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10 of the Best Places to Watch a Sunset in South Carolina

Marie McAden Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
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It's the perfect ending to a perfect day. Whether you're walking along the beach, cruising the waters of a Midlands lake or standing atop a granite dome overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, watching the sun make its daily dip below the horizon is one of the most relaxing - and romantic - ways to usher in the evening.

With South Carolina's diversity of beautiful landscapes, you'll find just the right spot to watch the sunset wherever your travels take you.

Here are 10 great places and ways to see a sunset in South Carolina:

 

1. Charleston Waterfront Park

The Ravenel Bridge in Charleston looks even more beautiful at sunset.

With its stunning view of Charleston Harbor and the iconic Ravenel bridge, Waterfront Park is a favorite gathering place for visitors and residents, especially at sunset when the sky over the water turns a brilliant yellow, orange and red.

 

2. Skull Creek Boathouse on Hilton Head Island

Enjoy cocktails, dinner and a beautiful sunset over Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge from the patio of Skull Creek Boathouse. Photo courtesy of SERG Restaurant Group.

Ask for a table on the sprawling, tree-shaded patio at the Skull Creek Boathouse and enjoy a beautiful sunset over Skull Creek while you dine on some of the freshest seafood in town. You can bring Fido, too!

 

3. Sheraton Hotel Rooftop Lounge in Columbia

Catch the stunning sunset over the capital city skyline from the 17th floor lounge at the Sheraton Hotel in Columbia.

The view of the State House is enough reason to visit the 17th floor of Columbia's oldest high rise. But don't miss the opportunity to toast the day as you watch a spectacular sunset over the capital city skyline.

 

4. Hickory Knob State Park in McCormick

Savor the sunset from the pier at Hickory Knob State Park.

Overlooking Lake Thurmond, Hickory Knob State Park offers front-row seats to a breathtaking sunset over the water.

 

5. Sassafras Mountain in the Jocassee Gorges

Visitors can enjoy a spectacular sunset from the Sassafras Mountain observation tower.

You know you're going to get a fantastic view from South Carolina's highest point - and you don't even have to break a sweat. The 3,350-foot Sassafras Mountain is accessible by car, allowing you to catch the sunset and not worry about hiking out in the dark.

 

6. Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve in Lancaster

40 Acre Rock 40 Acre Rock provides a great perch to enjoy a sunset. Photo by Anne McQuary/www.heybabysmile.com.

An easy 2.5-mile trail leads to the crest of the gently sloping Forty Acre Rock, where hikers are treated to a view of the surrounding Sandhills-and one of the prettiest sunsets in the Olde English District.

 

7. Sunset Paddle on Lake Moultrie

The highlight of Blueway Adventures’ Evening Escape guided kayaking tour is watching the sunset on Lake Moultrie. Photo courtesy of Blueway Adventures.

Blueway Adventures offers a relaxing guided kayak tour from Bonneau Beach. The two-hour Evening Escape culminates with a gorgeous sunset over the calm waters of the Santee Cooper reservoir.

 

8. Blue Ridge Brewing Company in Greer

Along with an awesome menu of appetizers, entrees and award-winning, handcrafted ales, the brewpub's rooftop dining area offers visitors a sunset to remember.

 

9. Sunset Cruise on Lake Murray

Lake Murray Adventures offers sunset tours in July and August to watch the nightly spectacle of a million purple martins flying in to roost on Bomb Island.

It doesn't get more romantic than cruising into the sunset with the one you love. Lake Murray Adventures offers private guided boat tours of the lake aboard a comfortable pontoon boat. 

 

10. The Dispensary in Florence

Perched atop Town Hall Restaurant, The Dispensary features three open-air decks, among them a rooftop lounge where you can take in sunset over the city.

 

Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.