Stunning Places to See Sunsets Around the World

Sydney, Australia

Any climber will tell you that strenuous exercise makes the view that much sweeter. Work up a sweat on the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a hike courtesy of BridgeClimb, then stop to take in an astounding sunset Down Under from more than 400 feet above the Tasman Sea.

Islamorada, Florida Keys

Known as the "Sport-Fishing Capital of the World," the Keys are any angler's dream. Of course, if stalking sailfish and wrangling wahoos doesn't sound appealing, lounging on a boat and staring at a Florida-orange sunset is pleasing to just about anybody.

Augrabies Falls National Park, South Africa

The name "Augrabies" derives from a word meaning "place of big noises," but big views of arid land and open sky also abound in this national park. The crashing Augrabies Falls and the distinctive silhouettes of kokerboom trees rest easily against a twilit South African sky.

Glacier National Park, Montana

There is no better place to get the "Big Sky Country" experience than in Glacier National Park. The wide wilderness area overflows with native flora and fauna, though some of its best features are its hiking trails. Take a late-afternoon summer stroll when the sky glows orange and photos practically take themselves.

Hillerod, Denmark

With its lofty Renaissance spires, Frederiksborg Castle provides conditions for almost any kind of sightseeing. Wander the museum during the day, then stay late to see the sun's descent over the gardens and Castle Lake; the views are almost as baroque as the landscaping.

Loch Linnhe, Scotland

Scotland's certainly not hurting for picturesque locales, but Loch Linnhe on the country's western coast may be one of the most serendipitous. Magic happens during the summer months, when the loch merges seamlessly with the setting sun and creates an image of hot-red horizon meeting cool Highland water.

Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton is called "The Festival City" for good reason: It hosts major exhibitions year-round, including outdoor concerts and July's 10-day, noon-to-midnight Capital Ex celebration. You're guaranteed to have a spectacular sunset backdrop while you revel in this Canadian city's numerous fresh-air activities.

Mt. Fuji, Japan

This may be the Land of the Rising Sun, but Japan's evening variations aren't half bad. Though Mt. Fuji hasn't had an outburst since 1707, the sky still erupts with fiery colors when the sun sets over the volcano's nearly symmetrical snow-capped peak.

Lantau Island, Hong Kong

The Tian Tan Buddha statue draws many tourists to Lantau, Hong Kong's largest island. Catch a peek of the giant statue, which is said to represent the harmonious relationship between mankind and nature, as the last rays of sun fall over the isle.

Sahara Desert, North Africa

Observe the hottest place in our solar system from the hottest desert on Earth. The Sahara covers most of North Africa, so pick a country, plop down on a sand dune—which can be hundreds of feet high—and get a glimpse of a Technicolor desert lightshow.

Oahu, Hawaii

While Oahu's storied sunsets are worth seeing from any point on the island, you'd be mistaken to miss one from namesake Sunset Beach. Try your hand at big-time surfing or just take in world-class views from the two-mile stretch of sand.

Paros, Greece

With Paros' capital, Parikia, nestled in a valley, both sunrises and sunsets come with 360-degree mountainous panoramas. And while that other Cyclades Island, Mykonos, boasts some world-famous sundown skies, this calm capital thankfully won't come with a view of a Kardashian.

Orcas Island, Washington

Be on hand for a seaworthy summer sunset off the coast of this San Juan Island. Enjoy a late-afternoon kayak tour and paddle around 125 miles of wooded Pacific shoreline. If your timing is right, there's a good chance you'll share the view with a killer whale.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia's Lake Bled, perched beneath the Julian Alps, is a popular place for world-champion rowers, but this glacial lake also offers something award-worthy for travelers. See the sun as it sets over the lake's medieval church; a pletna (a kind of wooden gondola) offers a perfect vantage point.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

With the siren song of samba for a soundtrack, a picture-perfect Rio sunset isn't hard to find (especially if you find yourself on one of the city's many rooftops). The prominent art-deco statue Christ the Redeemer makes for a cinematic view.

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