There’s no denying the visual appeal of the Asheville area. With the Blue Ridge Mountains and the French Broad River providing a picturesque backdrop, there’s no shortage of lovely views. Now, add a colorful sunset in Asheville to the mix — you’ll instantly be swept up in the magic of this special city.
Sunset viewing opportunities abound throughout Asheville, with options available for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer to gaze at the sunset from a sophisticated rooftop bar, while you drive the area’s most iconic routes, or as you get your sweat on with a thrilling bike ride, you’ll be amazed by the stunning scenery that abounds throughout the Asheville area.
Build sunset plans into your itinerary, and you’ll be able to make the most of the evening’s best views.
Top candidates for an excellent Asheville sunset include the following:
Sunset Terrace
290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
800-438-5800
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Hit up the Omni Grove Park Inn to observe a sunset view like no other at the acclaimed Sunset Terrace. If nothing else, this spot’s name alone should be indicative of the pristine scenery it offers.
Gaze at the Blue Ridge Mountains as you enjoy a juicy ribeye. Reservations are strongly recommended if you hope to dine at sunset, as this in-demand restaurant tends to get busy during peak dinner hours.
If you arrive early enough, you can build on the relaxing atmosphere with a visit to the Omni Grove Park Inn’s beloved spa. With hours extending until 7 pm on weekends, you just might catch sunset colors from the wonderful vantage point of the fireside lounges.
Antler Hill Village
225 Winery Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
800-411-3812
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Extend your Biltmore visit with a laid-back stroll through Antler Hill Village. Designed to link the area’s storied past with the vibrant present, this shopping and dining destination serves as the perfect spot for a fun date or a night out with close friends.
You can also catch a great view if you visit with kids, as the village is home to the Pisgah Playground. Simply walking around is fun as the sun settles below the horizon, but nothing quite compares to an evening at the Biltmore Estate Winery.
Blue Ridge Parkway
GPS Directions Here
On the hunt for the perfect scenic drive near Asheville? Don’t miss the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. This iconic route boasts some of the region’s finest overlooks, several of which are especially impressive at sunset.
Craggy Gardens and Mount Pisgah are both easy to reach from Asheville. If you’re willing to travel further, however, you’re also welcome to check out the Raven Rocks Overlook or Cowee Mountain.
Pillar Rooftop Bar
309 College St 6th Floor, Asheville, NC 28801
828-575-1188
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Several local bars boast exceptional patios and rooftop areas, where, if you’re lucky, you can catch a memorable sunset view. Few compare to the Pillar Rooftop Bar, however, where you’re guaranteed a feast for all the senses. The cocktail menu is packed with inventive drinks, although plenty of wine and beer selections are also available. If you’re lucky, you’ll stop by during a live music event.
Interested in checking out Asheville’s other rooftop bars? Excellent options for observing the sunset include:
New Belgium Brewing Company
21 Craven St, Asheville, NC 28806
828-333-6900
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If you prefer a laid-back brewery visit to a sophisticated cocktail experience, you’re the perfect candidate for an evening at the New Belgium Brewing Company. Several unique selections are available, but this brewery is worth visiting even if you’re not a huge fan of beer.
While many Asheville breweries are known for their exceptional outdoor spaces, New Belgium Brewing Company definitely stands out. Situated along the French Broad River and near the River Arts District, the brewery attracts several food trucks. Grab a beer, take a short stroll near the river, and play a game of cornhole.
On a Bike
There’s a lot to love about daytime biking in and around Asheville, but adventures on two wheels are that much more exciting as the sky comes alive with gorgeous colors.
We’ve already mentioned Antler Hill Village, but shopping and dining are by no means your only options if you want to witness the area’s stunning sunset hues. This area also provides easy access to the Lagoon Trail and the Farm Trail,
Antler Hill’s Bike Barn may only be open until 5 pm — but depending on the season, you might be able to enjoy early sunset views before you need to return your rental bike. If you visit Asheville equipped with your own bike, however, you can ride whenever you desire. If you venture beyond the Antler Hill area, you can explore the aforementioned Blue Ridge Parkway by bike.
North Carolina Arboretum
Open until 9 pm during the summer months, the North Carolina Arboretum provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for your Asheville area sunset expedition. Spanning over 65 acres, these wonderfully cultivated gardens are chock full of vibrant colors, which bring even more visual appeal to an already beautiful sunset.
Wander over ten miles of trails as you observe numerous wildflowers, plus the birds and butterflies they attract. The hiking trails range from easy to challenging, with a similar array of biking trails available to those who prefer to check out the sunset on two wheels.
Max Patch Trail
Max Patch Rd, Hot Springs, NC 28743
828-689-9694
See Website
If you’re willing to work a bit harder for your sunset view, you can’t go wrong with the Max Patch Trail. This is one of several Asheville area treks to provide panoramic scenery, but many fans would argue that its visuals are among the region’s finest. Bring a picnic blanket and give yourself a hard-earned break at the peak, where you’re welcome to snap pictures to your heart’s delight.
If you prefer an even shorter hike, try Devil’s Courthouse. Sunset Rock at Roan Mountain is also a wonderful option. If you play your cards right, you can enjoy a different (but equally impressive) sunset hike every day.
Hiking, biking, or drinking, you can never go wrong with a sunset outing in Asheville. Hit up the city’s hottest destinations in the evening and treat yourself to a view like no other.
