“It’s out with the old and in with the new — goodbye skies of gray, hello skies of blue.” While quoted from High School Musical 2, Sharpay Evans has a point. As the weather warms, the skies become more vibrant, showcasing vast arrays of orange, magenta, and blue which creates a stunning landscape at both dawn and dusk.
Northeast Ohio, while not exactly famous for its scenic beauty, holds many hidden, and not-so-hidden, gems for picturesque sun-watching.
Starting close to home: Brecksville Town Center. It offers hit-or-miss sunrises and sunsets, often with multiple obstructions. The area tends to be busy and populated — not ideal for a picnic, but perfect for a quick snapshot. The surrounding roadways also provide lovely driving views of the changing sky.
Also providing moving landscapes: Interstate 480 East. While congested and currently littered with construction, it allows vehicle operators to drive into the sunset. However, doing so should be approached with caution and sunglasses, as the glare can be blinding at times.
Still close to home, North Royalton Town square, while nestled between a busy intersection, a firehouse and a handful of businesses, the spot offers hilltop sunset views along Royalton Road. As for sunset picnics, this spot is far from ideal, the square itself offers a blocked view and seating is frankly non-existent. Community members often stop and watch while standing on sidewalks or camping out on the curb. That being said, the colors rarely disappoint, with most nights showcasing bright colors and gorgeous cloud formations.
Heading toward Lake Erie, Edgewater Park and Pier are only about a 20-minute drive from BBHHS, and when it comes to seating and sunsets, they’re a ten out of ten. With grassy areas, sandy shores, and designated seating, the park has earned a reputation as one of Cleveland’s top sunset-watching spots. The fading sun dips into the lake with a soft glow, framed by a lightly lit cityscape in the background. Even winter sunsets here are spectacular, though typically less colorful, they still offer a quiet beauty.
Also featuring waterfront views, Cleveland Metroparks E. 55th offers a small paved trail overlooking a marina and scenic sights of the Cleveland Yacht Club. While the area is often well-patrolled by police, the atmosphere remains serene and stunning. Easily accessible with its own highway exit, the park is perfect for sunrise or sunset gazing.
Finally, the most popular location: Lakewood Park, better known for its iconic Solstice Steps. Frequently featured in teenage photoshoots and social media posts across Northeast Ohio, this spot offers one of the most recognizable views of Lake Erie. The park is beautifully maintained and heavily visited in good weather. With multiple points of access, including disability accommodations, every bench along the steps guarantees a picture-perfect view of the sun sinking into the water.
