17 Best Places Around the World to Witness Stunning Sunrises
Sunrises are more than dawn; they’re an experience. It’s awe-inspiring to see the first light break over the horizon. It can also be a time to connect with the peace in the world or to reflect on moments. No wonder trip planners and shutterbugs scour the world for the best sunrise locations for their travel schedules.
Where, though, can you witness these breathtaking views?
After scouring the opinions of expert sources and travel recommendations, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 17 beautiful sunrise destinations. If you’re pursuing natural beauty and cultural essentials or want stark cityscapes, this guide will take you to some of the most incredible sunrises on Earth.
Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
The magic of watching the sunrise over the expansive cliffs of the Grand Canyon is impressive. A classic is Mather Point in Grand Canyon Village, but if you’re looking to avoid crowds, try Yaki Point. During dawn, the canyon layers paint themselves in fantastic shades of pink, orange, and red.
It’s a must-see for anyone who loves nature or photography. The best times are from March to early May and from September to early November; the weather is incredible, and the colors are pleasing.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Scaling Mount Kilimanjaro is quite a big feat, but the view from Africa’s highest peak at sunrise is unbeatable. At 19,341 feet, you will see the golden sun rise over endless savannahs and light up the curving horizon.
The early hikes are typically via the Marangu or Machame routes, and many climbers consider working out to prepare for the hike to reach the summit by sunrise.
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii, USA
Dubbed the “House of the Sun,” Haleakalā Crater presents viewers with an ethereal sunrise above the clouds. Tourists come to camp or drive up the 10,000-foot summit when the sky is streaked with gold and lavender.
Always make reservations months in advance because you certainly don’t want to miss out on seeing this magnificent sight on Maui Island.
Uluru, Australia
The rising sun draws various hues out of Uluru’s rusty red rock, making it a truly otherworldly experience. Consider joining a guided tour to discover why this site is vital to the Anangu people and their spiritual connection. Remember to carry your camera; this UNESCO landmark right in the heart of Australia’s Outback is a photography gem.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat is a renowned location to witness the sunrise over the largest religious monument on Earth. The temple is silhouetted against the gold-tinted sky, and early risers gather at the reflecting pool to photograph it. The best time to visit is from October to February (dry season), when the skies are clearest.
Taveuni Island, Fiji
Nicknamed the “Garden Island” of Fiji, Taveuni is home to tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, and one of the planet’s first daily sunrises. This serene spot near the International Date Line is known mainly for its proximity to the date line, which colors the ocean pink and orange. Catch this Instagram-worthy moment by hiking to the island’s Bouma National Heritage Park.
Mount Sinai, Egypt
The vista from Mount Sinai is famous for its biblical history and provides a challenging climb to a life-altering sunrise. The first rays of sunlight transform the rugged, jagged peaks of the Sinai Desert into subtle, warm tones. Challenge yourself to climb to the summit by midnight so you can reach it by sunrise.
Taj Mahal, India
Under the light of day, this architectural marvel in Agra has changed completely. With its white marble glowing with the soft but warm pink and gold light of the sun, the Taj Mahal is also one of the most romantic—and popular—places to start a day at sunrise. Pull up early to enjoy the peace before the tourists arrive to mess with your cool.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is famous for its white-washed buildings with blue domes, and the sunrise over Oia (a cliffside village) is undoubtedly worth seeing. This dreamy spot perched above the Aegean would be best visited in early summer — the weather is mild, and there are (hopefully!) fewer crowds.
Bondi Beach, Australia
Bondi Beach, located over the Pacific Ocean, is a paradise for surfers and sunrise enthusiasts. Far over the sea, with its far-stretching waves, the sun comes out of the distance, prinked with gold. Bonus tip: Enjoy a peaceful yoga session or run before the crowd settles.
Mount Fuji, Japan
A sublime sunrise from Lake Kawaguchi is the view of the iconic snow-capped Mount Fuji. Referred to as “Goraiko” (arrival of light) in Japanese, climbing to the summit for sunrise is a cultural experience that locals and tourists cherish. The place for a tranquil vibe, visit in the off-season.
Borobudur Temple, Indonesia
This Buddhist temple in Java is one of the most spiritual places to watch the sunrise. If you are up early, the twin volcanoes are the best part to see on the top tier. Watching the sun rise over rice paddies and volcanic peaks is a true dream for photography buffs.
New York City, USA
A sunrise in a city that never sleeps is still beautiful, whether you’re on the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, or on top of Rockefeller Center. NYC comes out on top of urban sunrise thrill seeker charts, as nearly 685,000 sunrise-related hashtags flood social media.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai’s skyscrapers and surrounding desert make for some of the least equaled sunrise views. You can see the glow of fluorescent pinks and yellows reflecting from the Burj Khalifa or wander out to the dunes for something a little more natural.
Mount Bromo, Indonesia
This active volcano is part of the Tengger Massif in East Java and glows in a range of gold, orange, and purple at sunrise. In addition to all that, this experience is surreal, as the Sea of Sand is a vast volcanic ash field. A jeep tour to Mount Bromo makes it very accessible.
Stonehenge, England
The mystical tone of Stonehenge’s stone circles comes to light at sunrise. Most sun worshipers visit the stones on the summer solstice (June 21st) when the sun aligns with them to create one of the most mystical experiences in history.
Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA
It’s famous for its hoodoos, or unique red rock formations, and has excellent sunrise views. As the sun rises, the landscape shifts its hues from orange to red. It’s particularly impressive in winter when the fiery tones of the sandstone are offset by snow.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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