The Serengeti, Tanzania
The Serengeti is more vivid and beautiful than what you’ve seen in the Lion King, and if you’re lucky enough, you might even catch some elephants or rhinos silhouetted against the sunset. Visit a hotel near Lake Victoria for the true Serengeti experience.
Canals of Amsterdam
With over 400 bridges arching over its romantic canals, Amsterdam has plenty of “perfect” spots to watch the sunset. Our pick is Zoku Amsterdam – a quirky little hotel right on the canals.
Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
Hanalei Bay is located on the Kaua’i island in Hawaii and consists of two miles of beach surrounded by mountains. While known for the swimming and paddleboarding, the position of the beach between the mountains makes for an amazing view at sunset. Stay steps away from the beach to ensure the best views at twilight.
Grundarfjordur, Iceland
This small Icelandic town is situated between a mountain range and a lava field, making for some intense background scenery as you watch the sun fall below the horizon. Stay at one of the town’s few hotels, Hotel Framnes, for a view of the water.
Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles
Want to imagine something indescribably beautiful? Imagine sitting on the beach, watching people play miniature golf while the lights of a ferris wheel reflect off the breaking waves…all under a California sunset. You’ll have to see it to believe it. Make your Santa Monica trip complete with a stay in Palihouse Santa Monica – a one-of-a-kind hotel with a bed and breakfast feel.
Taj Mahal, India
Any time you think of the Taj Mahal, you are probably thinking of a clear blue sky with lots of tourists. Of course, it’s great to see during the day, but it’s when the sun starts receding that you want to really make sure you have your camera. With the new limits on time spent at the Taj Mahal, make sure to stay close by (like the ITC Mughal, which looks straight at the Taj) to get in early.
Barcelona, Spain
Looking out from El Carmel Hill across all of the colorful rooftops towards the ocean makes for one of the most colorful and unique sunsets in Europe. Stay off the beaten path at Villa Barcelona to experience the Spanish countryside after a busy day in the city.
Lake Annecy, French Alps
This popular tourist destination high up in the French Alps has been voted Europe’s cleanest lake, which isn’t too hard to believe when you see the setting sun’s rays reflecting off the water. Get the true Alps experience by staying at a beautiful French Chalet.
Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australian Outback
Also known as Ayers Rock, Uluru is the largest monolith (single massive stone) in the world. It’s so big that as the clouds move across the sky at sunset, they reflect its orange and red colors. While you can camp to get the true outback experience, a stay at Desert Gardens gives you proximity to Uluru while also giving you (much needed) air conditioning.
The Florida Keys
Near and dear to our Florida based hearts, every night on Key West there is a sunset festival where visitors and locals alike gather to watch fire breathers, acrobats, and artists perform as the sun goes down over the water. Stay at the Key Lime Inn to get a taste of the hospitality the Florida Keys are known for.
The Sahara Desert
As the world’s largest desert without snow, the Sahara has plenty of space for you to sit back and watch the sunset. For something even more exotic visit Calipau Sahara, an amazing resort where the desert meets the ocean.
The Scottish Highlands
With the cold, crisp air against your face and the Scottish Highlands at your back, this sunset will be hard to forget. Want to experience the outdoors first hand? Try some Glamping on for size.
Puglia, Italy
Once again we find ourselves in the Mediterranean, this time however in the boot of Italy, where Puglia’s unspoiled beaches, rocky cliffs, and quaint towns and villas all combine to assure a unique and memorable sunset.
Bora Bora, Tahiti
Everyone already knows that Bora Bora is already one of the most insanely beautiful places on Earth, and vacationing in Bora Bora is the stuff of dreams; however, it’s the sunset that just makes things all the more unbelievable. Enjoy Hotel Maitai for a spectacular room near the water.
Great Pyramids, Egypt
With camels in the distance and yellow sand as far as the eye can see, this wonder of the ancient world really comes into its own when the sun starts setting. When you’re ready to sleep like the pharaohs, visit Pyramisa in Ciaro and learn all you can about Egypt.
Pfeiffer Beach, California
If you time your visit to Pfeiffer Beach in California just right, you may be lucky enough to catch the setting sun shining it’s last rays through the hole in this large sandstone formation just offshore. Just off of Big Sur, after you visit Pfeiffer Beach, cuddle up at Big Sur River Inn and enjoy a night in front of the fire instagramming all your amazing sunset photos.
Matterhorn, Switzerland
No, it’s not just an attraction at Disney World. It’s a real place, too! Found right on the border of Switzerland and Italy and right next to Hotel Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn is one of the highest peaks in the Alps, and when the sun is setting, it’s certainly a sight to behold.
Tanah Lot Temple, Bali
Located just off the shore of Bali with only a shallow water bridge making it accessible by land, this ancient temple has a surreal air to it, especially with the sun setting in the background. Stay at the Villa Atacaya and split your time between Tanah Lot and the Ubud Monkey Forest, both of which will be experiences to remember.
Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro
As one of the world’s most famous beaches, Ipanema is not only known for its upscale elegance and laid-back style, but also for the view as the sun sets behind the mountains in the distance. For a taste of all the luxury Ipanema has to offer, you should try out Hotel Fasano and enjoy the amazing city views.
The Maldives
This isolated group of islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean not only has beautiful beaches and untouched natural scenery, but also amazingly picture perfect sunsets. There is no shortage of amazing resorts in the Maldives, but we think you should try Kandolhu on for size. Go quick, before this island disappears.
Santorini, Greece
Mount Bromo, Indonesia
This huge volcanic crater on the island of Java in Indonesia makes for an incredible setting in which to watch as the sun falls below the horizon. After hiking up the mountain, stay at Sukapura Permai Hotel at the foot of the mountain for a well deserved break.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
No matter what time of day you visit Angkor Wat, you are sure to be floored by the incredible architecture, but staying a little later to see the sunset behind the iconic temple is something certainly worth your time. The 288 d’Angkor Inn is just down the road from Angkor Wat and is the perfect place to end the night.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The sheer power of America’s most impressive natural wonder at sunset will give you one of the most impressive shows of your life. If you do visit the Grand Canyon, consider watching from the south rim after dinner at the Grand Hotel; they say the view is unbeatable.
Stonehenge, England
For thousands of years, people have been watching sunsets and sunrises peek through these giant stone formations, something that your bucket list can’t really do without. Stay at the Fairlawn House in nearby Amesbury to make sure you’re the first to get to Stonehenge.