A sunset is magical almost anywhere you view one, but there are a few that are worthy of a trek to see in person. Our Travelocity Gnational Gnomad Ava Roxanne Stritt of the blog Spa Travel Gal gives us a list of some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets that are definitely worthy of a journey! Which sunset destination is your favorite?
As the days end sooner and the weather grows cooler, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the last few, slow moments outdoors marveling in one of Mother Nature’s greatest performances: the sunset. The incredible thing about sunsets is that no sunset is ever the same twice. And even the same sunset on the same day at the same time can bring a completely different experience depending on where you’re at. Sunsets are one of life’s consistencies; they happen every day. Yet they’re always a surprise. Perhaps that’s why they’re so magical. So magical that they can inspire travelers to see them in various locations around the world. Some are even worthy of trekking for days to find the perfect viewing spot.
Nothing beats that sunset feeling.
I reached out to some of my fellow Travelocity Gnational Gnomads to hear their best sunset memories and favorite sunset-watching locations. I compiled them to create the best places to watch the sunset around the world, just for you. Enjoy!
The Hawaiian Sunset
Travelers know that Hawaii is one of the most scenic places in the United States, and its sunsets are extra beautiful, too. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why. It could be the blowing palm trees. The billowing clouds. The reflection of the sun off the water.
Naturally, the beach is a classic place to see good sunsets. But you can also have sunsets delivered right to your room if you stay in the right hotel.
Travelocity Gnational Gnomad Meagan Wristen of Mommy Travels discovered that there were many perks of staying at a Disney property in Hawaii. She said, “One of the perks of staying at Aulani, a Disney Resort is the daily sunsets. With the resort located on the west side of Oahu, you are treated to a spectacular sunset every night.”
A Total Eclipse Sunset
Total Eclipse 360 Degree Sunset at Lake Murray, Columbia, SC – Photo Credit: Ava Roxanne Stritt of Spa Travel Gal
During a total eclipse, there’s one special treat that many people do not expect. There is a special sunset just before the total eclipse, a sunset that’s not just in the west but also in every direction for a full 360-degree enchanting exhibit. I was able to experience this magical moment in Columbia, SC during the 2017 Total Eclipse.
It’s also entertaining to observe animal reactions to the eclipse; all of nature seems to pause and shift. This is a reminder of how powerful of an influencer the sun is. National Geographic has been out to study the purple martins of Lake Murray and their retreat to Bomb Island at sunset. During the total eclipse, the birds saw the sunset and headed to bed down for the night on their little island.
Want to view the next eclipse yourself? Here are 8 Cities with a Front Row Seat for the 2024 Eclipse.
Mexico’s Sunsets
Sunsets in Mexico are unreal. One city that always paints powerful skies is Puerto Vallarta. That’s Joe Miragliotta of Joe’s Daily favorite place to watch sunsets.
“Puerto Vallarta is notorious for their beautiful, vibrant sunsets. Almost all of the resorts there have ocean-facing rooms, perfect for enjoying the sunset at dinner or from your room’s balcony,” he shared.
Mexico is so famous for its sunsets that this country deserves another location on the list: Los Cabos.
Susan Lanier Graham, of Wander with Wonder, said one of the most beautiful places in the world is the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico’s Los Cabos, which consists of the beautiful beach resorts of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Here you’ll find the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other.
“Days are spent shopping the boutiques, savoring amazing seafood, sipping fine Mexican tequilas and enjoying those perfect beaches,” she said. “So perhaps the sunsets are magical for me because it’s the time to wind down, margarita in hand, breathing in the sea air, knowing another day in Baja is truly a day in paradise.”
A Perfectly Pink Sunset
Breathtaking colors merge during a Colorado sunset.
Nearly every day in Colorado brings blue skies, so this one just had to be added to the list. Yes, even in winter, even when there’s snow on the ground. Combine crisp, cloudless skies with the stunning Rocky Mountain range and you’ve got unmatched sunsets from any city. The Front Range and Denver get views of the sun dipping behind the mountains, which cast a rainbow of colors (often orange and blue, which Coloradans swear is proof that God is a Denver Broncos fan). Some pink sunsets consume the entire Colorado sky.
Another amazing place to see Colorado’s sunsets is in the mountains, when it feels like you’re right up close to the sun. After the ski slopes close down for the day, take a gondola up the mountain and watch the sun set over the bustling ski resort. Keystone Resort will take your breath away. The vibrant skyline contrasting with the white powder makes the sunset appear even more vivid and unreal.
Do you have a favorite destination to watch the sun set? Share your secret paradise in the comments!
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