10 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in California

Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 10 best places to watch the sunset in California. By mere fact that the California coast faces west, there are literally thousands of places to roll out a blanket and watch the sun as it sets over the ocean. In fact so many, that this post is probably almost a waste of time – haha.

That said, your journey to discover the best places to watch the sunset in California can take you anywhere—from the iconic Santa Monica Pier to the scenic Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Each location promises a unique sunset experience with unforgettable vistas that captivate both residents and travelers alike.

So, in order to assist those of you who who want to watch the sunset in a nice surrounding, I have listed 10 places below that may help you out.

Map of the Best Places to Watch the Sunset In California

Use this map to identify the locations of the best places to watch the sunset in California listed below:

Best Places to Watch the Sunset In California

From hilltop viewpoints to beautiful beaches and everything in between, California has no shortage of stunning sunset spots. Let’s check them out.

1. Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles

I have listed this one first as it is a place that we watched the sun set ourselves recently and found it to be spectacular. Griffith Observatory sits atop the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood and offers you some of the most enjoyable views in Los Angeles offering a panoramic spectacle of the bustling city transforming as daylight fades.

• Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
• Phone: +1 213-473-0800
• Hiking Trails: Over 53 miles within Griffith Park

When you arrive at Griffith Observatory, you’re presented with a view overlooking downtown Los Angeles, along with a chance to see the Pacific Ocean and the Hollywood Sign. The journey can include a hike on Griffith Park trails as well, where the sprawling LA Basin lies before you.

Best Time to Visit: Arrive before sunset to secure a good spot, as it can get crowded, especially on clear evenings.

Viewing Tips:

• Use public transit or the observatory shuttle to avoid parking hassles – I cannot recommend this option highly enough.
• Bring a camera, the views are truly photogenic.
• Wear comfortable shoes in case you decide to explore the hiking trails.

Child-Friendly Rating: Medium (the museum inside is pretty cool)
Couple’s Romantic Rating: Medium – High

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2. Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

Another favorite of ours, the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica emerges as a prime location for viewing the sunset for reasons such as:

• Accessibility: Easily accessible, it’s a spot where you can stroll along the pier or find a comfortable place on the beach to relax as the sun descends.
• Atmosphere: The Pier provides a vibrant atmosphere with the buzz of visitors and locals mingling, the distant sounds of amusement ride, and street performers enhancing the experience.
• Photographic Backdrop: The Ferris wheel offers a stunning silhouette against the twilight sky, creating a picture-perfect moment.
• 3rd Street Promenade: This multi-block shopping mall provides a nice range of restaurants etc. to dine in once the sun has gone down.

Viewing Tips:

• Do arrive early to grab a good spot, as it can get crowded.
• Don’t forget to bring a warm jacket, as the evenings can be cool with ocean breezes.

Child-Friendly Rating: High
Couple’s Romantic Rating: Medium – High

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3. El Matador Beach, Malibu

El Matador Beach in Malibu is often described as a hidden gem, offering a sense of seclusion and natural beauty that’s hard to find elsewhere. Here, the rock formations and sea stacks create a dramatic backdrop for the sun as it dips below the horizon.

And if you get there early, take a moment to sit on the sand or explore the small caves and arches during the golden hour.

Viewing Tips:

• Parking: Available for $8. Remember to arrive early as there are only about 20 spots.
• Access: There’s a steep path leading down to the beach, but your efforts are rewarded with spectacular views.
• Facilities: You’ll find restrooms located at the trailhead for your convenience.
• Timing is key: Aim to get there a little before sunset to secure a spot and watch the colors change. The beach is open from 8 AM until sunset.

Child-Friendly Rating: High
Couple’s Romantic Rating: High

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4. Battery Spencer, Sausalito

At Battery Spencer, you’ll find one of the most iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge against the backdrop of the setting sun. When you arrive, prepare for a short walk that leads to a vantage point providing an unobstructed panorama of the San Francisco skyline and the Pacific Ocean. The area can be a bit windy, so bringing a jacket is advisable.

Viewing Tips:

• Access: Easily reachable by car, with more parking available if you drive to the top.
• Best Time: Visit during late afternoon to secure a spot as the sun begins to descend.
• Facilities: Limited to none; plan accordingly.
• Photography: Bring a camera for stunning sunset photos.

For a unique sunset experience, make your way up to Hawk Hill as this spot offers even more parking and a different angle on the iconic landmark.

Child-Friendly Rating: Medium
Couple’s Romantic Rating: High

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5. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, San Diego

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego is another must see Californian sunset location renowned for its stunning panoramic views. For the clearest skies, plan your visit between the autumn equinox and winter solstice. This period typically offers the most vivid sunsets due to favorable atmospheric conditions.

Why Visit:

• The Views: Unmatched ocean vistas with the sun kissing the horizon
• The Trails: A 1.4-mile clifftop trail offers a scenic walk
• The Atmosphere: Natural beauty that is perfect for relaxation and reflection

Viewing Tips:

The park stretches along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, with entry points at both Adair and Ladera Streets. Parking can be found off Ladera Street and Lomaland Drive, but it’s wise to arrive early, a spaces fill up quickly.

What to Bring:

• Camera: You’ll want to capture the spectacular scenery.
• Blanket: Sit down on the rocky outcrops for an uninterrupted view.
• Warm Clothing: Evenings can get cool by the ocean.

Child-Friendly Rating: Medium
Couple’s Romantic Rating: High

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6. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

When you visit Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, you’re in for a remarkable sunset experience. Located off Highway 1, this beach is known for its unique purple sand, which is created by manganese garnet deposits washing down from the surrounding cliffs.

Getting There:

• Access the beach via the Sycamore Canyon Road, which is the only road that cuts through the cliff face to Pfeiffer Beach.
• Be prepared for a narrow and winding road, with a slight drive to reach the parking area.

What to Expect:

• Notable for the Keyhole Arch, a natural rock formation that frames the setting sun during certain times of the year.
• Expect larger waves and a rugged coastline, which provides a dynamic backdrop as the sun sets.

Viewing Tips:

• Timing: Arrive early to secure parking and find a spot before it gets crowded.
• Clothing: It can get windy, so bring a jacket even if the day is warm.
• Photography: The changing light through the Keyhole Arch offers excellent photo opportunities, so have your camera ready.

Child-Friendly Rating: Low – Medium
Couple’s Romantic Rating: High

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7. Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree

In Joshua Tree National Park, you’re presented with some of the most iconic sunset vistas in California. Nestled in the high desert, the park offers a unique landscape where the Mojave and Colorado ecosystems converge, delivering a stunning backdrop for sunsets.

• Keys View: Your go-to spot for panoramic views that extend beyond the park to the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. On a clear day, gaze out at Mount San Jacinto and Mount Gorgonio as the sun dips below the horizon.
• Cholla Cactus Garden: The setting sun illuminates the cholla cacti, making them glow and offering a magical desert experience. To capture the perfect sunset photograph, plan your visit around the golden hour.

Viewing Tips:

• For photographers: The park’s unique geology and the silhouettes of Joshua trees create a dramatic foreground against the sunset sky.
• Tip: Arch Rock and Barker Dam also provide picturesque sunset opportunities—each with distinct rock formations and reflective waters at Barker Dam when present.

Child-Friendly Rating: High
Couple’s Romantic Rating: High

Check out these: Best National Parks in California

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8. Point Dume, Malibu

Point Dume Nature Preserve is a distinguished location in Malibu that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, providing a serene setting for watching the sunset. For an optimal experience, follow the hiking trails that lead to an elevated promontory overlooking the sea. At the summit, the setting sun casts a warm glow, and you may witness the fusion of colors as the sky transitions from blue to hues of orange, pink and purple.

Viewing Tips:

• Parking: Utilize the lot at the trailhead.
• Trail Length: Enjoy a short hike to reach the vantage point.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local fauna, including the California gray whale during migration seasons.

Remember to arrive early to secure a spot as this location is a favored destination for both locals and visitors. Bring a light jacket as the evenings can be cool as well as some water and a camera.

Child-Friendly Rating: Medium
Couple’s Romantic Rating: High

Check out these: Best Whale Watching Spots in California

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9. Venice Beach, Venice

When you’re seeking a quintessential Californian sunset, Venice Beach is a locale you can’t miss. With its spacious skies and expansive shoreline, you’ll find no shortage of spots to watch the day end with a flourish of colors. And as apposed to some of the more rural options listed in this page, Venice also offers the opportunity to include a nice glass of Vino with your view as well.

One example is the High Rooftop Lounge which, as its name suggests, offers an elevated experience to view the sunset. You can enjoy stiff drinks and a rooftop bar vibe, with the addition of complimentary blankets on cooler evenings as well. Other options in Venice include:

• Venice Beach Recreation and Parks: Engage in an evening workout or a casual game while the sun dips below the horizon.
• Outdoor Patios: Visit venues like The Sidewalk Cafe or The Waterfront, where the people-watching is as splendid as the sunsets.
• Venice Beach Boardwalk: Where skaters, surfers and the sea come together to frame your sunset experience.

If solitude is more your pace, consider a short jaunt to Playa Del Rey Beach. Positioned just south of Venice, it promises a quieter setting to marvel at the twilight as well.

Child-Friendly Rating: Medium
Couple’s Romantic Rating: High

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10. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, San Diego

Nestled along the coastline of San Diego, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers an unforgettable sunset experience with vibrant hues that light up the sky above the Pacific Ocean, providing a breathtaking view that’s both serene and awe-inspiring.

Visitor Tips:

• Visit the Guy Fleming Trail for a gentle hike with diverse plants and breathtaking ocean overlooks.
• Best Time to Visit: Aim for golden hour, just before sunset, for optimal photography lighting.
• Park Hours: Check the official California State Parks page for current opening hours.
• Restrictions: Remember, pets are not allowed, to preserve the delicate ecosystems.

Child-Friendly Rating: High
Couple’s Romantic Rating: High

Conclusion

There you have it, my 10 best places to watch the sunset in California. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here or if there is anywhere else that you think should be on the list.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul