We concede that the Texas Hill Country is probably the best place to watch the sunset in the state, but here in Houston with our iconic skyline, it’s still a stellar show. If you’re looking for a pleasant place to admire the sunset Houston has plenty of spaces to witness it in all its glory. [Featured image: @dennyxnguyen]
1. The Twilight Epiphany Skyscape
Located on Rice Campus, the James Turrell Twilight Epiphany is an installation from another planet. Comprised of two levels of steel, concrete, and stone, the pyramidical structure features a square aperture that opens up to the sky.
During sunrise and sunset hours, the installation projects LED lights onto the ceiling that suffuse the portal’s border with an orchestrated sequence of hues. Simplistic in form, the color sequence harmonizes with nature in light, time, and movement in a display of pure beauty.
6100 Main Street
2. Waugh Bridge
When people think “Bat City”, the city of Austin probably comes to mind. But for better or worse, Houston is home to one of the largest year-long colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats in the state. During the Houston sunset, thousands upon thousands of bats emerge from underneath Waugh Bridge, making for a truly surreal sunset spectacle.
Waugh Drive between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway
3. Rosemont Pedestrian Bridge
Perched above the Buffalo Bayou, nestled between Memorial and Allen Parkway, lies the Rosemont Pedestrian Bridge. Gazing eastward, visitors are treated to a verdant panorama enveloping the bayou, framed by the distant skyline. As the sun sets, the ambiance transforms into something truly enchanting.
Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77019
4. Eleanor Tinsley Park
Wander over to the nearby Eleanor Tinsley Park for a more personal encounter with the Houston sunset. As one of the best parks in Houston, Eleanor Tinsley Park features a pristine lawn and undulating hills. Its breathtaking location in front of the downtown skyline, it makes for an ideal spot to plop down for a front row seat at the twilight show.
18-3600 Allen Pkwy
5. PNC Rooftop Garden
Draped in fragrant Asian jasmine, the PNC rooftop boasts a modern design of glass and steel, creating a serene garden ambiance complemented by ample seating. Moreover, the free-and-accessible venue provides sweeping panoramic views, offering a complete 360-degree perspective of the Museum District, the neighboring Texas Medical Center, and downtown Houston.
6. Miller Outdoor Theatre
Miller Outdoor Theatre is an iconic Houston venue and open-air stage that features a diverse array of free concerts, performances, and recitals. Elevating these captivating performances is the breathtaking backdrop of a sweeping sunset on certain evenings, lending the shows an additional touch of magical allure.
6000 Hermann Park Dr
7. On The Bayou
If want the true Buffalo Bayou sunset experience, you can do no better than the bayou itself. If you’re not willing to build a raft or saddle an inner tube, you can check out the Twilight Tours Bayou boat tours from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm on select nights. Rides are timed at half an hour, allowing patrons can to enjoy a pleasant breeze while gazing upon the saturated reflection of the setting sun against the bayou water.
1001 Commerce St.
8. Z on 23
Get some of the best views of the city atop the La Meridien Hotel in Downtown, Houston at Z on 23. The open-air rooftop is an idyllic location for an evening or nightcap with an up close and personal view of the Houston sunset.
1121 Walker St.
9. Minute Maid Park
Located smack dab in the middle of downtown, Houston, Minute Maid Park is the picture perfect place to catch the old ball game. The cherry on top of the innovative 40,000-seat stadium, is its 242-foot high retractable roof. On cooler evenings when its not raining, the roof comes down revealing a mid-game sunset show, treating spectators to a ballpark experience like none other.
501 Crawford St.
10. Glenwood Cemetery
Nestled along Washington Avenue, atop a gently undulating grassy expanse, lies the historic Glenwood Cemetery, now over a century old. Its grounds evoke the ambiance of a tranquil park, characterized by rolling terrain and scenic overlooks. From these elevated vantage points, visitors can enjoy stunning vistas of Buffalo Bayou and the Downtown Houston skyline.
2525 Washington Ave
See also: 27 Cheap And/Or Free Things To Do In Houston