A Map Of Where To Watch The Sunset In Austin
Friends: there’s practically nothing like that beautiful Texas sunset. And if you’re going to live in sunny Austin Texas where it is hot hot HOT for much of the year, you might as well enjoy watching that giant ball of fire in the sky dip below the skyline. And if you’re wondering where to watch the sunset in Austin, here are tons of ideas!
Some of them are pretty classic and expected, but there are a few unique ideas on here that aren’t on most lists. However, talk to any Austin locals and they’ll nod in agreement with some of these views of the beautiful Austin sunset.
Where To Watch The Sunset In Austin
Oasis Texas Brewing on Lake Travis
(Grab an award-winning craft beer and watch the sunset over Lake Travis )
High up on a cliff 450 above Lake Travis, guests at The Oasis Brewery can enjoy a pint of delicious award-winning beer and some classic pub food. While the next-door Oasis restaurant is on most lists of where to watch the sunset in Austin, the food is just “meh” and it’s severely overpriced, not to mention it’s always crowded there!
Skip the wait and head over to the awesome next-door brewery, where you can find a place to stand on the balcony and enjoy the exact same view. Try to arrive a bit before sunset (1-2 hours) to secure a good spot. {Photo: Oasis Texas Brewing, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 6650 Comanche Trail Suite #301, Austin, TX 78732
Hula Hut
(Watch the sunset at the lakeside while enjoying some classic Tex Mex food)
This fun little restaurant on the lake is a great spot to watch the Austin sunset! Despite what you might gather from the name, Hula Hut serves Tex-Mex food…but with a “surfer twist.”
Since you’re already in Austin and probably craving Tex-Mex (who isn’t??), throw in some signature Hula Hut cocktails, find a table at the patio, and enjoy the stunning lake views of the beautiful Austin sunset. {Photo: Cindy N, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Lady Bird Lake Trail
Where can you watch the sunset from the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail? There are so many great spots! The boardwalk goes out over the Colorado River, offering amazing views of the downtown skyline (it gets all blue and golden) and a great spot to watch the sunset in Austin.
Another great spot to watch the sunset on the Lady Bird Lake trail is on the pedestrian bridge under Mopac. It’s a wide bridge, so you can perch on the edge and there’s still plenty of room for bikes to go by. And when you’re facing west, you have an unobstructed view of the water and the beautiful sunset.
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell
(Watch the sunset at the highest point in Austin)
At 775 feet, Mount Bonnell is generally considered to be the highest point in Austin. (It’s not actually the highest point in Austin, but when you’re up there it definitely feels like it is!)
And while this view is pretty classic and popular (meaning: crowded), there really are very few sunset views in Austin that can beat this one. Pro tip: if you go on a weeknight when it’s not as crowded as tourists, it can actually be quite romantic! Bring a cute little picnic and enjoy the calm.
WEBSITE | 3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731
South Congress Bat Bridge
(Watch the Austin bats and catch the sunset on the opposite side of the bridge.)
The Congress Bridge is famous for bat-watching. (Austin is home to the largest urban colony of Mexican free-tail bats.) If you’re already heading to the Congress Bridge at dusk to watch the bats take flight, try to get a spot on top of the bridge (instead of underneath it at the official bat-watching grassy area) so you can turn around and see the beautiful sunset behind you. It reflects off the waters of the Colorado River, and it’s truly magnificent. {Photo: Audrey C, Yelp}
WEBSITE | Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704
Mozart’s Coffee
(Enjoy a beverage while sitting on the patio to watch the sunset)
Truly one of the most beautiful ambiances at any coffee shop in Austin, Mozart’s is famous for its beautiful patio on Lake Austin. But did you know it’s also a great spot to catch the sun as it sets over the water?
You can make a day of it by paddle boarding on the lake and then ending the evening by sitting on Mozart’s patio and watching the sunset. They have really good desserts, too; try the hazelnut torte or the chocolate chip cannoli! {Photo: Mozart’s, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
McKinney Falls
(Enjoy a full day of hiking/swimming at McKinney Falls and then pack a picnic dinner to watch the sunset)
We all know that McKinney Falls State Park has incredible hiking and biking during the day, but they also have the most amazing sunset views in Austin in the evenings.
Plan on packing a picnic dinner to enjoy the beautiful sunset reflecting off the McKinney Falls water. {Photo: Mia D, Yelp}
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway Austin, TX 78744
Pennybacker Bridge Overlook
(Worth the climb - but wear good shoes!)
If you’re up for a little bit of a climb, the view at the top of the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook Trail is incredible. Sure, there’s a bit of a trek, but the sunset views are 100% worth it.
Since it’s kind of a steep climb, plan on wearing closed-toed shoes (no heels or flimsy sandals. Note: just like Mount Bonnell, this is a really crowded/touristy spot, so arrive a bit early if you want to get a good parking spot and secure a lookout point to watch the sunset in Austin.
N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78730
Enchanted Rock
(Watch the sunset as you hike)
Although it’s a bit outside of Austin, Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg, Texas offers amazing sunset views.
While you’re climbing you get some pretty incredible views of the Hill Country. And there’s just something about pink granite that looks so beautiful with the sunset hues. Plan on bringing some snacks, and a blanket, and cozy up with a loved one on Enchanted Rock to watch the sunset. {Photo: Jake H, Yelp}
WEBSITE | Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Azul Rooftop Bar
(Watch the sunset while enjoying one of the best rooftop cocktail bars in Austin)
If you’re looking for a nice place to get drinks and watch the sunset, you need to check out the Westin Hotel’s rooftop bar, Azul. They have a beautiful downtown view of the sunset, and you can see the golden hues reflecting off of all the skyscrapers. It’s really beautiful.
Azul has some snacks, plenty of cocktails/beer/wine, and of course their amazing rooftop pool. It’s a great place to bring some girlfriends and snap some photos while you enjoy that golden hour lighting!
WEBSITE | 310 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701
The UT Tower
(Catch a great sky-high view of the sunset while observing the busy central city)
This one is pretty unique, and you’d have to make a reservation at the correct timing, but the UT Tower west observation deck gets a great view of the sunset.
The famous UT tower is actually open until 1 AM. Here’s the info on how to reserve your time slot to go up to the observation deck. Since this is a bit less common, it’s not as crowded as some of the more touristy options for watching the sunset in Austin.
WEBSITE | 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78705
Beerburg Brewing
(Watch the sunset enjoying some craft beer in Dripping Springs)
Yes, Beerburg Brewing is in Dripping Springs, but it’s only a short drive from downtown Austin, and it’s such a beautiful property. They serve craft beer, farm-to-table eats like tacos, and homemade ice cream. Plus they have an awesome little play area if you’re visiting with kids.
Beerburg has an outdoor deck that offers a beautiful view of the sunset. Sip your craft beer and exhale, and the sun sinks behind those hill country views.
WEBSITE |13476 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736
Zilker Park
(Sprawl out with unlimited space while you watch the golden hour glow)
While this isn’t a great place for an unobstructed view of the sunset (you won’t be able to see it sink below the horizon…), Zilker Park is a beautiful space in the center of the city that allows for plenty of space for anyone to enjoy the golden hour glow.
Plan on packing a picnic, bringing the dogs, and throwing a frisbee around as the hour's shift from day to dusk. There’s lots of free parking and plenty of acreages, so even on the busiest and touristy days of the year, you’ll be able to secure a spot in the park. {Photo: Lauren C, Yelp}
WEBSITE | 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Skyline Theater at The Long Center
The Long Center is widely recognized as one of the best places to get an unobstructed view of the downtown Austin skyline but it’s also a great spot to watch the sunset in Austin.
Similar to Zilker Park, you won’t be able to see the sun sink below the horizon, but you’ll be able to enjoy the fantastic ambiance of the beautiful evening hours in ATX.
WEBSITE | 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Hotel Van Zandt Pool Deck
Whether you’re staying at the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt as an overnight guest or you’re just enjoying a day pass at this Austin hotel with an amazing pool, plan on standing near the western-facing ledge of the pool deck and enjoying the sunset views.
Grab a summery cocktail from their pool bar so you can have something in hand to sip as you watch the sun slip away. This is one of the most amazing spots to watch the sunset in Austin!
WEBSITE | 605 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701
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