DC’s building height restrictions means we don’t have as many opportunities for skyline views. That doesn’t mean we don’t have gorgeous sunset views. Soak in DC’s beauty as the sun slips below the horizon at these 11 best places to watch a sunset in Washington DC!
- Washington Monument
Flickr/Dome Poon This is a quintessential picture taking spot in DC and at sunset, the view does not disappoint! Relax on the surrounding grassy area and take in one of the most beautiful views as the sunsets over Washington’s famous monument.
- Southwest Waterfront
Flickr/Stuart Geiger The Southwest Waterfront provides stunning views of the Potomac and the golden rays reflecting on the water as the sun sets. You can sit in the park and watch the sunset or grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants while enjoying the view.
- POV Terrace
Yelp/Michaelyn M. The POV lounge gives a unique bird’s eye view of DC. This popular restaurant that is atop of the W Hotel provides gorgeous views of the setting sun over the most famous monuments and buildings in DC.
- National Harbor
Flickr/beliefbeyond When dusk sets in on National Harbor and the Capital Wheel lights up over the water, you will never forget the beauty of this spot
- Key Bridge
Flickr/Rudi Riet Georgetown’s Key Bridge is one of the prettiest bridges in the city. You won’t want to miss the sun glistening through the arches casting pink and purple hues in the sky and making the Potomac glitter.
- Jefferson Memorial
Flickr/Joseph Gruber The Tidal Basin is always gorgeous, anytime of day. But sitting on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and watching the sunset across the Basin is one of the best ways to end a day in DC.
- Gravelly Point Park
Flickr/Mrs. Gemstone Technically in Northern Virginia, Gravelly Point Park is just a few hundred feet away from Reagan National Airport. Relax on the grassy knoll and watch the sunset as the planes fly in overhead.
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Flickr/John Overholt Take a seat on the back porch of the famous President’s former home and watch the sunset over the rolling hills and the Potomac River.
- Kennedy Center
Flickr/Mike Freedman The terrace on the rooftop of the Kennedy Center is one of the largest rooftop areas in DC, allowing for plenty of people to enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the horizon.
- Middle of Potomac River
Flickr/faz besharatian If you want to really experience nature and a peaceful sunset, grab a kayak or canoe out to the middle of the Potomac. Relax on the gentle rocking waters as the sun turns the sky orange and pink, giving you a breathtaking view of the city around you.
- Alexandria Waterfront
Flickr/ Terry D. Photography Just outside DC in Northern Virginia, Alexandria’s waterfront offers some of the most stunning views of the Potomac any time of day. Dine at a nearby restaurant and enjoy a picturesque scene as the sun sets over the charming area.
For more picturesque views around the city, visit the 12 best places to take photos in Washington DC!
Flickr/Dome Poon
This is a quintessential picture taking spot in DC and at sunset, the view does not disappoint! Relax on the surrounding grassy area and take in one of the most beautiful views as the sunsets over Washington’s famous monument.
Flickr/Stuart Geiger
The Southwest Waterfront provides stunning views of the Potomac and the golden rays reflecting on the water as the sun sets. You can sit in the park and watch the sunset or grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants while enjoying the view.
Yelp/Michaelyn M.
The POV lounge gives a unique bird’s eye view of DC. This popular restaurant that is atop of the W Hotel provides gorgeous views of the setting sun over the most famous monuments and buildings in DC.
Flickr/beliefbeyond
When dusk sets in on National Harbor and the Capital Wheel lights up over the water, you will never forget the beauty of this spot
Flickr/Rudi Riet
Georgetown’s Key Bridge is one of the prettiest bridges in the city. You won’t want to miss the sun glistening through the arches casting pink and purple hues in the sky and making the Potomac glitter.
Flickr/Joseph Gruber
The Tidal Basin is always gorgeous, anytime of day. But sitting on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and watching the sunset across the Basin is one of the best ways to end a day in DC.
Flickr/Mrs. Gemstone
Technically in Northern Virginia, Gravelly Point Park is just a few hundred feet away from Reagan National Airport. Relax on the grassy knoll and watch the sunset as the planes fly in overhead.
Flickr/John Overholt
Take a seat on the back porch of the famous President’s former home and watch the sunset over the rolling hills and the Potomac River.
Flickr/Mike Freedman
The terrace on the rooftop of the Kennedy Center is one of the largest rooftop areas in DC, allowing for plenty of people to enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the horizon.
Flickr/faz besharatian
If you want to really experience nature and a peaceful sunset, grab a kayak or canoe out to the middle of the Potomac. Relax on the gentle rocking waters as the sun turns the sky orange and pink, giving you a breathtaking view of the city around you.
Flickr/ Terry D. Photography
Just outside DC in Northern Virginia, Alexandria’s waterfront offers some of the most stunning views of the Potomac any time of day. Dine at a nearby restaurant and enjoy a picturesque scene as the sun sets over the charming area.
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