A sunset can press all the buttons that remind us what it means to be small humans in a vast universe (in a good way!), and that experience is best shared with another small or large human that you love—and that is how we segue into Valentine’s Day. Yes, today is a day for finding that vista point and sharing with someone special the last beautiful moments of the day’s warmth until the sun slides below the horizon. It may be too late to cross state lines to get to one of the top 15 best sunsets compiled by Fodor’s, but wherever you are, we hope your Valentine’s is wonderful, even if the person you share the sunset with is you. Self hug!
First on the list? Charleston, SC. Wraparound porches and rooftop bars make for great viewing spots.
Second is Santa Fe, NM. Hiking to beautiful peaks yields glorious sunset panoramas.
Third is Bryce Canyon, UT. The hoodoos and other rock formations create fantastic silhouettes as the sun goes down.
Fourth is Phoenix and nearby cities, AZ. The Sonora desert makes for dry air, whose particles reflect more colorful sunsets.
Fifth is Maui, with oceanview sunsets so pretty it can make the heartache.
The rest of the list continues:
6. Sheridan, WY
7. Las Vegas, NV
8. Mackinac Island, MI
9. Orange Beach, AL
10. Port Arkansas, TX
11. Greater Los Angeles, CA
12. Aspen Snowmass, CO
13. Key West, FL
14. Cape Cod, MA
15. San Francisco, CA
Valentine’s Day or not, matched with a SO or not, make sure to make time for more nature-based activities that give us all better mental and physical health: catch a sunset, salute the moon, relax into the night with the comforting presence of stars.