The Best Sunset Photo Spots on the Coast

The sky begins to glow. Orange turns to blush, then lavender. You pause. You raise your phone or camera. Snap. In that moment, you capture more than a picture—you capture a feeling.

If you’ve been asking, “Where can I take sunset photos?”, you’re not alone. On the Emerald Coast, sunsets aren’t just a nightly occurrence. They’re a daily ritual, a moment of pause, a postcard-worthy spectacle that turns visitors into storytellers.

And here’s the best part: with a stay at Destin Dreamers, many of the best sunset spots are just a stroll—or golf cart ride—away.

Let’s explore the top places to take unforgettable sunset photos in Destin, 30A, and Miramar Beach, whether you’re a casual phone snapper or a sunset-obsessed shutterbug. 🌅📷

🌞 Why Sunsets on the Emerald Coast Are So Special

The Gulf of Mexico faces west—meaning our coast offers front-row seats to every painted sky.

What makes our sunsets unique:

The sugar-white sand reflects color upward
Calm waters create mirror-like reflections
Fewer high rises mean more open-sky views
Every night feels like a different canvas

Whether you’re planning a proposal, a family beach photo, or just your next Instagram story, these sunsets deliver.

📍 Where Can I Take Sunset Photos? The Top Spots

1. Henderson Beach State Park – Destin

Wide, open views. Natural dunes. And fewer crowds. This park is a sunset sanctuary just minutes from many Destin Dreamers homes.

Photographers love the contrast between the tall grasses and the glowing sky. There’s also a boardwalk that’s perfect for perspective shots.

Best time: 30–45 minutes before sunset
Photo tip: Capture the dunes in the foreground with the horizon glowing behind

2. The Jetties at East Pass – Holiday Isle, Destin

Want a little drama in your sunset? Head to the jetties. The way the rocks jut into the Gulf creates cinematic silhouettes.

As the sun dips below the horizon, waves shimmer in gold. Dolphins sometimes make a cameo, too.

Perfect for: Couple shots, bold landscape compositions, and drone footage
Pro tip: Wear neutral tones to let the colors of the sky stand out

3. Baytowne Wharf – Sandestin

For a waterfront sunset with local flavor, Baytowne Wharf offers views of Choctawhatchee Bay, glowing skies, and marina reflections.

It’s a great spot if you want to pair your sunset with dining, cocktails, or live music.

Great for: Group shots on the dock, creative reflection photos, and action shots with kids or friends
Destin Dreamers tip: Stay for the lights to come on—this spot glows after dark too

4. Seaside Amphitheater & Beach Pavilion – 30A

Seaside’s open green spaces and Gulf-facing walkovers make it one of the most iconic sunset photo ops in 30A.

Watch the sun dip below the water as the pastel cottages behind you glow in soft light. Grab a quick shot from the second-story deck at Bud & Alley’s for a more elevated view.

Style tip: Flowy dresses, beach hats, and sandy toes pair perfectly with the vibe here
Photo angle to try: Silhouette on the beach with the Seaside Pavilion arch behind you

5. Grayton Beach – Nature + Color

If you want untouched beauty, Grayton Beach State Park delivers. With rare coastal dune lakes and natural shoreline, you’ll get layers of water, sand, sky, and light.

This is where sunsets meet serenity. Great for family portraits and slow, intentional shots.

Extra bonus: You can often catch birds flying across the sky just as the sun drops—adding life to your images.

📸 How to Make Your Sunset Photos Stunning

Arrive early to find your spot and test angles
Use portrait mode to capture depth
Tap the sky on your phone to adjust brightness
Use silhouettes—especially when shooting people or structures against the sun
Turn around! Sometimes the best colors are behind you, not over the water

💬 Questions We Hear from Sunset Lovers

Can I take sunset photos with my phone?
Yes! The new iPhones and Androids are amazing in low light. Just clean the lens and steady your hand—or use a mini tripod.

Do I need a permit to photograph in parks?
For personal use, no. For pro shoots (think: engagement, styled, or commercial), a permit may be needed in state parks.

What’s the best season for sunsets?
All year! But fall and winter often deliver deeper, richer colors due to cleaner air and fewer clouds.

What if it’s cloudy?
Still go! Some of the most magical sunsets happen just after a cloudy day clears. Watch for light breaking through.

🏡 Stay Sunset-Close with Destin Dreamers

When you stay with Destin Dreamers, you’re not just steps from the beach—you’re steps from the best sunset views in the state.

Many of our homes offer:

Private balconies with Gulf-facing views
Rooftop patios for cocktails and sunsets
Easy access to state parks, jetties, and boardwalks
Concierge tips for planning photo shoots, golden hour walks, and even proposals

We help guests turn a sunset into a full experience—whether it’s a family portrait, a romantic moment, or just a quiet exhale at the end of a perfect day.

Final Light: Capture the Magic

So, where can I take sunset photos? Here, along the shoreline of Destin, across the calm bays of Miramar Beach, and down every picture-perfect boardwalk of 30A.

These sunsets stay with you—not just in your camera roll, but in your soul.

Let Destin Dreamers be your home base for golden skies, sandy toes, and unforgettable snapshots. Because every evening deserves a photo—and a little awe. 🌅📸