Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/the-sun-is-setting-over-the-ocean-on-the-beach-8iq2fLo0KXc
Sunset Beach, NJ takes the crown with over 38% of visitors specifically raving about its sunsets
Massachusetts punches above its weight, landing two beaches in the top three
Smaller beaches like Dubois Beach (CT) and Front Beach (MS) outperform tourist hotspots in sunset mentions
Community vibes and natural drama go hand-in-hand at places like St. Pete Beach and Golden Gardens Park
There’s something timeless about a beach sunset: the golden light, the silhouette of a sailboat drifting across the horizon, the collective hush as the sun finally dips below the waterline. But where in the U.S. can you find the most breathtaking evening views? A new study set out to answer just that, revealing the beaches where sunsets steal the show and the hearts of visitors.
Conducted by Hello Millions, the study analyzed thousands of traveler reviews on Tripadvisor, ranking U.S. beaches based on the percentage of comments that specifically mention sunsets.
1. Sunset Beach, New Jersey – 38.1% Sunset Mentions
You’d hope a place called Sunset Beach could deliver on its name, and this one absolutely does. Located on the Delaware Bay in Cape May County, it’s the kind of spot that gives you goosebumps as the sky turns orange behind the haunting remains of the SS Atlantus shipwreck. More than a third of all reviewers wax poetic about the sunset here, making it the clear winner. It’s less “tourist trap,” more “hidden gem with cinematic vibes.”
2. Mayflower Beach, Massachusetts – 30.2%
Cape Cod charm meets postcard-perfect sunsets at Mayflower Beach in Dennis. Famous for its expansive tidal flats and shallow pools that reflect the fading light like glass, it’s a favorite for families during the day and romantic sunset seekers by night. Reviewers consistently praise the way the beach transforms in the evening, less of a beach, more of a natural light show.
3. Herring Cove Beach, Massachusetts – 25.5%
Massachusetts flexes again with Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown, where geography plays a sneaky trick: although it’s on the Atlantic, the westward orientation of the tip of Cape Cod lets you catch a rare East Coast sunset over open water. Visitors call it “magical,” and honestly, they’re not wrong.
4. First Beach (La Push), Washington – 25.0%
If it feels like a movie scene, that’s because it practically is. First Beach, located on the Quileute Reservation in La Push, WA, offers jagged sea stacks, misty driftwood-covered shores, and Pacific Ocean drama. A quarter of reviewers say the sunsets here are next-level, and they’re right, this is Twilight territory, after all.
5. Dubois Beach, Connecticut – 21.7%
Small but mighty, Dubois Beach in the quaint town of Stonington isn’t one of the flashier names on this list, but it packs a visual punch come sundown. Reviewers describe the harbor views and peaceful ambiance as “underrated,” and they’re not kidding. Proof that you don’t need an oceanfront panorama to enjoy a jaw-dropping sunset.
6. Golden Gardens Park, Washington – 20.1%
Seattleites know: when the sun’s out, Golden Gardens is where you go. With a front-row seat to Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, the sunsets here look like something out of a painting. It’s popular with locals, but the natural beauty still manages to feel untouched. Sunset mentions make up a solid fifth of all reviews.
7. Front Beach, Mississippi – 17.7%
The Gulf Coast isn’t always the first place that comes to mind when you think “sunset destination,” but Front Beach in Ocean Springs makes a strong case. With wide-open views to the west and a laid-back Southern charm, it’s the kind of place where sunsets feel slow, sultry, and a little nostalgic.
8. St. Pete Beach, Florida – 16.9%
Known for its powdery sand and festive vibe, St. Pete Beach turns sunset into a social event. Think impromptu drumming circles, beach yoga, and clapping when the sun dips—yes, really. Despite being a bustling destination, it still manages to offer memorable golden hour experiences that clearly resonate with visitors.
9. Compo Beach, Connecticut – 16.8%
Another East Coast gem, Compo Beach in Westport blends small-town calm with big-sky views. Overlooking the Long Island Sound, it’s beloved by locals who know the best sunsets often come with fewer crowds and a thermos of something warm. It’s the kind of beach where the magic isn’t hyped up—it just happens.
10. Cape Charles Beach, Virginia – 15.03%
Cape Charles may not be a household name, but that’s exactly why it works. This Chesapeake Bay retreat on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is all about slow living. The beach faces west, so every sunset glows across calm, shallow waters—perfect for those who want peace and quiet with their panoramas.
Methodology
This study analyzed visitor reviews from the top-rated beaches in every U.S. coastal state, using public review data from major travel and tourism platforms. Each beach was ranked based on the percentage of reviews that specifically mentioned the word “sunset” or related terms.
Source
Tripadvisor
