The 16 Best Places to Watch the Sunset Spots Near Me In NYC
By: ROS Team
You can expect New York City to be exciting and busy. After all, it’s home to the Empire State Building, Coney Island Amusement Park, fabulous pizza, and Yankee Stadium. Sunsets are probably not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of NYC, but what if I told you the city boasts some incomparable sunsets? You may fall in love with the city all over again, especially if your focus was on the evening sky instead of Midtown skyscrapers.
Sunsets are beautiful to watch, whether you’re alone or with a significant other. Watching the golden sunlight seep through the NYC skyline creates yet another vibe that’s unique to the city; one that you might not have expected before. To get the best views of the sunset in New York, you have to be at the right spot. Here’s a list of the best places to catch a New York City sunset.
Best Places To Watch The Sunset NYC
- Fort Tryon Park, Hudson Heights
- Astoria Park
- Staten Island Ferry
- Roosevelt Island Tramway
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Coney Island
- The Battery
- Hamilton Park
- Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier
- Catch Meatpacking District
- Sunset Park, Brooklyn
- Gansevoort Hotel Rooftop
- Shore Park and Parkway
- Hunter’s Point
- The Rock Observation Deck of Rockefeller Center
- The High Line
1. Fort Tryon Park, Hudson Heights
Last but not least, Fort Tryon Park is another spectacular destination to observe an NYC sunset. The park is located at the northernmost tip of Manhattan. From this location, you can enjoy the park surroundings, which include the Hudson River.
It is one of the most beautiful places in NYC. While checking out the park, make time to visit the Cloisters museum nearby. As the afternoon transitions to evening, you’ll have a great vantage point to witness one of the most stunning sunset views in or around New York City.
2. Astoria Park
Astoria Park is located at the western shore of Queens and extends between Triborough Bridge and Hellgate Bridge. The park is quite large, so you can pass the time by reading a book or enjoying a picnic as you wait for the sun to set.
Astoria Park offers great panoramic views of midtown Manhattan as the sun goes down. In addition, there is a great walking path along the East River and the largest municipal pool in the city that you can traverse as the sun sinks below the horizon.
3. Staten Island Ferry
Photos of the NYC sunset can be captivating when captured on land. Imagine how much more amazing the photo would be if captured while riding on the Staten Island Ferry.
The ferry offers unique angles of the NYC sunset that you wouldn’t be able to capture from the shore. Take the ferry from Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan to St. George terminal located on Staten Island at dusk to capture stunning shots of the city at sunset.
4. Roosevelt Island Tramway
The Roosevelt Tramway connects Roosevelt Island to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It departs every 10 to 15 minutes, so grab a friend and plan to arrive at the tram station around dusk so that you can capture the panoramic views of the New York City sunset.
5. Brooklyn Bridge Park
If you are looking for a perfect place to have a picnic but want to be mesmerized by the NYC sunset, visit Brooklyn Bridge Park. You’ll have a stunning view of Brooklyn Bridge and New York City’s skyline as well. From the park, you can watch the sun sink behind skyscrapers, leaving a trail of glowing rays of gold across the water as it settles below the horizon. After the sun sets, enjoy pizza and beer at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in the neighborhood.
6. Coney Island
In New York City, one of the most popular family attractions in Coney Island. The best thing about Coney Island is you can view amazing sunsets while riding on the amusement park’s enormous Wonder Wheel, leisurely walking along the boardwalk, or while relaxing on the beach. The panoramic view of a fiery orange sky as the sun sets is a sight you won’t want to miss.
7. The Battery
The Battery is known as New York City’s birthplace, The Battery has urban farms, beautiful gardens, and the lovely Sea Glass Carousel. It’s at the top of the list for locals and tourists alike who go to the park to bask in the NYC sunset. There are plenty of benches all over the park where you can sit down while watching the sky change colors over the harbor.
8. Hamilton Park
Hamilton Park is another lovely place to watch the sunset near NYC. It is located in Weehawken, NJ, but you can still catch stunning views of the Manhattan skyline from across the Hudson River.
9. Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier
If you’re wondering where to watch the sunset and you happen to be in an Upper Bay area, consider visiting Louis Valentino, Jr. Park, and Pier. In the 1900s, Valentino Pier was part of the shipping industry in Redhook. Now, the historic area is filled with single family homes and industrial buildings. You can take a ferry to go there from Manhattan’s Pier 11.
10. Catch Meatpacking District
If you want to enjoy the sunset while enjoying some al fresco seafood or sipping a cocktail, visit Catch’s rooftop restaurant, which is located at 21 9th Avenue in Manhattan. You can have lunch and dinner there as well. Arrive at the restaurant in time to see stunning sunset views.
11. Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Sunset Park is one of the most charming spots to catch a New York City sunset. Families have gone to the park for years to enjoy various outdoor activities and to watch the NYC sunset. Sunset Park is spacious enough to accommodate large numbers of people, and it provides a perfect view of the sun as it sets over New York Harbor.
12. Gansevoort Hotel Rooftop
NYC is filled with hotels, and many of them offer great viewpoints for observing sunsets from their roofs. The Gansevoort Hotel is one such perfect spot to catch a sunset. Enhance your experience by relaxing in their heated pool while enjoying a cocktail from their rooftop bar and lounge.
13. Shore Park and Parkway
If you’re in or near Brooklyn, head over to Shore Park in Bay Ridge, which lies on the southernmost point of the borough. In addition to breathtaking sunset views, the park also offers a stunning view of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The lights on the bridge make it a perfect dark silhouette when the rays from the setting sun hit it just right. You can also get in some exercise on the outdoor sports courts, or you can grab a bite to eat from one of the local food trucks.
14. Hunter’s Point
Hunter’s Point is one of the ideal spots to catch a sunset. The park offers plenty of entertainment options, such as bikeways and a waterside promenade. The spot is ideal for a romantic night out.
15. The Rock Observation Deck of Rockefeller Center
The Rock Observation Deck is not recommended for anyone who has an extreme fear of heights, but to catch an incredible sight of the sunset, there’s no place better than at the top of Rockefeller Center, which is 70 feet high. In addition to catching a sunset, you can also enjoy a 360-degree view of New York City and take photos of the many skyscrapers that create the city’s iconic night skyline.
16. The High Line
The High Line is a park in Chelsea that’s filled with sculptures and modern art. You can take a stroll in the scenic garden, and, if you get tired, you can sit and relax on one of the many roadside benches to watch and enjoy the sunset.
FAQs
Why is Watching the Sunset in NYC Special?
Watching the sunset in NYC can be special for a few reasons. First, NYC has a lot of tall buildings and skyscrapers, which can make for stunning views as the sun sets behind them. Additionally, many of the city’s parks and waterfront areas offer great vantage points to see the sunset over the skyline.
At What Time Should I Arrive to Watch the Sunset?
The time to arrive to watch the sunset will vary depending on the season and your location. Generally, it’s a good idea to arrive about 30 minutes before the sun is scheduled to set to get a good spot and watch the colours of the sky change.
What Should I Bring to Watch the Sunset?
To watch the sunset, you may want to bring a few essentials, such as a camera, a blanket or towel to sit on, snacks or drinks, and warm clothing if you’ll be out after dark. Additionally, be sure to follow any rules or regulations for the specific location you choose.
Where Can I Watch the Sunset in NYC for Free?
There are several places where you can watch the sunset in NYC for free. Here are a few options:
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Hudson River Park
- Central Park
- The Staten Island Ferry
- The East River State Park
What is the Famous Sunset in New York?
There is not one specific sunset that is considered the “famous” sunset in New York. However, the city’s skyline and waterfront areas offer many iconic and memorable sunset views, such as the sunset over the Statue of Liberty, the sunset over the Empire State Building, and the sunset over the Brooklyn Bridge.
Final Words
As you can see, there are numerous spots where you can witness a mesmerizing view of a sunset in New York. Don’t limit yourself–visit all of them, and once you are done, explore even more places where you can see an iconic city sunset.
