Timeline
18:17
Start at Finlay Park. This is the closest viewing spot at just a 20-minute walk from the monument. Spend the early afternoon here to relax in the city’s largest urban park before the main event.
19:02
Walk to Hampton Street Vineyard for a pre-sunset drink. The restaurant is small and popular, so if you want a seat, arrive now. If you prefer to keep moving, grab a glass to go. The 12-minute walk from the vineyard to the monument area is manageable.
19:32
Position yourself in Finlay Park facing west. The park is the designated viewing spot for this alignment. Find a spot with a clear view of the west horizon where the sun will set directly behind the Benjamin Franklin Randolph Monument.
19:47
Watch the sunset. On the specific dates in early April or late August, the sun will align perfectly with the monument. This is the core moment of the experience.
20:32
End the evening with dinner at Hampton Street Vineyard. Having already visited for drinks, you can now enjoy the outstanding food selection. Reservations are recommended as the space is small.
Local tip
The alignment dates are specific: April 5-11 or August 31-September 6. Check the exact sunset time for your year, as it shifts slightly. The view is from Finlay Park looking west toward the monument.
Check before you go
- Hampton Street Vineyard requires reservations for dinner due to its small size.
- Finlay Park is open, but check local park hours if visiting very early or late.
- The sunset alignment is weather-dependent. Clear skies are essential.
Worth knowing
- Sun position is calculated. We have not confirmed the view is unobstructed.
- Hampton Street Vineyard is open at 19:02 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
- Hampton Street Vineyard is open at 20:32 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Columbia (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).