From mountain cliffs to sandy beaches, here’s your guide to free scenic sunset viewing in Virginia.
With its varied landscapes, ranging from rocky mountain cliffs to serene beachfronts, Virginia offers an unlimited supply of scenic sunset viewing spots. While most of these destinations don’t cost a dime, a couple of them offer free views but serve food and drinks.
Here’s our list of can’t-miss spots for watching the Virginia sky transition from blue to yellow, orange, and red.
Southwest Virginia
McAfee Knob
Location: Catawba Valley Dr., Catawba, VA 24070
Although it takes a 4-mile hike to get to McAfee Knob, the view from the 3,197-foot peak at sunset is well worth the effort. There’s a reason why 50,000 people visit each year!
Once you reach the knob, you’ll get to take in 270-degree panoramic views of Catawba Valley, North Mountain, Tinker Cliffs, and the Roanoke Valley as the sun sets.
Given the length of the hike and the moderately challenging nature of the terrain, make sure you plan so you get to the knob in time for sunset.
Buchanan Swinging Bridge
Location: 19990 Main St., Buchanan, VA 24066
Watch the sun set over the surrounding Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains from the unique vantage point of the Buchanan Swinging Bridge, which stretches 366 feet across and 57.5 feet above the James River. Fun fact: Parts of the bridge date back to 1851!
Enjoy an evening snack at the picnic tables at the nearby Buchanan Swinging Bridge Park before venturing to the bridge to watch the sunset.
Roanoke Star
Location: 2198 Mill Mountain Spur, Roanoke, VA 24014
Watch the sun set over the Star City from atop Mill Mountain from the Roanoke Star overlook. As the sun sets on the Roanoke Valley and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll get to see the 88.5-foot neon Roanoke Star come to life in shades of white—and possibly red and blue.
You can either drive to the star from the Blue Ridge Parkway or hike up to it from the Star Trail.
Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook
Location: 8550 Jeb Stuart Hwy., Meadows of Dan, VA 24120
Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook offers views as far as the eye can see, making it the ideal spot to watch the sunset with your loved one.
The site has long been associated with beauty and romantic lore. Legend has it that, in the 1600s, the son of a white settler and the daughter of a Native American chief jumped from the rocky ledge deep into the valley below because they were forbidden from being together.
1772 Rooftop on Main
Location: 18 S Roanoke St., Fincastle, VA 24090
If you like romantic dinners with stellar views, then 1772 Rooftop on Main is the place for you. The rooftop restaurant and bar can be found in the Fincastle Historic District, offering views of the surrounding countryside and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Luckily, the view is free, so sit back and enjoy the sunset while enjoying The Rooftop Burger and a craft cocktail.
High Knob Observation Tower
Location: Rt. 238, Norton, VA 24273
Climb to the top of the three-story High Knob Observation Tower with an elevation of 4,263 feet on Stone Mountain to see unparalleled views of multiple states—including Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia—as the sun sets.
Erosion has exposed a karst landscape that stretches from Powell Valley to the Powell River Valley, and on into Norris Lake in Tennessee. Additionally, runoff from the knob has formed a natural tunnel.
Coastal Virginia
Sandbridge Beach
Location: 2549 Sandfiddler Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Who doesn’t love a good beach sunset? Watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean from a spot in the idyllic community of Sandbridge Beach. The area is a bit quieter than the Oceanfront District, stretching 4.5 miles of shoreline, so it’s the perfect place to relax as the sun goes down.
Before sprawling out on your blanket or towel, consider grabbing dinner at nearby Margie & Ray’s Seafood Restaurant.
Grain
Location: 100 East Main St., Norfolk, VA 23510
Relax at the end of the day with a mouthwatering craft beer or hand-made cocktail at the rooftop bar Grain, part of Hilton Norfolk The Main in downtown Norfolk, while watching the sun set over the Elizabeth River.
As you wait for the sun to set, play a game of lawn chess in the patio’s backyard garden.
Central Virginia
VDOT Workers’ Memorial
Location: I-64, Greenwood, VA 22943
While traveling on I-64 on Afton Mountain, stop at the VDOT Workers’ Memorial near mile marker 103. Here, you’ll find an overlook that offers views of the serene valley below, making it the ideal place to view the sunset.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Location: 1466 Camp Paradise Rd., Rice, VA 23966
Visit High Bridge Trail State Park, a 32.2-mile trail on an old rail bed, to watch the sunset from 125 feet above the Appomattox River on High Bridge. The bridge stretches for 2,400 feet, making it the longest recreational bridge in the commonwealth, so there’s plenty of room to spread out to find the best view.
After sunset, spend some time hiking along the trail under the night sky. Luckily, the trail is wide and flat.
Shenandoah Valley
Stony Man Trail
Location: Skyline Drive Milepost 41.7, Luray, VA 22835
Check out Stony Man Trail, which offers some of the best vistas in Shenandoah National Park, making it perfect for watching the sunset.
Hiking to the main peak and back to the parking area is a 1.6-mile round trip.
Northern Virginia
Mount Vernon
Location: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Watch the sunset over the Potomac River from the porch or front lawn of Mount Vernon the way George Washington would have 250 years ago.
Given that the site generally closes at 5 p.m., the best way to view the sunset is to become a member, which grants access to Mount Vernon After Hours. On select dates, members are able to explore Mount Vernon after hours and dine al fresco on the lawn overlooking the river for free.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Location: 6511 Sundley Rd., Manassas, VA 20109
With 5,000 acres of rolling hills and wide-open fields, Manassas National Battlefield Park serves as a solemn site to view a sunset. The park served as the site of two battles during the Civil War that claimed the lives of thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers.
Hike the more than 40 miles of trails to find the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Consider watching it set against the backdrop of the reconstructed Winter Hut at Portici.
Mason Neck State Park
Location: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079
Watch the sunset from Mason Neck State Park, a peninsula that is surrounded by Pohick Bay, Belmont Bay, and the Potomac River.
Arrive a bit early to spot some of the birds, like American bald eagles, herons, and whistling swans, that call the park home. The 3 miles of paved trails make exploring the park easy.
