Where to Watch the Sunrise and Sunset on Sunset Beach, NC

Sunset Beach lives up to its name. The wide beach, Bird Island and the open view toward the west give you several good ways to end the day, whether you want an easy walk from your rental or a longer evening on the beach.

Sunrise is simpler. Get to the beach early, walk out from the closest access and enjoy the quiet. For sunset, there are a couple of spots worth making a plan for.

Best Sunset: The West End

The west end of Sunset Beach offers the best unobstructed view of the sunset and is my preferred spot for a nature walk when I want to enjoy the scenery. Head toward the 40th Street access and walk west. You get a wide-open view toward Bird Island, and the farther you go, the quieter it usually gets.

You do not need to walk all the way to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox to get a great view. Save that for a daytime trip when you have more time. If you would like to learn more about Bird Island and the mailbox, check out our Sunset Beach Family Vacation Guide.

Another Great View: East of the Pier

If you want something a little different, head east of the Sunset Beach Pier. From that side of the beach, you can frame the sunset with the pier or the Sunset Beach bridge in the background, which makes for some of the best photo opportunities on the island.

Pictures from under or on the pier are also great if you are staying near the center of the island and don't want to walk far.

Best Easy Sunset: The Beach Near Your Rental

You don't have to walk to Bird Island every night. Sunset Beach has a great western view from most of the shoreline, so for an easy evening I would use the beach access closest to where you're staying.

Bring a chair, let the kids stay on the beach a little longer and give the sky a few minutes after the sun drops. That's usually when the best color shows up.

If you don't want to pack beach gear for the trip, we deliver chairs, umbrellas and other beach equipment directly to Sunset Beach vacation rentals.

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Sunrise: Keep It Simple

For sunrise, I wouldn't drive around looking for a special spot. Walk to your nearest beach access about 20 minutes before sunrise. Sunset Beach is quiet early in the morning, and that's really the appeal.

If you're an early riser, it's also one of the best times for a long beach walk before the sand gets busy and the day heats up.

A Few Local Tips

Partly cloudy skies usually give you more color than a completely clear horizon. Low tide can make the view even better because the wet sand reflects the sky.

High tide provides excellent sunset and sunrise views along the Intracoastal Waterway, especially in a kayak. Be sure to check the tides and give yourself enough daylight to get back.

For Bird Island, check the tides before you head out and plan for the walk or bike ride back. In cooler weather, bring an extra layer. Once the sun goes down, the temperature on the beach can change quickly.

One of the Best Parts of Sunset Beach

A Sunset Beach vacation doesn't need to be packed with plans. Some of the best evenings are the simple ones: dinner, a walk to the beach and another 30 minutes outside while the sky changes.

If you are looking for more to do on Sunset Beach, check out our top 10 list!

Where to Watch the Sunrise and Sunset on Oak Island, NC

One of the things that makes Oak Island unique is our south-facing beach. Depending on the time of year, you can catch both sunrise and sunset over the water, something you don't get on most East Coast beaches.

You really can't go wrong anywhere along Oak Island, but a few spots stand out.

Best Sunset: The Point

The Point at the west end of Oak Island is my favorite sunset spot. You get a wide-open view across the Lockwood Folly Inlet, and the combination of beach, water and marsh makes it a little more interesting than a straight ocean horizon.

For a different view, watch it from the water. A kayak around the inlet is one of my favorite ways to catch the sunset. We can deliver a kayak for the week or meet you at The Point through our Park & Paddle service. Plan your paddle so you're back before dark but get to enjoy the Golden Hour (last about 30 minutes after sunset), and always pay attention to the tide and current.

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Best Sunrise: Oak Island Pier

For sunrise, I like the area around Oak Island Pier. The pier gives you a great backdrop, especially for photos, and there is plenty of beach to walk while the sky changes.

Try to be on the sand about 20 minutes before sunrise. The color leading up to it is often better than the actual moment the sun appears.

An Easy-Access Option: 10th Place West

10th Place West is another good option, especially if someone in your group has trouble getting across the sand. The Mobi-Mat makes the beach handicap accessible, and the gazebo is a nice place to bring coffee in the morning or sit for a while in the evening.

For anyone who needs to travel beyond the mat and across the soft sand, we also rent beach wheelchairs and deliver them directly to your vacation rental.

Rent a Beach Wheelchair

Don't Overthink the Location

If you're staying near the beach, you probably don't need to drive across the island chasing the best sunrise spot. Walk to the closest beach access. Most mornings, the important part is simply being on the beach before the sun comes up.

Sunset is a little different. The Point is worth the drive because the inlet opens up the view, especially during summer.

When Can You See Both Over the Ocean?

Fall and winter are especially good for this. As the sun moves farther south, Oak Island's shoreline gives us stretches of the year when you can watch the sun rise over the water in the morning and set over the water that evening.

Partly cloudy skies often make better sunsets than perfectly clear ones, and low tide is great for photos because the wet sand reflects the sky. In fall and winter, bring a sweatshirt. A calm afternoon can turn chilly pretty quickly once the sun drops.

Best of all, this is one of the great Oak Island vacation activities that doesn't require much planning. Grab a coffee in the morning or take the family to The Point after dinner and enjoy it. After more than a decade working around Oak Island, the sunrise and sunset still don't get old.