Most East Coast beaches face the Atlantic, so most sunsets on the East Coast happen behind you. Cities like Cape May, New Jersey, and Lewes, Delaware, are the exception. Both look west across the Delaware Bay, so you can watch the sun drop right into the water in every season, from the beach or from the deck of the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.
At the Cape May – Lewes Ferry, summer is Sunset Season. The year’s latest sunsets line up with our evening sailings and the outdoor Lido Bar. Follow us on Instagram and sign up for our emails to catch the countdown to Sunset Season each year.
Why the Best East Coast Sunset Is a Ferry Sunset
The Cape May – Lewes Ferry During a Sunset
Our pick for the best place to watch the sunset isn’t on a beach. It’s on the deck of the award-winning Cape May – Lewes Ferry. Each 85-minute crossing covers 17 miles of open Delaware Bay, so nothing stands between you and the horizon. The sun sets in the northwest in summer and the southwest in winter, so the best sailing changes with the season.
In winter, the 4:15 PM departure from Lewes catches the sunset through about mid-February. In fall, the 6:00 PM departure from Cape May sails toward the sunset from mid-September through late October. Cooler, cleaner air often brings deeper color this time of year, according to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.
In summer, it’s Sunset Season on the bay. Plan a round trip and catch the sunset from the Lido Deck on the 7:45 PM sailing back from Lewes.
Where to See the Best Sunset Spots in New Jersey
Sunset Beach, New Jersey and Other Cape May Sunset Spots
Cape May sits at the southern tip of the state and looks west across the Delaware Bay, so it’s one of the few places in New Jersey where the sun sets over open water. The best-known spot is Sunset Beach at Cape May Point, where the sun drops straight into the bay. Sunset times in New Jersey range from about 4:40 PM in early December to about 8:30 PM in late June, so check the NOAA Solar Calculator before you head out.
Our New Jersey guide covers our favorite sunset spots, plus approximate sunset times for every season.
Where to See the Sunset in Delaware
Lewes Beach Sunsets, Cape Henlopen, and More
Across the bay, Lewes faces the same water, so the sun sets over the Delaware Bay instead of behind the dunes. Lewes Beach is a local favorite for a sunset in Lewes, DE, with calm bay water and plenty of room on the sand.
Pull up a table at Grain On the Rocks, where you can watch the Ferry depart and the sun set over the Bay with a drink in hand. Or head to Cape Henlopen State Park, just down the road from the Lewes terminal. With plenty of beach access and a number of different spots to choose from, there are plenty of ways to find a space for your own private sunset show!
Looking for the best place to watch the sunset in Delaware? Our full guide covers more spots and sunset times for every season.
East Coast Sunset FAQs
Can you see the sunset on the East Coast?
Yes, but you need a spot that faces west over water. Most East Coast beaches face the Atlantic, so the sun sets behind them. Cape May, New Jersey, and Lewes, Delaware, both look west across the Delaware Bay, so the sun drops right into the water.
What time is sunset on the East Coast?
It depends on the date and where you are. Around Cape May and Lewes, sunset ranges from about 4:40 PM in early December to about 8:30 PM in late June. Our New Jersey and Delaware sunset guides have tables of approximate sunset times by season.
Does the East Coast get sunsets over the ocean?
Not often, since most Atlantic beaches face east. The exceptions are spots that face west over a bay or sound. In New Jersey, Cape May Point, where the Atlantic meets the Delaware Bay, Sunset Beach faces west, so the sun drops right into the water. Across the bay in Delaware, the beaches of Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park look out over the same water.
What season has the best sunsets?
Late fall and winter tend to bring the most vivid sunsets. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center notes that clean air is the main ingredient in colorful sunsets, and summer’s sluggish air traps more haze. Summer still has the latest sunsets of the year, which gives you more time on the beach before the show.
Why are winter sunsets so colorful?
Winter air is usually drier and holds less haze, so the oranges and pinks come through brighter. Winter sunsets also arrive early, around 4:40 PM in early December, so it’s easy to catch one before dinner. On the bay, the 4:15 PM sailing from Lewes is our favorite way to see one.
When are fall sunsets the most colorful on the East Coast?
Fall sunsets tend to peak in late October and November, as cooler, drier air replaces summer haze. Clear evenings with a few high clouds often bring the strongest colors, since the clouds catch and reflect the light.
What is the best time for sunset photos?
Start shooting about 20 to 30 minutes before sunset, when the light turns warm and soft. Then stay for 10 to 20 minutes after the sun drops, since the sky often shows its strongest color once the sun is below the horizon.
Is there a Cape May sunset cruise on the Cape May - Lewes Ferry?
The ferry doesn’t run a dedicated sunset cruise, but the right crossing works just as well. In fall, the 6:00 PM departure from Cape May sails toward the sunset, and in summer, the 7:45 PM sailing from Lewes meets it on the way back to Cape May. Check the ferry schedule to find the sailing that lines up with sunset on your travel date.
