7 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Austin

At 775 feet, Mount Bonnell is generally considered to be the highest point in Austin. Nothing quite sets off that panoramic view of the skyline, lake, and rolling hills of ATX like the vibrant background of a good sunset. (Pro-tip: bring a date and some food for a romantic picnic!)

Whether you want to stand on the bridge itself, lounge on a nearby grassy hill, or go on the water in one of the kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards available for rent, the Congress Avenue Bridge provides an up-close look of the ATX skyline along with the sunset. And make sure to stick around for the double feature! Between the months of March and November, anyone enjoying the sunset here can turn to the east to watch the cloud of bats emerge from their colony beneath the bridge.

Pennybacker Bridge Overlook Trail is DEFINITELY worth the trek. It’s a bit of a steep climb, but if I can make it in my sandals (a poor choice which I would not recommend), I 100% believe in you. Make sure you arrive a bit early to find a parking spot and leave time to get to the lookout point before sunset (to see both the bridge and the sunset, take the trail across the street from the parking), and sit back to enjoy one of the best views in Austin as the sun paints the sky

If you’re located in more Central Austin, head over to the UT Tower west observation deck to get a great view of this sunset. This is one that’s more uncommon, so it’ll most likely be a less crowded alternative. Be sure to make an appointment to get to the top, however. Enjoy this view of the sunset and the city, while also observing the bustling college campus.

A great place to watch the sunset with a view of the skyline is at The Long Center. The large, grassy hill that is located here makes the perfect viewing place. Come with a blanket and some food, and you have the perfect romantic picnic. Alternatively, bring a frisbee or some card games and have a fun night with friends. Either way, you’ll enjoy the beautiful Austin skyline to pair with the gorgeous sunset.

If you’re looking for a nice place to get drinks and watch the sun go down, check out the Westin Hotel’s rooftop bar, Azul. This sleek place will make you feel straight out of a movie. It’s a great place to stop by to begin a night out with friends. Azul also offers some snack options to munch on, while you sit amongst the skyscrapers and watch the sunset.

Located in the heart of Austin, watch the sunset from Zilker Park. Here, you can even set up a sunset party with a large group of friends. Bring blankets, tables, food, or whatever you’d like to watch from this iconic location. Be sure to bring a frisbee or volleyball, as they have courts provided for entertainment.