Watching the sun set is one of my favorite ways to spend a summer night. Whether we’re on vacation enjoying the view over the ocean, or sitting up on our roof deck watching the sun go down behind the city skyline, I really look forward to a beautiful sunset. In fact, it has become a running joke with friends and family that I can always be counted on to know exactly what time the sun will set!
Over the years, I’ve discovered a handful of places in Boston that provide the perfect spot for watching the sun set. I have enjoyed so many evenings in Boston when the sky was transformed into a watercolor of stunningly gorgeous colors; think cotton candy pinks to the most amazing tangerine hues. Every sunset in Boston is more beautiful than the last! Before the weather changes and it becomes too chilly to be outside to watch the sun go down, I recommend taking advantage of one (or more!) of Boston’s best spots to watch the sunset!
The A-Lyst for Where to Watch the Sunset in Boston
The Docks on the Charles River Esplanade
As I’ve mentioned before, the Charles River Esplanade is one of my favorite places to take a walk, and it’s also one of my go-to spots to watch the sun set. I love packing a picnic basket with snacks and setting up shop on one of the five public docks that overlook the Charles River. The Esplanade, which offers great views of Cambridge, provides the perfect backdrop for the sunset and it’s fun to watch the countless sailboats, geese, and kayaks pass in front of you on the water. On warm evenings, the docks are the place to be, so you have to get there early to stake out your spot! You’ll be surprised by how many people come to the Esplanade for sunset, sitting on the docks to watch the sun go down. In my opinion, it’s one of the best ways to embrace the beauty of the city!
Cocktails at the Top of the Hub
Perched 52 stories high and overlooking the city, the Top of the Hub is one of Boston’s most well-known restaurants. Located at the top of the Prudential Tower, the Top of the Hub has become synonymous with marriage proposals, celebratory dinners, and as you may have guessed, the perfect vantage point to watch amazing sunsets! Even though I’ve lived in Boston for over a decade, I still adore coming to the Top of the Hub for cocktails…something about it just feels special. Offering some of the best views of Boston, I love taking a seat in the lounge area and enjoying a round of drinks as I watch the sun go down. One thing to note: if you want a seat in the lounge, there is a $24 per person minimum, which loosely equals one cocktail and appetizer per person or two cocktails. If you sit at the bar, there is no charge, but the view isn’t as good. I think it’s worth it to sit in the lounge at least once!
Paul Revere Park is the best place to watch the sunset from the North End, especially if you’re interested in capturing a gorgeous photo with the striking Zakim Bridge in the foreground! Accessed by a quick walk over the Charlestown Bridge, this park offers a large grassy area for kids and dogs, as well as views of the Charles River and locks. While the view of the Zakim is my favorite part about watching the sun go down from Paul Revere Park, I also love how you can clearly hear the cannons from the USS Constitution. Every day at 8am and sunset, Old Ironsides’ fires cannons as part of a naval tradition. It’s a bit daunting at first, but after a few sunsets, you get used to it…plus, you know the sun has officially gone down when you hear them go off!
Sunset Sail on the Boston Harbor
Living so close to the water, I often forget how easy it is to take advantage of the amazing sailing options on Boston Harbor. For under $75, you can enjoy a gorgeous evening on the water, while catching the sunset! Most of the sunset sails out of Boston are 90 minutes, circling the Harbor Islands, and they serve wine, beer and snacks on board for a minimal fee. In the past, I’ve sailed on Classic Harbor Lines’ Adirondack III and the Schooner Roseway, both of which I’d recommend, and I’ve heard great things about sunset sails from the Liberty Fleet. My favorite part about these sails is not only the gorgeous sunset views, but the way you get to experience Boston from a whole new perspective. As you’re sailing back to the dock, the view of downtown Boston at dusk is absolutely stunning!
I always make sure to attend at least one Red Sox game each season, and when I do, I try to snag seats that will afford me the best sunset view. Yes, I am serious! What’s better than watching a few home runs paired with a killer sunset and a Fenway Frank in hand? When you live in a diehard baseball city like Boston, the answer is NOTHING! If you’re looking for affordable game tickets with a good view of the sunset, I’d recommend seats in the right field roof deck, or believe it or not, the bleachers and/or grandstand. Season after season, baseball fans have captured fantastic sunset photos from the park, and if you google “sunset over Fenway Park,” you’ll instantly understand why! Go for the game, stay for the sunset.
Outfit Details:
Dress: J.Crew Short-sleeve Shirtdress in Kelly Green
Earrings: Hoop and Gemstone Earrings from Isabel Harvey in Wellesley, MA (similar here)
Lipstick: CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet in L’Exuberante
The A-Lyst is a Boston-based lifestyle blog curating the very best of style, beauty, food, and travel.