Best Places to Catch a Sunset in Swansboro, NC

by Waterway Realty

One of the best parts about living in Swansboro is that you don’t have to go far to enjoy a beautiful sunset!

Whether you’re finishing up a day on the water or unwinding after a long day, the sun setting over our waterways is something special.

Here are some of our favorite places to take in the evening light around town:

1. Downtown Swansboro Waterfront Park

Right in the heart of Swansboro’s historic downtown, you’ll find one of the most accessible places to catch the sunset. The waterfront park runs along Front Street, offering benches, a wooden boardwalk, and small docks overlooking the White Oak River and Intracoastal Waterway. Boats passing by, church steeples in the distance, and the golden reflection off the water make this a picture-perfect spot without needing to leave town. Grab dinner nearby, then stroll down here as the sky starts to change.

2. Hammocks Beach State Park Ferry Dock

Located just off Hammocks Beach Road, this state park is best known as the launch point for Bear Island. But before you even get on the ferry, the dock area itself is a fantastic place to watch the sun go down. The light stretches across the marshes and quiet waters, often lighting up the clouds in beautiful pinks and oranges. It’s calm, quiet, and surrounded by nature. There’s a small beach area and picnic tables nearby if you want to sit for a while.

3. Bear Island

If you're up for a little adventure, catching a sunset from Bear Island is a real treat. This undeveloped barrier island is part of Hammocks Beach State Park, and it's accessible by seasonal ferry or kayak. Once you're out there, you'll be treated to long stretches of quiet beach with nothing but sand dunes, waves, and open sky. As the sun starts to dip, it casts a warm glow across the ocean and creates one of the most peaceful sunset scenes you'll find on the entire Crystal Coast. It's best to go earlier in the afternoon and stay for the sunset just be sure to check ferry times or paddle back with enough daylight.

4. Cedar Point Tideland Trail

Just across the bridge from Swansboro in Cedar Point, this hidden gem of a walking trail offers excellent views of the estuary and sound. The trail is mostly flat and loops through maritime forest, salt marsh, and wooden boardwalks. As the sun sets, the light reflects across the calm waters and grasses, and you'll often see birds settling in for the evening. There are a few elevated areas with benches that make for perfect sunset watching spots. It’s also a great spot for walking the dog or stretching your legs after dinner.

Bonus: From Your Own Backyard!

One of the best things about living here is that for many folks, the sunset isn’t something you have to drive to… It’s something you can enjoy from your own back porch or dock. Whether you're in Hubert, Cedar Point, or right in Swansboro, there are plenty of homes with west-facing water views that catch every bit of that golden light.

At Waterway Realty we truly are local real estate experts, and we’re proud to help people find homes that let them enjoy this kind of beauty every single day. If you’re thinking about buying or selling around Swansboro, we’d be happy to help you navigate the journey!