Chapel Hill technically does sit on a hill and there are some nice spots with elevation to watch the sunset around town. Other spots aren’t as high up, but still provide a great view for Insta. Here are some of our favorites.
Maple View Farms
Sit in the rocking chairs on the front porch with a cup of ice cream and watch the sunset over the cow pastures in the distance. Maple View is a prime destination for road bikers who take the Dairyland Loop, which is an easy ride through the countryside from downtown Carrboro. (It’s about 15 miles round trip.)
Merritt’s Pasture
Straight off the Morgan Creek Trail, this 32-acre spot is perfect for strolls, picnics, and sunsets. We like parking just past Kingswood Apartments off of Fordham Blvd (NC 54.) You can also reach it from the Fan Branch Trail, which starts at Southern Community Park in Southern Village. The two trails meet just after Culbreth Road.
The top of the parking deck next to Cat’s Cradle (300 East Main Street)
A popular spot for high school students to hang out, this parking deck is also a great place to skateboard, take photos, listen to music, and hang out with friends (if you’re a teenager.) We think it’s wonderful that they’re using the space in this way, and hope that more public spaces are built and designed for teenagers to have freedom and autonomy in our communities. (This piece on teen girls needing better public spaces is one that we think about a lot.)
Coker Arboretum
Located in the middle of the UNC campus, this garden and arboretum features a tranquil pond, walking trails, and a variety of plant species. It is a peaceful and serene spot to watch the sun go down and enjoy the surrounding nature.
The corner room of the Labor and Delivery floor at UNC Hospital
If you happen to be placed in the corner L&D room at UNC Hospital, while in the midst of a 36-hour-long induction, you might have many regrets — but the sunset will not be one of them. Look out your window, where you’ll get a beautiful view over all of Chapel Hill.