Most people agree that a beautiful sunset is one of the most captivating things to witness. Catching a great one can happen anywhere from time to time, but there are some elements that make an ordinary sunset exceptional.
Water makes for a great canvas as the beautiful colors reflect from the sky. Other elements, like mountains, palm trees, and shorelines help to create an amazing backdrop. Clean air and high clouds make excellent conditions. So, some places are better than others to view one of these natural wonders.
Luckily, there are affordable destinations you can visit to see some of the most stunning sunsets imaginable
20 Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, CA
Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California is one of the most spectacular places to view a sunset. It is also a great place to see an incredible display of stars. Or, to view a sunrise that takes your breath away. Visiting the observatory is free.
19 Pensacola Beach, Florida
Pensacola Beach, Florida, is one of the most beautiful and affordable places you can visit. The white sandy beaches and crystal clear water make it a perfect place to catch a sunset. Plus, there are plenty of beachfront properties you can stay at that are reasonably cheap.
18 Peyto Lake, Alberta, Canada
Peyto Lake, Alberta, Canada, is absolutely stunning at any time. However, the backdrop lights up at dusk and dawn to make it a place like no other. The lake is glacier fed and it ranges in color from a milky pale green to a bright blue.
17 Miami Beach, Florida
Most people dream of visiting Miami Beach, Florida, and there is a good reason. It is absolutely gorgeous there. When you visit, make sure to enjoy a late afternoon dinner at a beachfront restaurant. That is the best time to catch a spectacular sunset.
16 Niagara Falls, Canada
Everyone should see Niagra Falls at least once in their life, and the trip would not be complete without viewing the falls at sunset. When you go, be sure to catch a glimpse of the dazzling colors reflecting off the sky in the early evening. You will not be sorry.
15 Coronado Island, San Diego, California
Coronado Island, off the coast of San Diego, California, is home to the famous Hotel del Coronado, a spectacular location for watching the sun go down. Whether you are on the beach or watching from one of the hotel restaurants, it is sure to be an experience you will remember.
14 Scottsdale, Arizona
The desert is one of the most beautiful places to witness the sun setting. The backdrop is not the only thing that makes the dawn exquisite; the dry atmosphere makes the colors more vibrant. So, when you visit Scottsdale, Arizona, you are in for a special treat.
13 Key West, Florida
Key West is at the southernmost edge of Florida, approximately 90 miles from Cuba. Each day tourists travel to experience the coral reefs, and as the sun goes down, they see the colors of the sun reflecting off the Atlantic Ocean.
12 Lake Travis, Austin, Texas
Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, is an incredible manmade lake like all of the lakes in the state. It is an incredible place to take your boat out. Most weekends, people are partying on the water, and when the sun goes down, the sky lights up beautifully.
11 Acapulco, Mexico
Acapulco, Mexico, is an affordable destination in Mexico with incredible beaches, cliffs, mountains, and fantastic resorts. Whether you like to snorkel, dive, experience the amazing cuisine, or kick back and watch the sun go down with a margarita, this destination has it all.
10 Lake Superior, Michigan
Lake Superior in Michigan might not be the place you think of when you are choosing a location to watch the sunset. However, if you want to see something unique, the cold weather climate makes it a particularly good spot to do just that.
9 Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island in Florida is a fantastic location that everyone should experience. Unlike many other areas, these island beaches are quiet, making it a wonderful place to relax and take in nature around you. Seashells cover the white sand beaches, too. So, you can take some home as souvenirs.
8 Grand Canyon, Arizona
There might not be a better place to watch the sunset than the Grand Canyon. The massive canyon appears to be painted with incredible colors as the sun rises and falls every day. So, if you visit, make sure you stay for the show.
7 Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton is a national park in Wyoming that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The park is most famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery. If you stay in the park, make sure you take a few minutes to enjoy the sun reflecting off the mountains as it sets.
6 Garden Of The Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs, Colorado, is home to some of the most exquisite natural wonders. You will find Pikes Peak Mountain, Manitou Incline, The Broadmore Seven Falls, numerous hiking and biking trails, and Garden of the Gods here. Not to mention, the sunsets are phenomenal.
5 Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone is one of the most famous national parks in the United States. It is home to incredible mountains, geysers, and wildlife. One of the best things you can do when you visit is to stick around while the sun sets to watch the colors dance around.
4 Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
The incredible colors that fill the sky over the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina are simply spectacular. The best part is you can catch a glimpse of this marvelous sight from your car as you travel down the Blue Ridge Mountains Parkway, known as "America's favorite drive."
3 Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for having some of the best beaches in the world for surfing, but that is not the only thing that attracts tourists to the area. Tamarindo Beach was once a fishing town, but now it has many restaurants, shops, art galleries, and phenomenal sunsets to boot.
2 Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
A visit to beautiful Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, is sure to take your breath away. Whether you are taking in the incredible crystal clear water, the fantastic food, or sitting back on the beach to watch the colors come through clouds as the sun goes down.
1 St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a special place for many people. Yet, it is not as big of a tourist destination as some of the other areas on our list. However, it is one of the most naturally beautiful and affordable places you can visit.