12 Perfect Charleston Sunset Spots In 2025
I always love to see the sunset no matter where I am. While living here, I have spent many years finding the best Charleston sunset spots to end the day perfectly.
I have always found something truly magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon in Charleston, South Carolina. The warm hues of orange, pink, and purple painting the sky create a breathtaking backdrop that is perfect for snapping a photo or simply enjoying with a loved one.
Whether you’re a resident looking for a new spot to catch the sunset or a visitor wanting to experience the beauty of Charleston, I have rounded up the perfect Charleston sunset spots that will leave you in awe.
From being by the water to rooftop bars, Charleston offers a variety of stunning locations to watch the sun go down. Imagine having a romantic walk on The Battery, feeling the gentle breeze off the harbor as the sky transforms into a masterpiece of colors. Or perhaps you prefer a more elevated view, sipping cocktails with your significant other at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.
No matter your preference, Charleston has a sunset spot that will take your breath away. So grab your camera or your loved one, and get ready to witness the beauty of a Charleston sunset.
Perfect Charleston Sunset Spots
I have had many people ask me, “Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Charleston?”
I completely understand that question. But it can be hard, especially with Charleston being a city on the country’s East Coast. The sun sets in the West, and finding the perfect Charleston sunset spot can be challenging.
I have spent a lot of time going around Charleston to find the best spots to watch the sun go down. Be it while hanging out downtown at a rooftop bar or being more secluded over the marshes, there are some perfect spots to watch the magic of the sun setting.
I am breaking this list down to the area of downtown Charleston and then the surrounding areas. Explore the area and find your perfect sunset spot with the help of this list. Here are my perfect Charleston sunset spots for you all to enjoy.
Downtown Charleston And Peninsula Sunset Spots
Downtown Charleston and the peninsula can be somewhat difficult to find a great spot to see the sunset. Usually, there are buildings in your way to block your view. The great thing is, that the buildings in Charleston are not too tall.
Also, there are some great spots around the downtown area where you will be able to see a great sunset without the obstruction of a building. Charleston has plenty of great parks, a few of which you can see a spectacular sunset. Also, you will not want to pass up a couple of other spots.
While finding a perfect spot for a Charleston sunset downtown, you will be able to pick anywhere from a rooftop to being next to water. I love that there are many different places to see a great sunset in downtown Charleston.
1. The Battery
Location: 2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401 (White Point Garden)
The Battery is one of the most popular spots in Charleston. It is located on the tip of the peninsula where the Ashley River meets Charleston Harbor. The amazing promenade gives you some of the best views of the water, the antebellum homes, and wraps around White Point Garden. This is a perfect place to take a stroll to clear your head or have a romantic walk with your significant other.
Enjoy walking along where the Ashley River meets Charleston Harbor with amazing views. Most people wonder if you can see the sunset from The Battery in Charleston, SC. And yes, this is a perfect spot for those doing a romantic stroll looking to find a great sunset.
2. Brittlebank Park
Location: 185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
Brittlebank Park sits along the banks of the Ashley River. This 10-acre park is right next to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, home of the Charleston Riverdogs. You will find lots of open space for your dog to run around and a playground for your children.
This is one of my favorite places to view a sunset while in Charleston. You can sit on the banks of the river to watch or walk down the pier to the pavilion to watch a perfect sunset. Also, if there is a baseball game the night you are there, stay and enjoy the fireworks show from the stadium just after the sunset.
3. Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park
Location: 360 Fishburne St, Charleston, SC 29403
Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park is a baseball stadium and home to the Charleston Riverdogs. What a great way to spend the evening with your family or friends. Make sure to pay attention to the time so you can get to the west side to view the sunset. Stay after the game and make the kids happy with a fireworks show!
How can this be a perfect spot for a sunset? Well, while walking on the west side of the stadium, you will have an unbelievable view of the marshes that the sun sets over. This view will take your breath away as you watch the sunset.
*Fun Fact* – Did you know that Charleston, SC is home to Bill Murray? He has part ownership into the Charleston Riverdogs and there is a great chance that you will see him at the games when he is in the city.
4. Charleston Rooftop Bars
I have found that some of the best places to see the sunset are from the amazing Charleston rooftop bars. Of course, getting to the highest points of the area is always the best thing to do. With Charleston not having skyscrapers, you will get a beautiful sunset from almost any rooftop bar.
Check out my post HERE about The Best Charleston Rooftop Bars to find the perfect one for you. I have spent time going around to find some of the best rooftop bars to enjoy Charleston, the views, and the sunsets. I recommend trying The Citrus Club which is the rooftop of The Dewberry.
5. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Location: The giant bridge that links downtown Charleston to Mt. Pleasant. You cannot miss it.
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is one of the iconic landmarks of Charleston. You will see it span across the water linking downtown Charleston and Mt. Pleasant. This is a 2.5-mile-long bridge that has a dedicated side for walking and biking.
Once you are walking across it, you will realize how high you are up as giant cargo ships flow underneath you. This is a great spot to view the sunset as you get a full view of the landscape of Charleston. So get a little bit of exercise in and go for a great walk to see a stunning sunset from atop the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
6. Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Location: Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401 – It is where Vendue Range and Concord St meet.
Joe Riley Waterfront Park is one of the most popular spots in Charleston, mostly because it is home to the famous pineapple fountain. This park is on the waterfront of Charleston Harbor and gives you amazing views of all the sailboats, ships, and the aircraft carrier, the USS Yorktown.
Though this park is on the east side of the peninsula, seeing a great sunset is still great here. Walk out on the pier and watch the sunset over the city skyline. Once you are there, you will notice that this will turn out to be a majestic view and well worth your time to adventure out to this spot.
Other Charleston Sunset Spots
There are many great spots all around the Charleston area to view a perfect sunset. Whether you are on the beach or looking for that special sweet spot or you are sitting down at a restaurant on Shem Creek, I have you covered.
Some of these require a little bit of a ride to get there but trust me, they are worth it. You will be able to find some of the best sunset spots by venturing out a little bit from the downtown area of Charleston.
Finding the perfect spot is not the easiest because Charleston is an East Coast city. But, I have searched out these spots to find the best ones for you. So get your camera out or enjoy the moment with your significant other and enjoy a perfect sunset spot that is not in downtown Charleston.
7. Northbridge Park
Location: 1180 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
Northbridge Park is located right off of the Cosgrove Bridge while entering or exiting West Ashley. It sits on the banks of the Ashley River and faces west. It is a small park that will mostly have people fishing on the shore or off the dock.
This is one of my favorite places to view the sunset. I love the simplicity of this park and that it is more of a hidden gem in Charleston when it comes to parks. The backdrop of the trees and water really makes this spot awe-inspiring as you watch the sunset.
8. Pitt Street Bridge
Location: 100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464
Pitt Street Bridge is a great spot in the Old Village part of Mount Pleasant. You will find this amazing location on a small strip of land that goes out into the marsh. There is a wooden bridge that extends out further onto the water area. This used to be the spot where a trolley connected Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island.
There is something magical about Pitt St. Bridge that will always take my breath away. The water, marsh, palmetto trees, and view all wrapped up into one is just a dream come true to see. I love this spot to view a sunset because you just feel so secluded from everything else.
9. Folly Beach Pier
Location: 101 E. Arctic Ave, Folly Beach, SC, 29439
Living in Charleston, I get asked a lot, “Can you see the sunset at Folly Beach”? Finding a great spot on Folly Beach can be hard given its location. But there is a great spot to view the sunset, the Folly Beach Pier.
There are some great locations around Folly Beach to view the sunset including Folly Beach County Park. But, I recommend venturing out onto Folly Beach Pier and watching the sunset from there. The old pier was taken down and a new one was opened in 2023. If you are visiting Folly Beach, this is a great location to see a sunset.
10. Shem Creek
Location: Shrimp Boat Ln, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464
Shem Creek is one of my favorite places in the Charleston area. You will find amazing restaurants, places to have some drinks, and some of the best views of marshes from the park and boardwalk. Take your drink down to the water to see boats pulling up, kayakers, paddle boarders, and even dolphins.
There is something about Shem Creek that just holds you in and you never want to leave. You will be able to see a beautiful sunset from just about any restaurant while at Shem Creek. But, I recommend taking a walk in Shem Creek Park and heading down the boardwalk for a beautiful, peaceful sunset.
11. Sullivan’s Island
Location: Station 16 St, Sullivan’s Island, SC, 29482
Sullivan’s Island is an amazing beach spot to catch the sunset. Besides the amazing amazing beach in this area, there are great restaurants and historical sites to see. Take time to come early for some food and to tour Fort Moultrie, where a major battle of The Revolutionary War took place.
I recommend coming to Station 16 St to get the best access to the beach because it is right by Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail to get you to the beach. But anywhere from Station 16 St and West will work. You will be able to get a spectacular sunset with the sun setting behind Fort Sumter and the Charleston Skyline with Charleston Harbor in the foreground.
12. Memorial Waterfront Park
Location: 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Memorial Waterfront Park is located right next to the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. You will be able to get a great view of underneath the bridge and just take in the massive size of it. There is a great playground here for your kids to enjoy as well.
My favorite part of this spot is the Mount Pleasant Pier which takes you out onto the water and gives you a great view. This is also a great spot to see the massive cargo ships that pass under the bridge. When out of this pier, you will be facing West and get a great view of the sun setting through the bridge.
What Time Does The Sun Set In Charleston?
Now that you have decided where to go to see a sunset in Charleston, what time should you go? Depending on the time of the year it can be as early as around 5 pm or as late as 8:30 pm. This all depends on the season that you are in.
I recommend having a light jacket or a sweatshirt to wear when watching the sunset in spring, fall, and winter. It can get a little chilly at times, especially with the breeze. During the summer, there is no need to worry about it.
- Spring – Spring is a great time of the year to visit Charleston. The weather is nice and the humidity has not set in yet. Charleston’s spring runs between March to May. Look for the sun to set as early as 6 pm and as late as 8:20 pm. Remember that Daylight Savings starts during the spring.
- Summer – Summer is hot and humid in Charleston with a chance of daily showers or thunderstorms. But there is something magical about Charleston summers that you have to experience. Charleston’s summer runs between June to August. Look for the sun to set as early as 7:45 pm and as late as 8:30 pm.
- Fall/Autumn – Fall is another amazing time to visit Charleston. The air is a little cooler but the water is still warm. Charleston’s fall runs between September to November. Look for the sun to set as early as 5:15 pm and as late as 7:45 pm. Remember that Daylight Savings ends during the fall.
- Winter – Winter in Charleston is a great time to visit. It is cooler but is not a brutal winter. Fewer people are visiting the city and is a great time to get everything in. Charleston’s winter runs between December to February. Look for the sun to set as early as 5:15 pm and as late as 6:15 pm.
How To Get To The Perfect Charleston Sunset Spots
Charleston is an easy city to get around, especially if you are staying downtown and most of your activities are downtown as well. If you are looking to venture out, especially to see these amazing sunset spots in Charleston, there are plenty for you.
- Walking – Charleston is a very walkable city, especially the entire downtown area. The peninsula is not too large, so walking is easy.
- Rideshare – Rideshare is a major part of Charleston with lots of rides available.
- Taxis – Charleston has plenty of taxi options available including Charleston Green Taxi.
- Rickshaw – Downtown Charleston will have a lot of rickshaws available to use. They will get you to just about everywhere in the downtown Charleston area.
- Bikes – The city of Charleston also has invested in bikes that you can rent around the city. It is a great way to get around.
Where To Stay In Charleston
Charleston has many great hotel options to stay in while visiting. You can find the perfect hotel for your stay in many areas.
There are plenty of great hotel options that you can find from boutiques to ones with amazing dining options. Charleston has everything to find the perfect room for all that you need.
To find the perfect hotel for you and your location, check out my post below.
Get Your Charleston Tour Pass And Save
If you are planning on being in Charleston for multiple days and looking to do a lot of tours, take a look at the tours included in the Charleston Tour Pass. I have found that you can save money if you are planning on taking the tours provided.
Charleston Tour Pass has over 45 tours in its package with multi-day options. Save some money and purchase your Charleston Tour Pass.
Get Charleston Bag Valet
Don’t want to haul your luggage all around Charleston while waiting for your flight to leave or for your hotel to be ready? Good News! Charleston Bag Valet will help you out with that. As they say, you explore, they store.
Charleston Bag Valet will pick up your bags curbside anywhere in Charleston and secure each item with a customizable tamper-proof lock. They will store your bags in an insured and secured climate-controlled environment while you explore. When you are ready, they will deliver your bags to you where you want them and when you want them. You can even have them delivered to the airport for your ease.
Perfect Charleston Sunset Spots: In Conclusion
In conclusion, Charleston offers a plethora of stunning sunset spots whether you prefer the bustling downtown views or the serene marsh landscapes. From rooftop bars to beachfront parks, there’s no shortage of perfect places to watch the sun dip below the horizon in The Holy City.
If you love sunsets, try to get as many of these Charleston sunset spots in as you can. Every spot has a different feel to it as the sun sets below the horizon. My personal favorite Charleston sunset spots are Brittlebank Park, Northbridge Park, and Shem Creek. I hope this list will help you find yours.
So, grab your loved ones or friends, a cozy blanket, and a camera to capture the breathtaking moments as the sky lights up in a kaleidoscope of colors. There is something about the perfect moment as the sun goes down that words can’t give it justice. Don’t miss out on experiencing the magic of any of these perfect Charleston sunset spots – it’s a memory you’ll cherish forever.
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