Top Destinations to Catch Stunning Southern Sunsets
As the seasons change the sunsets get more beautiful, and there is truly nothing better than catching the hues of orange, yellow and pink after a day of exploring. Summer isn’t over yet, and these locations are some of the South’s top destinations to catch gorgeous sunsets during your upcoming travels.
ALABAMA
Montgomery
Alabama’s capital city is rich in history and culture, offering a unique blend of Southern charm and modern attractions. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene and beautiful parks, but among them, Montgomery Whitewater Park stands out as an adventure hub and the ultimate destination for witnessing breathtaking sunsets. Nestled amidst the stunning whitewater channels, the park offers a unique setting for unparalleled views of the sun sinking below the horizon. After a day filled with thrilling paddling adventures and exploring scenic trails, there’s no better way to unwind than by soaking in the spectacular sunset from Eddy’s, the park’s on-site restaurant and bar. Guests can savor happy hour drinks and delicious food while basking in the warm glow of the setting sun, all while enjoying live music on the patio. Montgomery Whitewater Park provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable and entertaining sunset experience, making it the best place to end your day in Montgomery.
FLORIDA
Everglades City
Everglades City (also known as “Florida’s Last Frontier”) touts various preserves such as the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge—the official gateway to the Everglades, Big Cypress National Preserve and more. Miles of uncharted, nature-forward landscapes provide for optimal sunset viewing. This pristine saltwater wilderness and unspoiled natural beauty lends itself to some awe-inspiring sunsets among rare and endangered wildlife (including more than 350 species of birds) and spectacular tropical flora at every turn. As the sun sets among glistening estuaries, cypress heads and more, it illuminates its wild inhabitants from endangered manatee, alligators and American crocodile to bobcats, Florida black bears and the elusive Florida panther. For those not wanting to get too up close and personal with nature, a sunset airboat tour is the perfect way to witness the sunset from afar.
Marco Island
Flanked by nearly 100 miles of islands, bays and estuaries that will never be developed, Marco Island is the largest of Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands and is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and pristine mangrove estuaries on the other. Sunset here is a magical occasion, illuminating the sky with soft streaks of pinks and blues with splashes of lemon. Tigertail Beach in particular affords an adventure-filled sunset—tidal lagoons create a stunning mirror effect, and its soft sandy beaches offer some the best shelling in the world.
GEORGIA
Athens
When it comes to Athens, the downtown nightlife and bar scene is unrivaled. Naturally, the best place to watch a breathtaking sunset in the Classic City is a rooftop bar. Hybar, a cocktail bar located atop the Hyatt Place Hotel in downtown Athens, welcomes all visitors, whether hotel guests or not, to enjoy a drink and take in the 360-degree views of the city skyline as the sun sets. On the other side of downtown, the Georgia Theatre serves as a great spot for city sunsets, doubling as both a renowned concert venue and a rooftop bar. While the concert hall is only open for musical performances, the rooftop is open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Visitors can enjoy a full food and drink menu, catch a rooftop performance and watch the sunset—all in one place. No discussion of Athens would be complete without mentioning a sunset at Sanford Stadium. Home to UGA’s football team, this iconic sports venue is an ideal spot to watch the sunset over the university’s campus. Though the stadium may bleed red and black, visitors are encouraged to appreciate the gorgeous oranges, pinks and yellows of the setting sun.
Jekyll Island
With more than 10 miles of pristine beaches and thousands of acres of marshland and coastal forests to explore via foot, bike or kayak, Jekyll is an ideal location for nature lovers to interact with Georgia’s coastal ecosystems and practice sustainable travel. The best spot on Jekyll Island to experience an unforgettable sunset is St. Andrews Beach Park. Located on the western side of the island, St. Andrews Beach Park offers visitors plenty of unobstructed shoreline for panoramic view. The park is a short walk from Jekyll Point, the southernmost tip of the island, and is a popular spot to watch for migratory birds and dolphins from its two-story viewing platform.
MISSISSIPPI
Natchez
Natchez is the perfect place to spend an entire day exploring and learning about history. Full of rich American history, offering many different historical sites and museums, visitors can delve into the city’s past. Additionally, there are many outdoor activities for nature lovers to participate in to catch a glimpse of the sunset surrounding the Natchez area. Visitors can end their day of exploring with a spectacular sunset on the Natchez Bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Alternatively, visitors can launch their boats into the Mississippi River from public ramps and enjoy a family or romantic sunset boat ride after eating a classic delicious Southern cooked meal at institutions including Magnolia Grill and Rolling River Reloaded. As it gets darker and the small city lights turn on, visitors will find live music from juke joints to cozy restaurant bars.
Oxford
Enjoy the sunset in the charming town of Oxford. There are few locations better to capture a sunset than a rooftop bar or restaurant, and Oxford is home to plenty. Soak up panoramic views and the warm glow of the sun setting over Oxford’s historic downtown square at The Coop on the roof of The Graduate Hotel. For an award-winning meal with sunset views, City Grocery offers both when seated on their rooftop overlooking The Square. With a drink in hand, delicious food to indulge in and the lovely town below, the sunset views are guaranteed to be picture perfect.
NORTH CAROLINA
Asheville
Asheville is celebrated for its breathtaking nature and outdoor experiences. For those seeking both a stunning sunset and a luxurious stay, The Glamping Collective adds a bit of luxury to the outdoors with unparalleled ways to catch the perfect sunset. At The Glamping Collective, guests can immerse themselves in the Blue Ridge Mountains by staying in clear, geodesic domes. These unique accomodations offer the perfect vantage point to watch the sun set over the horizon—all from the comfort of your own bed. For those who prefer to feel the fresh mountain air, the property’s private Sunset Summit Trail awaits. This scenic one-mile, out-and-back hike begins right from your doorstep, providing a quick and accessible way to experience the breathtaking sunset.
Boone
Experience the ultimate sunset at Grandfather Mountain, a top-rated overlook destination in the Boone area. Renowned for its breathtaking views, Grandfather Mountain offers multiple spots to catch the sun as it sets below the horizon. For experienced hikers, the mountain’s three main trailheads provide challenging hikes that include stunning overlooks and majestic mountain peaks. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, the Mile High Swinging Bridge is a must-visit. This iconic attraction is easily accessible via a scenic two-mile drive up the mountain, and ample parking near the bridge makes it convenient for everyone to enjoy. Spanning 228 feet at an elevation of over a mile, the Mile High Swinging Bridge provides a unique vantage point to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of awe-inspiring sunsets over the valleys.
Jackson County
Nestled in the ancient Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina, Jackson County offers countless viewing spots for panoramic views of this breathtaking landscape. Natives of North Carolina know that the best way to enjoy the skylines of Appalachia is via the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs directly through Jackson County. The “Parkway” is a miles-long stretch of road with plenty of hiking trailheads and areas to pull over for a few minutes to snap a photo or to set up a small camp. Popular viewing spots include Balsam Gap, Bear Pen Gap and many more.
All photos not credited are courtesy of Lou Hammond Group.
