The Best US City For Sunsets Isn't In Florida Or Hawaii

It's called the Golden State for a reason. While notoriously sun-drenched Florida lays claim to the Sunshine State, and Hawaii's abundance of technicolor arcs make it the Rainbow State, it's California whose gold rush nickname doubles as a celebration of its spectacular golden hour. The stunning West Coast state is famously home to endless spots for catching a breathtaking sundown, with one iconic locale recently named America's best city for sunsets. Studded with breezy palm trees and 3.5 miles of buttery sand, the beachside enclave of Santa Monica was chosen as the country's top spot to watch the sun watercolor the sky while slowly dripping behind the Pacific horizon.

Nestled in Los Angeles County between Venice and Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica was recognized on a list of the world's top 10 sunsets and sunrises put together by European photo-printing company Cewe and award-winning travel blogger and photographer Bella Falk. Not only was Santa Monica voted as having the best sunset in the country, but it also ranked as the second-best sunset globally, sandwiched between supremely impressive company. The striking UNESCO World Heritage site of Paphos in Cyprus boasts the world's best sunset, while the glowing sunset over the wildlife-rich savanna of Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve, considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is third. The list considered criteria like each location's visual impact and photography composition opportunities.

Southern California's legendary sunsets, in particular, are owing to how light filters through the water and air particles in the atmosphere above the massive Pacific Ocean. Once shorter wavelengths of light filter through, the remaining longer wavelengths stain the sky in magnificent purple, pink, and amber hues. One visitor to Santa Monica writing on Reddit rhapsodized that viewing the sunset was an "almost spiritual experience," noting, "Experienced my first ever LA sunset on a relatively clear day, and nearly cried."

Santa Monica shines with 280 days of sunshine, which bring just as many opportunities to capture blazing sunset pastels splashed across the sky. Several places around town make for outstanding viewing, but the landmark Santa Monica Pier is a standout. Show up early to indulge in the carnivalesque delights lining the only West Coast pier boasting an amusement park. When golden hour strikes, wander out past the Ferris wheel to marvel at a brilliant panorama of fiery colors as the sun sinks into the ocean.

Next to the pier lies accessible, golden-sand Santa Monica State Beach, an unbeatable place to watch the sunset soundtracked with the music of crashing waves. Bring a blanket or beach chairs to plop in the sand, and have a sweatshirt or jacket handy since the beach can get chilly once the sun disappears. The northern part of Santa Monica Beach rests below the Palisades bluffs, a steep incline atop which sits Palisades Park, an amazing and popular sunset viewing spot. This meandering, 26-acre park running along scenic Ocean Avenue is riddled with pathways and public art, along with plenty of ocean-facing benches to settle in for an arresting sunset.

If you fancy elevated California coastal cuisine alongside an exceptional sunset op, book a table at The Penthouse. This swanky restaurant perched on the rooftop of Santa Monica's Huntley Hotel boasts a dining room drenched in windows with incredible 360-degree views. Another great eatery for catching those Santa Monica sunsets is The Lobster, a local institution that's been serving seafood right next to the pier since 1923. Both restaurants have a happy hour that goes until 6:00 p.m., so come for drinks and nibbles while catching the early sunset in winter, when SoCal's sunsets are most beautiful. For more golden hour magic, check out these 14 scenic beaches with gorgeous sunsets.