June 20 Summer Solstice: Delaware Bayshore Byway named top sunrise spot

This year’s Summer Solstice is just days away, and a couple Delaware locations are among the best spots in the nation to view the sunrise. (Photo by BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock)

As the summer solstice approaches on June 20, a recent national survey shows where First Staters should go: the Bayshore Byway.

A survey of more than 3,000 people by Gunther Mazda revealed what residents think the best place in the state to watch the sunrise is, and one of the most breathtaking spots in the country to mark the start of summer.

The Delaware Bayshore Byway, a quiet stretch of Route 9 near the Little Creek Wildlife Area, ranked No. 56 out of 100 top locations across the U.S. for watching the solstice sunrise. Port Mahon Road, also near Little Creek, came in at No. 97.

Known for its scenic tidal marshes and coastal creeks, the Bayshore Byway offers a peaceful escape for early risers.

According to survey participants, the road’s early-morning mist, abundant birdlife, and tranquil setting make it an ideal location for reflecting on the year’s longest day.

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Further down the list but still notable, Port Mahon Road was praised for its unobstructed views of the Delaware Bay, where orange and pink hues stretch across the water as the sun rises.

Though well-known to local fishermen, the road remains something of a hidden gem for sunrise seekers.

The survey, conducted in anticipation of the summer solstice, asked Americans: “Based on your own experience, where’s the most breathtaking place to drive to and watch the sunrise on the summer solstice?”

Top national honors went to Mauna Kea Access Road in Hawaii, followed by California’s Sunrise Highway, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, and Alaska’s Chilkat River Scenic Byway.

Gunther Mazda also released an infographic highlighting the top sunrise drive in each U.S. state.

“The summer solstice is the longest stretch of daylight we get all year – and there’s no better way to make the most of it than getting behind the wheel and chasing the sunrise,” says Joseph Gunther IV at Gunther Mazda. “These drives aren’t just about the destination. They’re about the early-morning roads, the changing light, and the sense of freedom that only a great drive can give you.”

For Delaware residents and visitors alike, the survey serves as a reminder that some of the most beautiful moments of summer begin just down the road — as long as you’re willing to wake up early.