• Travel insurance company AllClear compiled a list of the best sunset destinations in the U.S. by analyzing meteorological conditions and popularity to give spots a “Sunset Score.”
• The findings named Waikiki in Hawaii the most beautiful place for a sunset in America.
• Waikiki came in at No. 1 for its “unobstructed ocean vistas and palm trees.”

One of the greatest pleasures of taking a vacation is that you get to make time for doing all the little things that bring you joy. The best of which is having the time to stop and watch the sunset. And if you’re interested in sitting down to gaze upon the best sunsets in the U.S., AllClear has a list for you. 

In early February, AllClear, a travel insurance company, shared its list of the best sunset destinations in the nation. It uncovered the best spots based on a formula analyzing meteorological conditions around the country, including cloud cover, wind, humidity, and rainfall, as well as social media popularity. It then created a “Sunset Score” for 100 locations to normalize the data. 

After looking at all that information, it named Waikiki in Hawaii the most beautiful place for a sunset in the U.S. It took first place in the nation thanks to its “unobstructed ocean vistas and palm trees” that “beautifully framing the deep red and light pink hues of an iconic Hawaiian sunset.” It also scored high marks thanks to its prime weather conditions, which include the “right amount of cloud cover, rainfall, and winds during sunset hours,” which helped it gain more than 23,000 social media mentions. 

However, it’s not the only stunning place in America to watch the sun sink below the horizon. Grand Canyon National Park scored the second-highest marks in the nation as a “golden hour hotspot.” The team added in the findings, “The enormous canyon walls, with all their layers, radiate golden exuberance when the sun hits them, with travelers recommending locations like the South Rim or Mather Point to watch the sun go down.”

One more public land took the third spot: Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. This location, AllClear added, “is celebrated for its gorgeous sunsets, with a total sunset score of 77.3 out of 100. With low wind speeds, moderate cloud coverage, and minimal rainfall during sunset, the Teton Range provides nothing short of an epic backdrop for sunsets in the national park.” 

As for how to capture the best sunset images, Josh Haftel, the former product manager for Lightroom Mobile by Adobe, shared with Travel + Leisure back in 2017 that it’s key to first know when and where the sunset is happening. He recommended apps like PhotoPills, which uses augmented reality to show you the sun’s specific path. 

Next, head out early to scout the perfect place and plan your composition. Try to keep in mind the magical photography tip known as “the rule of thirds.” This means the main action shouldn’t be taking place in the center of your shot but rather off to the side, bottom, or top of your image. Practice this rule by turning on your phone’s gridlines. 

And finally, understand that clouds can be a good thing. “If you’re going to have clouds, you’re going to have a good sunset,” Haftel said. “If there’s not going to be any clouds, go home.” Then, just be patient, and enjoy the moment.