Discover the 12 Best Places to See Sunsets in the U.S.

The United States is a beautiful country with a lot to explore. Within this country are 50 states, each with its own unique history, culture, and geography. It’s hard to compare states like tropical Florida with rocky red Utah. Still, even with these striking differences, the sunsets you can catch in either place are out of this world. Sometimes, traveling to a state or specific location, like a city or national park, is worth it just to see the sun rise or set. So, where can you go in the U.S. to see spectacular sunsets? Follow along to discover the 12 best places to see sunsets in the U.S.

Santa Monica Pier, California

Starting our list of the 12 best places to see sunsets in the U.S. is the Santa Monica Pier in California. This unforgettable spot offers breathtaking views of orange and pink sunsets against the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Seeing the sunset at this pier is worth the business of the spot. Not only can you watch the sunset on the water from the pier, but you can also walk along the beach and admire the sunset against the pier, which illuminates Santa Monica Pier’s iconic wheel.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Unsurprisingly, next on our list is the Grand Canyon. There is something just so magical about Grand Canyon National Park, no matter where you wander. Grand Canyon National Park has a surface area of over 1.2 million acres. This means there are plenty of places to see the sunset against the rocky red structures of the Grand Canyon. Some of the best spots within the park to see gorgeous sunsets are Mather Point in South Rim, Hopi Point, Lipan Point, and Yaki Point.

Ojito Wilderness, New Mexico

New Mexico is home to countless spots where you can see stunning and jaw-dropping sunsets. One of these places is the Ojito Wilderness. This wilderness area is a fun place to explore during the day before relaxing to view an inspiring sunset. It was established in 2005 and has a surface area of 11,823 acres. During sunset, the skies turn pink against the yellow and orange desert landscape.

The Everglades, Florida

Florida isn’t only going to be mentioned in the introduction. Oh no, one of the best places in the country to see a sunset is in the Everglades, and there are plenty of places to see one! The Everglades National Park covers over 1.5 million acres of land. You can catch the sunset from a hiking trail, kayaking trip, or viewing point. Many people recommend seeing the sunrise or sunset while on the Anhinga Trail. The boardwalk crosses through a freshwater sawgrass marsh.

Vista House, Oregon

If you like mountains, one of the best places in the U.S. to see a sunset is at the Vista House in Oregon. The Vista House is a historical landmark and museum in Multnomah County. It’s at Crown Point above the Columbia River. This building was built from 1916 to 1918, meaning it’s been standing for over a century. So, how can you visit this location? It’s open from Friday to Monday on select hours. Not only can you see the sunset and tour the stunning building, but you can also eat a snack at the cafe.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Alaska has no shortage of beautiful places to see sunsets. You can see sunsets over picturesque and clear lakes, tall and vibrant mountains, and rocky beaches with crashing waves. One of the best places in the state and country to see a sunset is Denali National Park. This national park has a surface area of over 4.7 million acres. It was established on February 26, 1917.

Mount Haleakalā, Hawaii

Continuing our list of the best places to see sunsets in the U.S. is Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii. Haleakalā National Park is named after the striking Haleakalā. The sunset over this volcano is stunning. It has an elevation of 10,023 feet. Haleakalā National Park was established on July 1, 1961, and receives over a million visitors each year. This national park covers over 33,000 acres of land. People visit this national park just to see a sunset. Keep in mind though that parking gets full fast, so get there early to secure a spot to see the sunset.

Big Sable Lighthouse, Michigan

Michigan is a gorgeous state with many lakes where you can enjoy sunsets and sunrises. In Michigan, though, there is one spot that really stands out, the Big Sable Lighthouse. This lighthouse is in Ludington State Park on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The lovely lighthouse was built in 1867 but has gone through many changes. It’s about 112 feet tall and is a lovely place to see a Michigan sunset. The lake’s water sparkles, while the lighthouse provides a nice backdrop against the deep blue.

Great Salt Lake, Utah

Utah has an endless number of sunset viewing spots sure to make your jaw drop. One of these is anywhere along the Great Salt Lake. This saltwater lake is massive with a length of 75 miles. It’s also 28 miles wide, with a surface area of around 950 square miles. The Great Salt Lake is large enough to contain many islands, including Antelope Island and Stansbury Island. One of the best places to take sunset photos and admire the colorful sky is on Antelope Island.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Maine is a spectacular state for seeing sunsets. Within this state is the Acadia National Park. This beautiful national park is a favorite for many for a multitude of reasons. Not only are you surrounded by rocky formations, but also the calming sea. So, what are some great places to see sunsets in the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast? These include Cadillac Summit, Bass Harbor Head Light, and Otter Point.

Arches National Park, Utah

Utah makes our list twice and for a good reason. The sunsets at Arches National Park are truly magical. Within this park are over 2,000 natural stone arches and giant balancing rocks. Imagine seeing the sunset between the arches and rocks. The soft glow of the sky is dramatic against the orange and red rocky formations. Some of the best places to see sunsets in Arches National Park include Balanced Rock, Panorama Point, Delicate Arch, and Fiery Furnace. Delicate Arch is very popular.

Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming

Ending our list of the 12 best places to see sunsets in the U.S. is the Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. With how big this forest is, you can only begin to imagine how many sunset-viewing spots exist. It’s an unforgettable experience and a hidden gem. Bighorn National Forest has a surface area of over 1.1 million acres. It was established on February 22, 1897, making it over one hundred years old. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © BlueBarronPhoto/iStock via Getty Images