Best Sunset Beaches in Anguilla
West-facing beaches, golden-hour restaurants, beach bars, and quiet coves that face the sunset, with tips on timing and where to eat.
Best sunset beach
Meads Bay
Arrive early
30–45 min
Best region
West End
Best pairing
Dinner
Choose the right beach for your sunset mood
Anguilla's best sunset beaches are mostly on the West End and Mid Island. Choose Meads Bay for dinner and cocktails, Sandy Ground for beach bars and music, Barnes Bay for a quieter romantic view, or Crocus Bay for a relaxed waterfront dinner without the sunset crowds.
Arrive 30–45 minutes early
The best colors often build before the sun fully drops, so arrive early enough to settle in.
Stay after sunset
The sky can glow after the sun disappears, especially on clear evenings with light clouds.
Book dinner ahead
Popular West End restaurants can fill up, especially during high season and weekends.
Plan the ride back
If you are not driving, arrange taxi pickup before it gets dark.
Best Sunset Beaches in Anguilla
These beaches offer the best mix of west-facing views, evening atmosphere, nearby dining, and memorable golden-hour settings.
Sunset Pick
#1
Meads Bay
Best Overall SunsetAnguilla's best sunset beach. Meads Bay faces west with wide-open views, soft sand, calm water, and upscale restaurants that make it a good pick for sunset cocktails or dinner.
Beach score
Good · 79
Area
West End
Best for: Dinner, cocktails, luxury beach evenings
Sunset Pick
#2
Sandy Ground
Best Sunset NightlifeWatch the sun set over the boats in Road Bay while enjoying beach bars, live music, casual food, and a lively local atmosphere.
Beach score
Excellent · 97
Area
Mid Island
Best for: Beach bars, boats, music, casual evenings
Sunset Pick
#3
Barnes Bay
Best Quiet SunsetA quieter alternative to Meads Bay with a west-facing shoreline and a more intimate sunset setting. The Four Seasons borders the eastern end; the western stretch is more secluded and good for golden-hour walks.
Beach score
Good · 85
Area
West End
Best for: Couples, photos, peaceful sunset walks
Sunset Pick
#4
Crocus Bay
Best Dinner StopA scenic bay on Anguilla's northern coast with calm water and a local feel. It won't give you a west-facing sunset, but da'Vida is one of the island's best beach restaurants for a relaxed dinner after your beach day.
Beach score
Excellent · 97
Area
Mid Island
Best for: Waterfront dinner, calm bay, easy access from The Valley
Sunset Times in Anguilla
Sunset changes through the year, so plan dinner, beach walks, and photos around the season.
December – February
~5:45 PM
Earlier sunsets and cooler evenings.
March – April
~6:15 PM
Great balance of weather and evening light.
May – August
~6:45 PM
Later sunsets and warmer evening beach time.
September – November
~6:00 PM
Beautiful colors, but check weather during storm season.
Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before sunset to get a good spot, order drinks or dinner, and watch the sky change from golden light to deeper evening colors.
Pair sunset with dinner, drinks, or a beach walk
The easiest sunset evening is to choose a beach with nearby restaurants or bars. Meads Bay is the best all-around pick for dinner, Sandy Ground is best for music and beach-bar energy, and Barnes Bay is better for a quieter romantic setting.
Most sunset beaches are on the West End or Mid Island, so a rental car makes it easier to arrive early, stay for dinner, and return safely after dark.
Best dinner option
Meads Bay gives you the strongest mix of sunset views and restaurant choices.
Best lively option
Sandy Ground is ideal for beach bars, music, boats, and casual evening energy.
Best quiet option
Barnes Bay is better when you want a softer, more intimate sunset.
Best relaxed dinner
Crocus Bay works well when you want a waterfront dinner in a quieter, less touristy setting.
Related Beach Guides
Use these guides to compare hidden beaches, top beaches, calm water, and car rental options for evening beach plans.
Start with Meads Bay for the easiest sunset evening
Meads Bay has the best all-around sunset setup: west-facing views, soft sand, easy access, and restaurants nearby for dinner or cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about watching the sunset from Anguilla's beaches.
Which beach has the best sunset view in Anguilla?
Rendezvous Bay and Maundays Bay face directly southwest, giving unobstructed views of the sun setting over Saint Martin. Meads Bay is popular for sunset because of its west-facing orientation and the restaurants along the shore that make it easy to combine the view with dinner or drinks. Cove Bay is quieter and equally well-positioned for a private sunset experience.
What time does the sun set in Anguilla?
Sunset in Anguilla falls between approximately 5:45 PM in December/January and 6:45 PM in June/July. The golden hour, when the light turns warm and the sky begins to color, typically starts 45–60 minutes before the sun drops below the horizon. Arriving at a west-facing beach by 5:00–5:15 PM is a safe approach year-round.
Can I watch the sunset from a beach that faces east?
You'll miss the actual sunset, but east-facing beaches like Shoal Bay East and Island Harbour offer beautiful late-afternoon light, especially from 4:00–5:30 PM when the angle of light across the water creates its own kind of golden hour. For the classic orange-sky-over-water sunset, stick to south or west-facing beaches.
Are there beach bars open for sunset drinks on the west coast?
Meads Bay has Straw Hat, Blanchards Beach Shack, and Jacala all accessible from the sand during sunset hours. Sandy Ground's waterfront bars including Johnno's and Elvis' Beach Bar are popular sunset spots. Maundays Bay (Cap Juluca) has its Sunset Lounge. Most beach bars welcome non-dining guests for drinks during the pre-dinner golden hour.
About the author
Jahmal RichardAnguilla Local
Jahmal Richard is a born-and-raised Anguillian who regularly uses the Blowing Point ferry crossing for personal and business travel. He built Anguilla Ferry Times to give travelers clear, locally verified ferry schedules, practical planning tools, and honest island guidance. Read Jahmal’s background · Editorial policy →