The summer is coming to a close and you want to catch more great sunrises and sunsets in Northern Virginia. When you live in Northern Virginia there are plenty of places to go to see the sunrise or sunset in all its’ glory.

Whether you prefer a spot overlooking the water or you want to see an open field, you can enjoy a sunrise or sunset in NoVa. Let’s look at some of the top spots for your sunrise or sunset viewing in Northern Virginia.

7 Spots for Sunrises and Sunsets in Northern Virginia

1. Leesylvania State Park (Sunrise)

One of the best spots for a sunrise is Leesylvania State Park. It’s located in Prince William County and offers a great place for photographers and those just looking to enjoy the view.

You can capture the sun rising over the water near the pier. This spot makes for great photos or a romantic early morning date.

You can even make a day of it and enjoy hiking throughout the park. The park also offers tent camping, if you want to stay the night and see the sunrise in the morning.

2. Lake Thoreau (Sunset)

Maybe you don’t get up early, but you want to enjoy great views with the sun, anyway. You can enjoy the sunset at Lake Thoreau in Reston.

This lake is one of the four man-made lakes nearby and offers a great spot for the sunset in Northern Virginia. Enjoy a walk around the lake before the sunsets.

It’s important to note, the sun will go below the trees about 20 minutes before it hits the horizon. Make sure you arrive earlier than sunset to ensure you get to see the best views.

3. Alexandria Waterfront (Sunrise)

One of the absolute best spots for a sunrise view is the Alexandria waterfront. You’ll gain the opportunity to enjoy sunrise views over the Potomac River.

With plenty of spots nearby in historic Old Town, you can grab breakfast after the sun rises. If you’re looking for an excellent sunrise picture, this might be the perfect spot in Northern Virginia for you.

4. Manassas National Battlefield (Sunset)

If you prefer a field or rolling hills for your sunset view, the Manassas National Battlefield is the place to go. This beautiful spot in Northern Virginia offers great views of the sunset.

You can enjoy walking the five-mile First Manassass Loop. Enjoy the sunset throughout the area and choose the best spot for your view.

While the battlefield is best for sunset views, it’s also a decent spot for sunrise views.

5. Shenandoah National Park (Sunrise & Sunset)

Enjoy a pre-dawn hike and some of the best sunrise views in the entire state at Shenandoah National Park. This beautiful spot offers a chance to catch mountains and sunrise at the same time. This is by far one of the best places for sunrises and sunsets in Northern Virginia.

Hazel Mountain, Thorofare Mountain, and a few others make for a great backdrop for the sunrise. If you hike to Mary’s rock, you might catch one of the best sunrise views in the entire area.

Since the park is open 24 hours a day, you can enjoy plenty of amazing views. Check out the cascading waterfalls; enjoy the sun rising over the fields of wildflowers, or hike to a higher spot for sunrise or sunset views.

6. Riverside Park (Sunset)

It’s not difficult to find a beautiful sunrise view over the Potomac River. However, capturing the sunset is another story.

Riverside Park offers a great spot with wonderful sunset views over the water. It’s found in Mount Vernon off the Mount Vernon Trail and offers a great opportunity for a romantic date or amazing pictures.

7. Belle Haven Marina and Dyke Marsh (Sunrise)

One of the most amazing choices for sunrise views is the Belle Haven Marina and Dyke Marsh. It’s found in Alexandria and offers a beautiful spot with reflections off the Potomac River.

You can access the best spots with the Mount Vernon Trail and from Belle Haven Park. Enjoy walking early in the morning on the boardwalk before the sun rises for the day.

A few more great spots in Northern Virginia for sunrise and sunset views include:

• Iwo Jima Monument and Netherlands Carillon (Sunrise)
• Burke Lake Park (Sunset)
• Jones Point and Woodrow Wilson Bridget (Sunrise)
• Bear’s Den Overlook in Bluemont (Sunset)
• Huntley Meadows (Sunset)

It doesn’t matter if you prefer sunrise or sunset; Northern Virginia offers plenty of great places for amazing views. You can catch plenty of great sunrises and sunsets in Northern Virginia at every spot on this list.

If you’re looking for a romantic date idea, incorporate one of these top spots for a beautiful view. You’ll be sure to have a great time and enjoy some amazing views.