The best thing about sunsets is that you’re never going to see two that are completely alike. To celebrate those differences, aim to spend as many evenings as possible in the world’s greatest places to catch a sunset.
Watch from an island in the South Pacific as the sun drops into the ocean, enjoy daylight turning to dusk from the red rocks of the desert, take in the cotton candy skies from Malibu, or stand on a rocky outcropping as the sun illuminates a centuries-old temple. Wherever you travel in the world — and no matter what your daily itinerary or budget may be — you can always take advantage of the free show that plays out every night. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next sunset-spotting adventure, here are 12 of the best places to watch the sunset around the world.
Shi Shi Beach, Washington
Head to the far northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula to visit one of Washington State’s most beautiful beaches. You’ll need to bring your hiking gear, since getting to Shi Shi requires a trek through the fir-filled forest and down a rocky trail that leads from a cliff edge down to the Pacific Ocean. Once you’ve made it to the shore, though, you’ll be rewarded with unspoiled sands lined by tide pools and driftwood stands. Set up camp on the beach to watch the sunset behind the stunning sea stacks and rocky arches.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Whether you’re standing with your feet in the sand at Barra da Tijuca or sipping a caipirinha on Leblon’s golden shores, there are many ways to enjoy a Rio de Janeiro sunset. Locals looking for a romantic rendezvous, though, usually head to Arpoador — a small peninsula that sits between Ipanema and Copacabana and juts out into the ocean. Arpoador’s geography allows for stunning views in all directions, making it the perfect spot to watch the sun dip into the Atlantic.
Malibu, California
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For the quintessential California sunset experience, head straight to Malibu. Point Dume State Beach offers unparalleled views of the Pacific, Malibu’s famed bluffs, and, if you’re lucky, dolphins playing in the warm waters. Point Dume is a great place to watch the sunset, but if you’d rather hit two beaches in one trip, spend your daylight hours here before heading to the nearby El Matador State Beach to watch the sun go down. El Matador’s unique rock formations make the dazzling sunset views even more dramatic.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
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If you’re looking to snap a few dramatic sunset photos, head to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Each night as the sun drops low in the sky, it lights up the outlines of this centuries-old temple complex, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. A new airport opened a few miles from the site in late 2023, so this awe-inspiring destination is now easier to reach than ever.
Big Island, Hawaii
As the westernmost state in the U.S., Hawaii is perfectly placed for gorgeous sunsets. Head to Kailua Bay on the Big Island to watch the sun drop into the ocean against a backdrop of dark, volcanic rocks, or drive up the coast to Hapuna Beach State Park for a sunset view silhouetted against one of the state’s best white-sand beaches. No matter where you go, bring a picnic to enjoy as the sun’s rays turn the sky and water into an orange-and-pink light show.
Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
There’s nothing like an endless stretch of desert to add drama to a view. Bolivia’s 4,000-square-mile Uyuni Salt Flats are a particularly good place to catch a desert sunset, since their reflective white surfaces mirror the endless blue sky. When the sun starts to slowly descend into the distant horizon, these encrusted salt fields reflect the sun’s rays, transforming the landscape into an otherworldly plane. Be warned, though: when the sun goes down, the temperature drops dramatically.
Key West, Florida
Enjoying the sunset is a nightly celebration in Key West. Locals and tourists descend on Mallory Square Dock to toast the sun as it dips into the Gulf of Mexico. What started out as a casual ritual has turned into a party with food carts selling everything from Key Lime treats to conch fritters while musical acts fill the air with their tunes and artisans do a bustling trade in local arts and crafts. The backdrop takes center stage when the sun paints the sky in a dazzling array of pink and orange.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
There’s no bad place to view the sunset in Bora Bora, but you’ll make the memory of a lifetime if you can watch the sun dip low into the crystal clear water from a hammock on the private deck of your over-water bungalow. The Four Seasons Bora Bora is one of the best beach hotels in the world, and it’s a top choice for honeymooners or anyone looking for a romantic getaway. Take in the sunset over Mount Otemanu while you’re sipping tropical drinks in your private plunge pool watching blacktip reef sharks, unicornfish, and peacock damselfish swim by.
Uluru, Australia
The massive rock formation known as Uluru undergoes a dramatic transformation each night when the sun sets over the Australian outback. The rock cuts a striking silhouette across the sky as the sun paints it orange, deep red, burnt umber, and ochre, before it turns black under the cover of night. Hike to the top of one of the surrounding dunes dunes for a stunning view of Uluru and the nearby domed rocks of Kata Tjuta.
Sedona, Arizona
Watching the sunset can be a near-spiritual experience amid the raw beauty of Sedona, where the desert meets the mountains. Sedona is known for its famous red rock buttes, and the sun’s setting rays make the vibrant colors of the landscape glow against the deepening blue of the desert sky. To maximize the experience, spend the day hiking up to Red Rock Crossing near the Crescent Moon Ranch and stick around for sunset along the creek. For an easier adventure, drive to Airport Mesa to watch the sun disappear behind Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Courthouse Butte.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
If you’ve always dreamed of photographing the unmistakable silhouette of a giraffe illuminated by the sun, head to Tanzania. This African nation has worked to protect its wildlife populations and is now home to rhinos, cheetahs, lions, elephants, zebras, and those photogenic giraffes that roam the Serengeti Plain. Take a safari at sunset to watch as waves of heat and the slow descent of the sun turn the landscape gold. If you’re lucky, a giraffe will pause by a baobab tree at just the right moment.
The Azores, Portugal
The lovely islands of the Azores sit in a nearly empty stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that boasts unimpeded views of the region’s brilliant nightly sunsets. Situated roughly 1,000 miles west of continental Europe, this autonomous region of Portugal offers endless opportunities for soaking up the last rays of the sun. Stand on the rocky coast of São Miguel — the Azores’ largest island — to catch the final hours of daylight, or drive out to Sete Cidades to watch the sun drop into the azure blue crater lakes. Alternatively, visit the UNESCO-recognized port city of Angra do Heroísmo on the island Terceira, where you can toast the sunfall while sipping champagne on the shoreline.