Oh boy do I love watching the sun set in Boston. My favorite activity in the city is finding a great place to see the sun set… which can be a bit difficult since it’s on the East coast. I have so much to say, and should probably break it down.
Watching the sun set is also the cheapest thing to do in any and all cities. Golden Hour in Boston is unforgettable, so you need to work this into your itinerary.
These are the best places to see the sunset in Boston from someone who has lived there for multiple years, and watches it almost everyday.
Before I forget, if you’re planning a trip to Boston, here’s what you need to know before visiting. It includes some must-have tips and insider knowledge to make your trip smoother. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned visitor, there’s always something new to discover.
If you haven’t booked your stay yet, make sure you check out my guide on where to stay in Boston for tips on the best neighborhoods and accommodation.
Now let’s talk about the sun set.
Best time to watch the sun set in Boston
The sun set in Boston is visible all year (obviously), but some times of year are definitely better than others. Boston has some of the most sunny days in all of the US, so that’s super convenient for catching a nice sun set.
Keep in mind that it is always tough to catch the sun set when there are a lot of clouds, but partial cloud coverage usually makes for an even better sun set.
The best days to see the sun set are on low humidity days, especially if it has recently rained.
Now let’s talk about the best places to watch the sun set in Boston.
1. On the water overlooking Boston
If you only do one sunset activity, let it be a Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise. Watching the sun set with the whole sky line of the city in front of it is one of the coolest views I’ve ever seen, so I’d highly recommend it.
If I am not convincing you, let this beautiful view convince you 😉
You can book a Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise here.
TLDR: The absolute best place to see a beautiful sunset in Boston is on a Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise.
2. Along the Charles River Esplanade
The Esplanade is really gorgeous since it runs along the Boston Charles River. This area can get a bit crowded, but it’s also a can’t miss if you’re visiting, even if you’re not planning on going to see the sun set.
It’s located pretty close to Back Bay, so it’s very easy to access if you’re planning to be in that area anyways.
It’s located pretty close to Back Bay, so it’s very easy to access if you’re planning to be in that area anyways.
I consider this area the nicest place to walk, and can offer great views of the sunset.
There are also lots of events that happen here and little to no parking in the area, so plan your visit in advance. You can take the train to areas nearby which is the easiest way to get in without worrying about parking. If you do drive, make sure you check the signs since most of the area’s parking is residents only.
Also, if you’re visiting this area, I’d recommend hopping on a duck boat to get a water-front view (and they’re iconic), book in advance since only the latest boat can get this view while the sun sets!
3. Walking around Piers Park
You probably haven’t heard of this park unless you’ve spent a lot of time in East Boston. I actually stumbled on Piers Park by accident, but I’m glad that it came across my radar.
The views of the Boston skyline are unparalleled, and you can watch the sun set behind the city.
Keep in mind that there is some parking nearby, but it gets busy in the summer, so plan ahead. If you get there a little earlier, you’ll have much more time to catch a gorgeous sunset.
4. From a gorgeous rooftop bar
If you want a drink along with your rooftop sunset views, then you can look no further than The Envoy Hotel. From here, you can watch the sun set behind South Boston, and it offers a super clear view.
The Envoy Hotel even has igloos and outdoor heaters to keep you warm. This spot is open year round, so I highly recommend it!
Seeing the sun set from a Boston Rooftop Bar is a bucket list experience, plus the drinks there are pretty good too!
Keep in mind that the prices match the view, so make sure you’re prepared to pay a bit of a premium for your cocktail in exchange for the gorgeous views and location.
You can also stay at the hotel if you want to experience these sun sets from your room every night! If you’re thinking about it, you can book a stay at the Envoy Hotel here.
5. Watch the sun set from a park outside the city
I’m a bit in love with the Larz Anderson Park. This viewpoint is one of the highest in the area, so it’s nice for seeing it, but it’s not the highest in Boston. The park itself is gorgeous, so I’d suggest getting there early and bringing a picnic.
I’ve been many times and usually for much longer than the time it takes to watch the sun set.
In the winter, this park has an ice-skating rink too, so there are tons of activities there.
It can be hard to find places tall enough to have an unobstructed view of the sunset, so this is a great option. There is also plenty of parking, no matter what time of year, so you can easily drive there… just make sure you drive to the top since you can’t see it from the bottom.
The most ideal Boston Skyline Sunset for limited people and lots of space, especially in the winter!
6. In the streets around Back Bay
While Back Bay isn’t exactly a specific spot, if the sun is setting, you can usually catch it around and between the buildings here, especially in the fall.
It’s lovely to watch the sun in between the buildings and it’s usually not very crowded when it starts to get colder.
This is one of the easiest spots to stumble upon it, and there is tons to do in this area too, so you can work it into your plans easily.
