Photo by Bill45 at Shutterstock
The sun rises and then sets every day all over the globe, and with the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, we probably forget to stop and appreciate a beautiful sunset. This evening phenomenon is particularly remarkable in certain spots. So next time you’re traveling in the US, you may want to include the view in your criteria.
Picking out where the most impressive sunset is can not be easy. From mountains to deserts, forest to streams, the country’s abundance of show stopping views could make even the most bored traveler weak at the knees. Keep in mind that wherever you decide to view a sunset, make sure to bring some headlamps and poles and walk carefully down when your path becomes dark. Here are eleven of the finest sunsets across the country.
Driving from Florida down the Overseas Highway, it’s easy to understand why the southern leg of U.S. Highway 1 is often known as the “Highway that Goes to Sea.” It’s a modern wonder.
The 113 miles of road from Key Largo to Key West includes an astonishing 42 bridges jumping from key to key in several giant concrete and steel arches over the open waters of the Florida Bay, Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. Some road sections are standard, but views from the famous Seven Mile Bridge are positively picturesque, especially if you’re riding shotgun, cycling, or strolling along the old bridge, which runs parallel with its modern, vehicles-only counterpart.
So what can you expect to see? Numerous coral islets that look small and delicate against the sea and sky. Add a sunset to all this, and you may never want to get off this highway!
It’s nearly impossible to hear the words “Rocky Mountains” without humming a little John Denver. Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park spans over 415 square miles. It contains over 300 miles of trails to hike and one of the most spectral breathtaking sunsets that Colorado has to offer. It is a living showcase of the splendor of the Rocky Mountains.
There’s no better way to discover the Rocky Mountains than taking a scenic ride down Trail Ridge Road. Stretching for 48 miles, it offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. It gives you the chance to enjoy the Rocky Mountains in leisure. And a ride through Estes Park is the best way to end this tour. This town is well known for providing a breathtaking view of Prospect Mountain.
As a bonus, check out The Stanley Hotel. You probably know it as The Overlook Hotel from “The Shining,” which was based on Stephen King’s novel by the same name. Now you have the chance to see this enormous, 142-room hotel for yourself.
As a scenic trail that moves deep into the mountainous forests, covering almost 500 miles of ground, it winds through Appalachia, past farmland, historical heritage sites, and lush spreads of forest on its way from Virginia to North Carolina. Making your way through the Blue Ridge Parkway offers breathtaking views of Southern Appalachia’s beauty.
Blue-misted mountains, cascading waterfalls, rolling pasture, and gorges full of wildflowers greet hikers of all skill levels among the more than 100 different and intriguing trails in North Carolina and Virginia. It’s a drive full of wonder. On the north end, there are breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, and the south end stops just short of the Great Smokies, where dazzling mountain sunsets seem to grow on trees!
Your passport isn’t needed to experience a memorable and breathtaking Niagara Falls vacation. The view from Prospect Pointe Park in Niagara Falls, NY, shows both the American Falls and Canadian Falls. After seeing an incredible sunset, enjoy the nightly illumination of Niagara Falls every day of the year.
Situated on both sides of the border between the US and Canada, Niagara Falls is formed of three sets of falls, American, Horseshoe, and Bridal Veil, all of which link to send over more than 1,000 metric tons of water per second. The vistas are panoramic in scope from the Ontario side with all three falls in view, and don’t forget the rainbows.
But from the American side, you can experience a natural wonder of the world, examine acres of natural hiking trails and scenic terrain, bury yourself in outdoor adventure and taste the pure goodness of orchards and award-winning wineries in a family-friendly environment. Open 365 days a year, Niagara Falls State Park has incredible scenery! It also features thrilling attractions and interactive exhibits. It’s an adventure-packed experience!
From the legendarily scenic route of the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s an easy drive to the iconic landmark permanently associated with the City by the Bay. The Golden Gate Bridge stretches 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco.
Whether it’s covered in fog or standing tall on a crystal-clear day, this 1930s-era art deco marvel is one of the country’s can’t-miss sights, and the best perspective is from the Marin Headlands, with the city’s skyline as a backdrop.
Choose a viewing point on land or take a cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and by Alcatraz along with the other islands to view one of California’s most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. With towers soaring 227 meters into the sky and its span marching across San Francisco Bay, a Golden Gate Bridge sunset is, quite simply, amazing.
Rising over Salt Lake City’s northern skirt, Ensign Peak is a short, relatively easy, all-season hike with a lot of history. There’s a monument at the half-mile trail mark and a railed-in patio for valley gazing. Not only do visitors catch a heavenly sunset on this prominent peak, but they also take in history.
This small peak is the ideal way to view the city. Just don’t do it on the hottest day of the year because it won’t be memorable. Take a picnic and watch the sunset. The Peak usually draws a crowd. People up there have been known to play guitars and sing, launch drones and crawl around the rocks, with loads of children playing and chasing each other. It’s a community hike, so you shouldn’t expect too much privacy if that’s what you’re looking for!
We obviously couldn’t exclude this next spot from a post like this. The sunset views in Grand Canyon are compelling, and some would even say life-changing. It brings a whole other level of wonder and adventure in the majestic mountains, so powerful that you may never see another sunset precisely like this again.
The Grand Canyon has become one of the most photographed places globally, but there is no way any pictures can do it justice, as powerful as they may be. Due to the panorama and unobstructed views, Hopi is a popular point for enjoying the sunset.
Located in northwest Arizona, the mile-deep, 18-mile-wide geological sensation is one of the world’s seven natural wonders, and for a good reason. It’s unlike anything else in the US between its immense scale and its colorful layers of rock.
Ft. Marcy is worth a look to gain insight into Santa Fe’s history. Some uphill walking is required, but you will be rewarded with excellent views of the city. Early settlers occupied the area, then became an outlook post for the U.S. Army during the Mexican American War. Thanks to the high, 8,000-feet elevation and number of ruins that serve as viewing platforms, sunsets in Santa Fe are memorable.
Most visitors go to Old Fort Marcy Park, but there are plenty of other options for viewing in the area. There is nothing but dirt piles left of this fort, so you don’t come here to ‘see’ a fort but to see the view from where the fort used to be. Enjoy a nice leisurely hike up several windy stairs along which plaques tell you the history of the area and fortress. Bring a picnic basket and stay awhile to witness the orange and pink hues sunsets that often break through the clouds, producing a prism of colors.
Ten thousand and twenty-three feet above sea level waits for you an incredible display of colors and natural wonder if you check out the sunset at Mount Haleakala. This unique place echoes ancient and modern Hawaiian culture stories and protects the bond between the land and its people.
When visiting this special place, you renew your spirit among striking volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rainforest with an impressive hike through the backcountry. This area doesn’t have much light at night and is high enough above sea level that there isn’t much environmental pollution.
When you first arrive in Hawaii, time change might make it hard for you to stay awake past your dinnertime, so you may want to start with the sunrise if you’re looking for an authentic Hawaiian adventure. During this time, National Park rangers will lead groups in traditional Hawaiian greetings to embrace the sun.
Butterfly Beach is a lovely, quiet little stretch of sand surrounded by a stone sea wall under the Biltmore Hotel and the Coral Casino along Channel Drive in ritzy Montecito, CA. It is probably one of the most filmed beaches in the world and for a good reason. South of Santa Barbara, this beach is a unique mix of sand and cliffs and is a perfect place for a walk or just to take in the scenery.
Butterfly is also one of the most ideal beaches for sunsets as it is a south-facing beach, so you can come early, stay throughout the day, then toast the sunset with a glass of wine. It’s essential to check the tides, though. At low tide, you can walk forever, but there might not be much beach if high tide catches you. However, there’s a sidewalk where you could take a nice walk as well.
To view the setting sun through the palm trees is astonishing. An excellent option to have a happy hour drink and watch the sunset if you don’t want to stay on the beach is conveniently across the street at the Four Seasons hotel.
North Cascades National Park in Washington is a hiker’s dream near the Canadian border and gives about 400 miles of trails. It has more than 300 glaciers, 125-plus alpine lakes, and deep flourishing valleys in between. This national Park possesses some of the most natural landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.
While you’re here, though, make sure you take in the sunset at Washington Pass Overlook. It is one of the best things to do in North Cascades National Park to get beautiful views with minimum effort. A short paved path brings you to a stunning viewpoint standing at 5,000 feet, overlooking Washington Pass and the infamous Liberty Bell. If heights aren’t your idea of a great time, this easy hike is perfect because there are railings all along the overlook. The beautiful golden light pours on Liberty Bell, creating a beautiful sight to see!
Keep in mind that this beautiful part of North Cascades is only open between May and October because I’m sure getting caught in an avalanche is not on your bucket list!
Want to see some more stunning sunsets? Check out some great options at some of the most underrated National Parks in the country!
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