here, but it is worth it. Catch the sunset around 11:27 pm, and watch out for moose!
Alki Beach, Washington
Alki Beach is a popular place. With Duke’s restaurants right across the way, you can grab some dinner before ending your evening with the perfect sunset. Sit down on the beach, wiggle your toes in the dirt and enjoy the sunset. Watch the sunset at Alki beach around 9:06 pm.
I hope after reading this article you are inspired to catch the next sunset. Like Bernard Williams quoted, “It is impossible to watch a sunset and not dream.”
By Jennifer Incramona
Emmanuel Lacoste