All Set for Sunset

Nestled between the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River, follow the pristine shoreline to the bustling Marina, and there you will find Saybrook Point Resort & Marina — which is known for its spectacular sunset views. Stay the night or simply come for a delicious meal at Fresh Salt.

Enjoy a glass of Sunset Meadow Vineyards’ award-winning Cayuga White while seated on the outdoor terrace overlooking fields and distant hills.

This is an undeveloped state park that nonetheless offers hiking and brilliant sunsets. The western views from the top of Bradley Mountain overlook Crescent Lake.

The Madison Beach Hotel offers dining experiences from the white tablecloth experience in The Dining Room, the hotel's signature restaurant, or wine and food tastings at the Big Table in the Wine Room, to alfresco casualness on The Porch.

This casual outdoor bar at a top Connecticut resort has a clam-shack vibe and great views of the sun setting behind Long Island Sound. Music and dancing, too!

William Gillette’s eccentric castle is situated on a bluff overlooking the Connecticut River, with views up and down the waterway, and across to the western sky. Hiking trails, picnic spots, food, gift shop. The castle is currently closed, but the grounds remain open for perfect sunset-viewing.

Here’s a little-known park, operated by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. There are picnic tables, a gazebo and a boardwalk with great views of the Connecticut River and sunsets beyond.

Do you want to earn your sunset view? There’s a steep but short along the Metacomet Trail just across the Farmington River bridge from Tariffville that will take you to a ledge overlooking the village, the river and the surrounding hills.

Here’s one of the loveliest outdoor dining spots in Connecticut, with views through trees and across Lake Waramaug to the setting sun. The inn has been keeping customers happy with its Austrian-German menu for decades.

As sunset approaches, photographers (and that means everyone these days) flock here like seagulls. The west-facing exposure includes a pier, picnic areas and views of Charles Island.

Stonington Village is one of Connecticut’s most charming destinations, and at its southern tip, jutting into the Sound, is an old lighthouse (now a museum) and parking area with wonderful sunset views.

Take in the serenity of the lower Connecticut River Valley aboard RiverQuest. Bring a picnic and your favorite beverage for this two-hour cruise.

The schooner Argia takes you out for sunset viewing during a two-hour cruise along the Mystic River and out into the Sound.

The fishing boat by day now offers sunset cruises on Saturday evenings, cruising in Niantic Bay from 7 p.m. until darkness falls.

The Friday Evening Sunset Cruise here heads out to the outer reaches of Norwalk Harbor for unique views of the city and surrounding waterways as the sun gently sets in the west.