Summer sunsets, in our opinion, are the best sunsets. As the sun meets the horizon, the sky becomes painted with hues of red, orange, pink, and purple. Combine that with the charming surroundings of Lake Norman and it creates a magical end to the day. From our beautiful parks to our amazing restaurants, here is a list of some of the best places to catch the sunset.
Photo courtesy of Jane Sargent
On the Lake:
Ultimately, the best way to experience a vivid sunset is right on Lake Norman itself. The Lakeside of Charlotte features several marinas where you can dock your boat or rent one for the day. It's the perfect way to cap off an eventful day on the lake. For a list of boat rentals, click here.
Carolina Cruising Charters
For a truly unique sunset experience on Lake Norman, consider booking with Carolina Cruising Charters! With their premier boat rentals, you can glide across the water in elegance aboard their luxurious boats, all expertly helmed by US Coast Guard licensed captains, ensuring a stress-free adventure for all.
Dive into the beauty of the lake as you explore hidden coves, hop between charming islands, or indulge in thrilling water sports such as wake surfing, wakeboarding, and tubing on the cutting-edge wake boat or their pontoon-style boats. Whether you're planning a family outing, a sightseeing tour, or a lively party cruise, Carolina Cruising Charters ensures an unforgettable experience on the water, complete with stunning sunset views to cap off your perfect day.
Party Pontoon
Enjoy the astonishing views of the Carolina sunsets with Party Pontoon. For full or half-day charters, guests can cruise by some of the well-known houses of our very own hometown celebrities, explore the island shorelines, and take in the beauty of the man-made lake. All charters include a Captain, fuel, coolers, floats and rafts, Bluetooth stereo, and your very own customized pickup points. Take the worry out of your day and enjoy a relaxing evening watching the sun begin to set below the horizon.
Ride LKN Wake & Surf Co
Want to surf the waves during sunset? As Lake Norman's #1 rated boating experience, Ride LKN provides world-class experiences and incredible professional instructors to ensure you have the best time out on the water.
Some of the services included in your experience are tubing, wake surfing, wakeboarding, and many more. With Ride LKN, you're able to plan your day according to your skill sets and what you're comfortable with. Enjoy your day with Ride LKN and experience the beauty of what our Lake has to offer.
At a Park:
In addition to thrilling water adventures, watching the sunset at one of Lake Norman's waterfront parks is a cherished local pastime. These parks offer the best vibes for soaking in the evening beauty as the sun dips below the horizon. The parks are thoughtfully designed with comfortable seating areas, beautiful walking paths, and scenic viewpoints that provide impeccable views of the lake and sky. Many parks also feature amenities such as picnic tables, barbecue grills, and playgrounds, making them perfect for a family outing or a romantic evening with a loved one.
Jetton Park:
For an enchanting sunset experience with a hint of island ambiance right here in the Lake Norman vicinity, Jetton Park in Cornelius is the ultimate destination. Known for its breathtaking sunning beach, bike, and walking trails, picnic spots, and lush gardens, this park is full of charm. It is renowned as a popular wedding destination, offering exceptional beauty, especially during the enchanting hour of sunset. Whether you're seeking quality time with family, bonding with friends, or creating cherished memories with a significant other, Jetton Park promises a memorable end to your day.
Ramsey Creek Park:
Tucked along the waterfront sprawl of 43.7 acres lies a captivating park, boasting a stunning swimming beach, multiple boat launching spots, charming docks, fishing piers, and picture-perfect nature trails. It stands as a beloved destination, drawing visitors to take in the warmth of the sun while immersing themselves in the tranquil beauty of the lake and its environs. The multiple picnic stations offer a serene setting for gathering with loved ones to enjoy a leisurely picnic before witnessing the mesmerizing spectacle of the sunset.
Latta Nature Preserve:
Stretching across 1,343 acres along the serene shores of Mountain Island Lake, the Latta Nature Preserve is the place to be. Its extensive network of hiking trails offers ideal pathways for strolls by the water, presenting stunning visuals of the setting sun. For breathtaking views of the lake, consider traversing the Split Rock Trail which spans for 1.15 miles, or the shorter yet equally scenic Buzzard Rock Trail at 0.3 miles. Alternatively, for those seeking a more relaxed experience, the park offers a tranquil pier and inviting picnic areas, providing perfect viewing points to witness the captivating view of the sunset.
At a Restaurant:
All of our waterfront restaurants have patios and boat docking services that allow guest to enjoy their meal at sunset. Imagine savoring a delicious meal while taking in the stunning views of Lake Norman. Can't beat that combo! Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with menus featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a variety of options for all. Whether you arrive by boat or by land, you can relax on the patio, enjoy the gentle breeze, and watch the sun dip below the horizon, creating a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience.
Located in Cornelius, Port City Club is a premier waterfront restaurant offering stunning views of Lake Norman from every dining room. Its fully enclosed patio provides a cozy spot to watch the sunset throughout the year, while the beautiful outdoor patio becomes a favorite during the summer months. The menu features popular dishes like Lemon Rosemary Chicken Thighs, accompanied by Lebanese garlic pasta and pita, and the Crispy Pork Belly served with Mediterranean spice BBQ sauce and watermelon. This is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and a delectable dinner while taking in the breathtaking sunset.
Whether you're sipping a signature cocktail at their tiki bar or enjoying a meal on their multi-level patio, this spot promises a memorable experience. Popular cocktails include the Wildberry Miami Vice Slushee, a delightful blend of blackberry, lime, and coconut, and the classic Aperol Spritz. Pair your drink with delicious options like Blackened Shrimp Tacos a la plancha, served with your choice of famous grandfather pickles, coleslaw, arugula salad, or beef fat fries, or the Seared Cauliflower Steak with almond romesco, fried egg, and manchego. Both patios provide incredible sunset views, making you feel like you're in a lakeside paradise. For boaters, Holiday Marina offers convenient dock and gas services, making it easy to stop by Hello Sailor for a bite to eat!
North Harbor Club:
Davidson's lakeside restaurant, North Harbor Club, has a unique and beautiful decor that perfectly complements its surroundings. Their patio allows diners to experience breathtaking views of the sunset. Some of their most talked about starters include Asparagus Fries with Green Tomato, served with a soy vinaigrette and honey mustard aioli, and the Lobster Mac-n-Cheese, made with mascarpone cheese and truffle. Pair it with one of their Docktails, North Harbor Club’s spin on signature cocktails such as the Jalapeno Peach Margarita or the Lavender Lake Tea. They offer a “dock-and-dine” service for those who want to arrive by boat and enjoy a delightful meal while watching the sunset over Lake Norman.
There’s nothing quite like witnessing a sunset over Lake Norman. These were some of our favorite spots, but if we missed any of your go-to locations, share them with us in the comments below! Don't forget to use the hashtags #LakeNormanSunset and #CaptureLKN to show us your favorite sunset views!
