Sunsets are more than just a time of day—they’re a mood, a moment. If you’re anything like me, you are always searching for the best place to watch them. Luckily, I’ve chased sunsets across continents, and while each one has something special, these five places have completely taken my breath away. If you love a dramatic golden hour, you might want to add these to your list.
- Mount Haleakalā, Maui, Hawai’i
Watching the sun set from above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park is nothing short of surreal. You’re perched at over 10,000 feet above sea level on a dormant volcano, and as the sun dips, it spills its color across the clouds like they’re land. The air is thin, the temperature is shockingly cold year-round, and the terrain is so otherworldly it feels like you’re on the moon. It’s one of the few places on earth where silence feels sacred. Note: you’ll need a reservation for sunset or sunrise and there is an entrance fee, but it’s worth every penny.
2. Bixby Bridge, Big Sur, California
This iconic stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway has earned its reputation for a reason. Just before the bridge, there’s a pull-off where you can park and carefully walk toward the cliff’s edge (with caution!). The bridge itself curves perfectly over a steep canyon, and below is an inaccessible beach that glows under the late sun. It’s one of those places that looks like it belongs in a movie—because it has been. The colors, the contrast, the architecture—everything about this view is art.
3. Tiger Cave Temple, Krabi, Thailand
Fair warning: this one makes you earn your sunset. Tiger Cave Temple sits atop a limestone cliff and requires climbing 1,260 vertical steps to reach the summit. But once you make it, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Krabi’s lush, rolling hills and tropical landscape. The temple itself is serene and spiritual, complete with a massive golden Buddha and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. At sunset, the sky glows over the jungle valleys below, turning the whole scene into something divine.
4. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
There is truly nothing like watching the sun set behind one of the jagged Teton peaks. As the sun begins to lower, beams of light shoot out from behind the mountains like a natural spotlight show. Then, as it sinks further, the sky is washed in pastel oranges, pinks, and purples that seem to hang in the air forever. It’s peaceful, powerful, and humbling. Whether you’re lakeside or on a hiking trail, this sunset delivers every single time.
5. Black’s Beach, San Diego, California
This is my ride-or-die sunset spot. I’ve been here over 100 times, and each time feels like a brand-new experience. Watching the sun dip into the Pacific from the towering cliffs above Black’s Beach is nothing short of spiritual. The colors change with the seasons, the marine layer, and even your mood. This beach is known for its surf and laid-back vibes (and yes, it’s clothing-optional), but what makes it unforgettable is how personal each sunset feels. It’s why I fell in love with San Diego—and why I keep coming back.
