Top 10: Places to Watch the Sunset
For many, it’s their favorite time of day and, with sights like these, it’s not hard to see why. There are plenty of places to watch the setting sun. You probably have a particular spot that's your favorite. For people, who go to a new place and never come back without seeing the sun setting, at least once, here are 10 that are particularly spectacular.
El Porto, California
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Ipanema Beach, Brazil
#11.0Ipanema Beach is the iconic sandy spot in Rio de Janeiro that lends beach-wear trends to the rest of the world. The beach is so famous it’s even been named in a song from the 60s, and for good reason. Ipanema is well known for wild surf, fantastic sunsets and posts that divide up the beach into cultural sections. To see the surrounding area, take a bike tour or take a cable car up Pao de Acucar.
Key West, Florida
#22.0The sunset at Key West is so magnificent there is a nightly festival to celebrate it. Each evening locals and tourists from around the world head to Mallory Square two hours before the sunset to enjoy local musicians, street performers, and food vendors. When the time comes, the sun dips into the Gulf of Mexico in a magnificent array of pink and orange, while the crowd watches in awe.
Bora Bora, Tahiti
#33.0The words Bora Bora immediately conjure images of a crystal clear lagoon with private over-water bungalows and mountaintops lining the background. Another thing Bora Bora is well known for—unbelievable sunsets. Either watch from the island or take a champagne sunset cruise and enjoy the spectacle out on the water.
Queensland, Australia
#44.0Queensland draws tourists from all over the globe to sun-soaked beaches with the promise of great views. Take in the sights of the infamous Great Barrier Reef then get back on shore to watch the sun go down. This particular stunning view is from the top of Mount Tamborine, a plateau set among a tropical rainforest and a short trip from the coast.
El Porto, California
#55.0A beach community in Southern California, El Porto is well known for fantastic sights and perfect waves. The beach itself is protected under the State Park system and is known for larger swells than neighboring beaches. Part of the larger Manhattan Beach, this surfers paradise is open to the public and there is limited parking in the El Porto lot, but beach-front metered parking is also available.
Santorini, Greece
#66.0Famous for distinct architecture and sunsets that will blow you away, Santorini is a volcanic island set amid the Aegean Sea. Check out the black sand beaches of Perissa, but when it’s time to watch the sunset visitors say you’ve got to get to the town of Oia for the very best view—even better if you can manage to get up high on the cliffs or out to sea on a boat.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
#77.0One of America’s most notable natural features, The Grand Canyon attracts roughly five million people each year. Some come to see the sights and maybe fit in a hike or mule ride, while others come specifically to watch the sunset over the canyon walls. While there are many great places to take in the sunrise, NPS suggests getting out to Yaki Point or Lipan Point—or if you want something a little more special, walk the Rim Trail and take in the sunset out past Pipe Creek Vista.
The Maldives
#88.0This tropical paradise is made up of more than 1,000 islands, 200 of which are inhabited and 105 of those are resort islands. Set amid coral reefs, white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets, the Maldives has something to offer every traveler. Dive in the clear waters surrounding the islands, take a seaplane to look at the islands from above or sit back and enjoy the stunning sunsets.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
#99.0This historic temple complex in Siem Reap is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a top travel spot. Travelers come from all over to see the architecture and religious markings that date back to the 12th century. While the structure itself is the most incredible view in the area, the sunset seen from the outside is a close second.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
#1010.0One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, this Croatian City overlooking the Adriatic Sea offers stunning views of the sun dipping into the horizon. Walk along the ancient city walls or take the Dubrovnik Cable Car for unmatched views.
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