🛫Sunset Serenity: Best Beaches for Watching the Sun Dip Below the Horizon

Sunset Serenity: Best Beaches for Watching the Sun Dip Below the Horizon

A beach sunset is the perfect ending to any summer day. New England offers plenty of beautiful sunrises and sunsets, with the region being the first in the continental United States to see the sunrise each morning. However, finding the perfect stretch of sand for watching the sunset on the East Coast can be tricky. Many beaches in New England point eastward, and the sun quickly disappears behind mountains and sand dunes. But fear not, there are still plenty of prime coastal places to watch the sunset in New England. Here are some of the best beaches for watching the sunset:

Deer Isle, Down East Maine: While most of Maine's beautiful beaches face eastward, many of its island beaches do not. Deer Isle, located in Down East Maine, is easily accessible by a bridge on the end of the Blue Hill Peninsula. It offers all the charm of island life and provides a perfect sunset vantage point.
Aquinnah Cliffs, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts: The sweeping views from atop the Aquinnah Cliffs on Martha's Vineyard are breathtaking at any time of day. However, something extra magical happens when the sun begins to dip below the horizon, bathing the westernmost point of the island in golden light. With the crashing Atlantic, ragged cliffs, and the charming nearby Gay Head Light, this sunset spot leaves little to be desired.
Rock Harbor Beach, Orleans, Massachusetts: The westward-facing beaches that dot the inner elbow of Cape Cod boast some of New England's best sunsets. Rock Harbor Beach in Orleans is no exception. Positioned conveniently near a town perfect for pre- or post-sunset dinner and drinks, this popular daytime beach usually quiets down in the evenings, making it a prime spot for a serene stroll. Nearby Skaket Beach is also a good option.
Race Point Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Located at the very end of Cape Cod, Race Point Beach offers frontage on both Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It provides the best of both worlds and stunning views. Stroll past the sand dunes and admire the sunset as it falls behind Race Point Light, a perfect photo op and a historic landmark. Visitors can even grab a campfire permit, some firewood, and enjoy a cozy evening on the beach.
Echo Lake, Franconia, New Hampshire: Echo Lake in Franconia, New Hampshire, offers breathtaking views of the White Mountains and crystal-clear waters perfect for a dip. The sunsets at Echo Lake are equally stunning, and for those seeking a more dramatic viewpoint, Cathedral Ledge is only a short hike away.
Wallis Sands Beach, New Hampshire: Along Route 1 in New Hampshire, there are numerous stunning spots to pull off the road and watch the sun set behind the trees. Wallis Sands Beach rarely disappoints, and if the state park lot is full, visitors can simply drive up the road in either direction and find a spot to pull over. Nearby Portsmouth, New Hampshire, offers plenty of nighttime entertainment for those looking for a bite to eat or some fun after sunset.
Alton Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire: Alton Bay is located on the southwest shore of New Hampshire's largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee. With views of the surrounding mountains and a family-friendly atmosphere, this beach boasts a 600-foot-long sandy beach, restrooms, picnic tables, and clear freshwater perfect for a quick dip right before watching the sun put on a show behind New Hampshire's rolling hills.
Napatree Point, Westerly, Rhode Island: Located in the Watch Hill neighborhood of Westerly, Rhode Island, Napatree Point offers a quiet, light pollution-free setting and a distant view of the Watch Hill Lighthouse. Westerly and Watch Hill both offer ample dining and shopping during the summer season, and the nearby Ocean House offers luxury grand hotel lodging for those looking to visit the area in style.
Oakledge Cove, Burlington, Vermont: Lake Champlain, stretching 12 miles across at its widest point, is New England's largest lake. Oakledge Cove, nestled in beautiful upstate Vermont, is a favorite family-friendly sunset spot. It offers slightly quieter surroundings compared to North Beach, where the nearby colleges can often make for a more crowded setting. The bustling downtown of Burlington, Vermont, also provides numerous opportunities for evening entertainment.

These beaches in New England provide the perfect backdrop for watching the sun dip below the horizon. Whether you're looking for a serene stroll, a cozy campfire, or breathtaking views, these beaches have it all. So grab your loved ones, pack a picnic, and head to one of these stunning locations to experience the beauty of a New England sunset.