The 13 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Austin

Looking for the best place in Austin to watch the sunset! Well this is my specialty, i’m a sucker for a good Austin Sunset! I’m sharing my favorite places to catch the sunset in Austin, whether you want that sun to fall over the water or the downtown skyline. Some are in restaurants, some parks, some docks, and some completely random locations. Either way, you’re in for a killer view!

SEE MORE // YOUR AUSTIN SUMMER BUCKET LIST FOR 2022

Michelle’s Secret Docks on the Boardwalk

We’re starting off with my hidden gem, specifically to prove this is not like EVERY other list that shares best sunsets and they’re every single place everybody already knows about. The docks at the AMLI South Shore are my favorite spot in Austin to watch the sunset. They’re peaceful and set up with chairs from the building (though you can also bring your own) and we usually just grab a couple beers and catch the views here!

The colors are incredible, the sun sets right over downtown, it’s never busy, and usually you get to watch the tourists attempt to paddleboard from the docks to the bats and it’s highly entertaining.

To park, you can park over on S Lakeshore Drive and then walk to this point (linked the coordinates via google maps here)!

The Oasis Brewing Company (Not the restaurant, to be clear)

Pretty much the most OBVIOUS option, so we’re getting it off the list early on. The Oasis Brewing Co is just, without a doubt, one of the best views of the sunset over Lake Travis. TO BE CLEAR THIS IS NOT THE RESTAURANT. The Oasis Restaurant is an Austin staple most well known for having the absolute worst food and ungodly high prices. But the Brewery? Gorgeous views, no waiting for a table, good beers, solid bar food, and even better views. It’s my go-to spot to bring friends from out of town to because it’s just gorgeous and unbeatable.

Mozart’s on the Lake

Mozart’s is, without a doubt, the prettiest coffee shop in Austin. I’m honestly prepared to argue it’s the prettiest in the entire state of Texas. It’s gorgeous patio overlooks Lake Austin and all the boats that happen to go by. It’s got two levels of seating on the top and bottom floor, and delicious coffee and pastries to pair with it. I don’t usually go at sunset because it’s just as gorgeous in the middle of the day (as seen above) but sunset is a stunner as well.

This is perfect if you’re looking for a little sunset date night spot too! An ideal first date spot, in my opinion.

SEE MORE // THE 15 BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN AUSTIN

Mount Bonnell or 360 Bridge

If you want a little nature view over the lake instead of a restaurant, then the views from Mount Bonnell and 360 Bridge are the way to go! My favorite easy date night recommendation is packing up a picnic and heading to these spots with your boo for a gorgeous view

Mount Bonnell // My recommendation is going right before sunset with a picnic and catch the views from here! Plenty of great spots to watch from though you should be prepared that it gets pretty busy!

360 Bridge // My pro-tip with this is that when you arrive, you should go climb the cliff on the LEFT side (if you’re looking at the bridge from where the cars are parked). You can cross the highway and you’ll see a small path to the top of that side instead of taking the main cliff up. It’s usually way less busy and more quiet (peep the photo above) for a little picnic view!

Via a Sunset Boat Cruise

Another FAVORITE thing of mine to take people from out of town visiting is the sunset boat tour! You can take Lonestar Riverboats or Capital City Cruises, both options are basically identical. I would recommend booking in advance, especially on a weekend, but we usually just show up and get on no problem.

These sunset tours are cheesy for sure, but they’re only $12 and you can BYOB so it’s perfect for a little treat! You get some insanely gorgeous views of the skyline, and have the best spot in town to watch the bats fly out from under congress bridge. It’s gorgeous!

From Zilker Park (Lou Neff Point)

Generally speaking, we all know Zilker Park is going to have some insanely gorgeous views of the Downtown Austin skyline (per ACL) and of the sun setting over it. But the best spot is right at Lou Neff point! It’s the edge of the park, right on the Austin Boardwalk, that has the above gorgeous view of Austin. And during sunset, you can sit right here and enjoy the views and the boats and paddleboarders floating by trying to catch the same sunset you’re looking at!

I will say, this spot gets BUSY. So if you want quiet and secluded, maybe head to the docks I mentioned first in this list!

Ladybird Lake Austin Boardwalk & Auditorium Shores

Want gorgeous views of the sunset but don’t want to just sit in one spot at a time? The boardwalk, of course! You can start from Auditorium Shores and then walk back along the Boardwalk to catch these stunning views. My favorite spots are definitely after I-35 where you are more in the trees with the docks and views (seen in the images above) but there are plenty of gorgeous little viewpoints that will have you pulling out your camera several times on your walk!

If you don’t feel like walking around, just head to Auditorium Shores along the boardwalk and watch from there! It doubles as a dog park too so the pups can come, but I love going here with friends and some beers to catch the sunset!

P6 at the Line Hotel

Austin has a shocking lack of rooftop bars that overlook the Lake? But at least we have P6! It’s a gorgeous rooftop bar with solid cocktails and A+ views. They definitely aren’t cheap here so be prepared for that (expect $15 cocktails at the minimum) but at least the view to pair with is amazing.

Also recommend getting a reservation at sunset because they fill up FAST. But this is the place to take your mom from out of town. Also, be prepared that people THINK they’ll be able to see the bats from here but truly you cannot. So just be warned!

SEE MORE // THE 10 BEST ROOFTOPS IN AUSTIN FOR VIEWS

Sunset Over a Hotel Pool Downtown

Listen, some of the best sunset views in Austin i’ve caught have been from the rooftop of a hotel pool in Austin downtown. See the above for photo evidence. If you’re staying in a hotel downtown reading this list, GO VISIT YOUR HOTEL POOL. If not, then you can BUY a day pass to one and that’ll do the trick! Some of my favorites include

Austin Proper Hotel Pool: La Piscina here is gorgeous with a killer view, and anyone patron of hotel or not can usually visit La Piscina outside of the summer season! We stayed at the hotel which is why we were alone with our champagne, which 10/10 loved this hote.

The Line Hotel Pool: This one is NOT a rooftop but as you can see, still a KILLER sunset spot. You can get a day pass to their hotel pool which is a peak luxury experience, and pair it with a cocktail at sunset hour and you’re in for a treat.

Hotel Van Zandt: Another hotel rooftop with a restaurant / bar on the rooftop that anyone can visit! Their rooftop does NOT feature a pool but still is gorgeous and a spot to catch the sunset if you’re okay pairing said sunset with a very very expensive cocktail.

Austin Public Library

SPECIFICALLY during the week in the winter when the sun sets early and the library closes at 8pm, this is one of my FAVORITE little spots to watch the sunset. It’s usually not all that crowded, the chairs are comfortable, and it’s completely free. It’s such a great little date night spot when you need a free date night and don’t want to splurge.

South Congress Bridge

Obviously well known for being the best place to watch the bats fly out, and generally a fabulous place for the sunset that happens at the same time! Whether you want to catch the view from on the top of the bridge like these locals, or from the ground beneath it where the Statesman building used to be. Either way, in for a gorgeous treat with a sunset and bat combo.

Just make sure your mouth is closed when you’re looking up. Learned that from experience.

Abels on the Lake

Another iconic classic Austin restaurant with a view! Located right next to Mozart’s, if you want a fancy dinner with a view then Abels on the Lake is a great bet to make. The classic ATX staple is known for being a spot for college formals too, just make sure you time the night you’re there when they are not hosting an event! Otherwise, you’re in for a gorgeous treat.

---

And there you have our favorite spots to watch the sunset in Austin! Hopefully at least one of these viewpoints works for you, and as always please comment if you have any other favorites you think are missing from this list! We’re always up for more fun sunset views.