Summer Solstice
The top 150 locations in America to watch sunrise during Summer Solstice.
The Summer Solstice, falling on June 20th, marks the longest day of the year and the official beginning of summer – a season beloved by many. A time-honored tradition among various cultures is to greet this day by watching the sunrise. In honor of this tradition, We conducted a survey of 3,000 locals to identify the best spots in the country to witness the sunrise on the Summer Solstice, based on personal experiences. This survey helped curate a list of the top 150 places nationwide (and in each state) to experience this magical moment. Here are the top 10 locations:
1. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
By Sergey Yarmolyuk - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83073693
The top pick across the country was the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. In particular around Sand Harbor, it provides beautiful sunrise views over the clear blue waters and surrounding mountains.
2. Arches National Park, Utah
By Palacemusic - Prise de vue personnelle, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6020905
Taking the runner’s up spot, the Delicate Arch and Windows Section offer spectacular sunrise views with the unique red rock formations creating a dramatic backdrop. The morning light enhances the vibrant colors of the arches and surrounding landscape.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
By Murray Foubister - https://www.flickr.com/photos/mfoubister/8645178272/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51850121
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the world famous Grand Canyon emerged as one of the most sought after destinations. The South Rim, particularly at Mather Point or Yaki Point, offers breathtaking sunrise views over the vast and colorful canyon.
4. Stone Mountain Park, Georgia
By Truth Falcon - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76686419
Just outside Atlanta, the summit of Stone Mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Watching the sunrise from here provides a stunning perspective of the city and the natural landscape.
5. Key West, Florida
By Radomianin - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74677350
The southernmost point in the continental U.S., Key West offers stunning sunrise views over the Atlantic Ocean. The White Street Pier is a particularly popular spot to catch the first light of the day.
6. Everglades National Park, Florida
By Everglades NPS from Homestead, Florida, United States - Sunset over the River of Grass, NPSphoto, G.Gardner, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44777208
Known for its stunning natural beauty, the Everglades offers unique sunrise views at the Pa-hay-okee Overlook. This spot provides expansive vistas of the vast sawgrass marshes, creating a distinctive sunrise experience.
7. Adirondack Mountains, New York
By R khot (talk) - I created this image entirely by myself., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11618942
The High Peaks region offers breathtaking sunrise views from various summits. Mount Marcy, the highest point in New York, provides a particularly spectacular vantage point, but easier hikes like Cascade Mountain also offer stunning vistas.
8. Sedona, Arizona
By Terrydarc - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26873069
In 8th place came Sedona. With its iconic red rock formations, spots like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock provide magnificent sunrise vistas.
9. Maroon Bells, Colorado
By John Fowler from Placitas, NM, USA - Alpenglow, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22318729
Near Aspen, the Maroon Bells are two of the most photographed mountains in North America. The view of the sunrise over Maroon Lake with the peaks in the background is truly iconic.
10. Cannon Beach, Oregon
And rounding up the top 10 came Cannon Beach on Oregon’s beach. Located on the northern Oregon coast, Cannon Beach, in 3rd place overall, offers beautiful sunrise views over the Pacific Ocean. The iconic Haystack Rock provides a striking silhouette against the morning sky.