With the arrival of Daylight Savings and its extra hours of daylight in the evening comes the opportunity to really savor the spectacle that is a sunset. No matter where you are in New York State, a breathtaking view is never far away and we've compiled a list of places no sunset lover will want to miss. So grab a blanket, your favorite companions, and a camera that will do those fiery sunsets justice.
The High Line
Set amid the bustle of New York City, The High Line
is an elevated and modern conservation effort and park constructed over
a now-defunct subway line on the west side of Manhattan. With views of
the city on one side and the Hudson River on the other, the charming,
tranquil 16 block walk is one of the most unique "hikes" you'll
encounter in the United States. For the perfect sunset experience,
settle on a west-facing bench anywhere along the walk and watch as the
sun's descent forms a silhouette over the iconic metropolitan skyline.
Afterwards, you can enjoy dinner directly beneath at Chelsea Market. It's a compact, urban park experience.
The High Line: Begins at Gansevoort Street, three blocks below West 14th, up to 30th Street
Chelsea Market: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Montauk Point State Park
Located on the eastern tip of the South Shore of Long Island, Montauk Point State Park is a spectacular place to watch the sun go down. Whether you're hiking the numerous trails, exploring the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse,
or watching seals sun themselves on the rocks in the bay, the view of
the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean is exquisite. If you're
interested in having dinner with this unrivaled view, make a reservation
at Navy Beach
restaurant just outside the park where you can enjoy local seafood and a
west facing view of Fort Pond Bay and Gardiner's Island.
Montauk Point Park: 2000 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954
Thacher State Park, Albany
An easy 15-mile drive southwest of Albany, Thacher State Park
contains, among other things, a bird sanctuary, one of the largest
collections of fossils in the nation, and 12 miles of stunning hiking
trails. It's also located on top of the Helderberg Escarpment, meaning
that when you're done exploring and bird watching, you can make your way
to the highest point in the park and watch as the sun descends and
scatters its glow over panoramic views of the Green Mountains in Vermont
and the Hudson Valley.
Thacher State Park: 1 Hales Cave Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186
Sunset from Above
What better way to see a sunset than from a hot air balloon? Floating
gently through the sky, way above the earth, absolutely nothing can
obstruct your line of site. Talk about a panoramic view. Liberty Balloon Company has
been taking people up, up, and away in their beautiful balloons for
almost forty years. Since launching, they have opened up locations at
the Finger Lakes region of western New York, near Rochester, Buffalo,
Geneva, and Syracuse. Package deals are available for visitors to the
Finger Lakes where balloon rides can be combined with accommodations at
locally owned bed and breakfast inns.
Liberty Balloon Company: 6730 Barber Hill Rd, Groveland, NY 14462
Visitors to the Adirondacks who are interested in taking a sunset view to the next level need look no further than Adirondack Balloon Flights.
Flights last an hour, span 10 miles and offer unsurpassed aerial views
of Lake George, Saratoga Springs and the Green Mountains of Vermont and
once you land back on earth you'll find a glass of champagne and light
refreshments waiting for you.
Adirondacks Balloon Flight: 76 Helen Dr, Glens Falls, NY 12804