It’s a fact. The sun sets in the west so if you want a great view of a sunset, what you need to do is get as west as possible. Ideally, that means a trip to the Pacific Ocean, but you can get some pretty beautiful views of sunsets right here in the Puget Sound – and specifically Pierce County – as well. First, wait for a clear night. Next, head out to one of the spots below to catch a beautiful sunset. Bring some snacks since watching the sunset is not an activity to be rushed, but if you really don’t have time to sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon, you can check TimeandDate.com to find the sunset time for each day.
Titlow Beach
One of the best spots for sunset watching in town is Titlow Beach Park at the bottom of 6th Avenue. A stretch of rocky beach can be a nice place to sit if the tide is out, otherwise there’s a short boardwalk where you can stand or find a spot to sit down, as well as a picnic table area right near the entrance to the beach. Along with views of the sunset, you’ll get views of the Narrows Bridge. The sun does not set into the water from this location, but goes down over Gig Harbor across the way. Steamers Seafood Cafe and The Beach Tavern are both located near the beach too, if you have need of food or drink (but don’t have great sunset views from their interiors).
Boathouse 19
Boathouse 19 is located at the very end of South 19th Street in close proximity to Narrows Brewing. Have a meal at Boathouse 19 and watch the sunset and then head to Narrows Brewing for a drink to make an evening of it. Window seats at Boathouse 19 might not have you pointed directly at the sunset, but show up early and request seating with the best western view possible. Or ask to be seated on the deck where you can bask in the sunset glow to your heart’s content. Also be warned that the restaurant closes at 9:00 p.m. some evenings and during certain times of the year, sunset may be later than that.
Chambers Bay
One of the best places for a walk or jog is also one of the best places to watch the sunset. Chambers Bay is large so you can choose your own viewing adventure. At the “top” of the park (many of the trails dip down into the basin of the former rock quarry), you’ll find benches where you can sit and enjoy a view over the park, the Puget Sound and the sunset with a wide-open view. These benches are near the parking lot so you don’t have to go far. If you don’t mind a bit of a walk, you can venture to the bottom of the trails to the pedestrian “bridge” at the water’s edge. This bridge ends in mid-air, which means you can get right up to the edge and watch the sunset with nothing between you and the water.
If you prefer your sunset views with dinner, the Chambers Bay Grill is located at the heart of the golf course and features expansive views of the water and sunset.
Sunnyside Beach Park
Just a little farther down the road from Chambers Bay is Steilacoom’s Sunnyside Beach Park. Perched right on the water, this park has a small, sandy beach and a stretch of grass that’s perfect for a sunset picnic.
Topside Bar and Grill
Also in Steilacoom, Topside Bar and Grill has water views from its deck and interior. If you want to sit on the deck, there may be a wait so plan in advance if deck sunset viewing is on your list. While the restaurant isn’t right on the water, it’s on enough of a hill that you’ll get a pretty clear sunset view while you dine.
Ruston Way Waterfront
Tacoma’s Ruston Way Waterfront does not offer sunset views specifically as it does not point west, but that doesn’t mean it’s an unpleasant place to spend the later evening. While you won’t get to see the sun itself going down over the horizon, sunset colors can still be pretty spectacular, especially if you’re out on the deck of one of the restaurants along the water.
