Best Places to Watch Sunsets in San Diego
Everyone loves a good sunset! Southern California is known for its picturesque paintings in the sky each night, and “America’s Finest City” offers a multitude of places to view these breathtaking works of environmental art. Whether you prefer to watch from a restaurant, a lookout point, or just sitting on the beach, our golden hour is yours to be enjoyed. Here are the best places to watch sunsets in San Diego.
Shelter Island Marina Walkway (0.5 miles)
(Photo: @lizthenerd)
Grab a bench facing the water on the marina walkway outside of Humphreys Half Moon Inn and enjoy the view while the sun dips beneath the horizon. Shelter Island provides the perfect setup for sunset watching.
2071 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Sunset Cliffs (2 miles)
(Photos: @cxltxnn)
Visitors always enjoy discovering how Sunset Cliffs Boulevard got its name. The best viewing area is located south of Ocean Beach. Be sure to get there early to find a perfect spot. Bring a blanket or pack a picnic to fully embrace the evening sunset celebration. On many summer weekends, you will often even find couples getting married right on the edge of the cliffs — which really adds a special something as you’re watching the sun go down.
1253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Ocean Beach Pier (3.2 miles)
(Photo: @marketierney)
Magical sunsets always happen here. To visit Ocean Beach Pier, head to the south end of the Ocean Beach coastline. Cast a fishing line from the end of the pier or simply sit and enjoy the bursts of color in the sky as the sun exits into dusk.
1850 Ocean Front St, San Diego, CA 92107
Sunset Point Park (4.2 miles)
(Photo: @picturesandiego)
With a name like “Sunset Point”, you KNOW the evenings here are stunning. Sunset Point is located in Mission Bay, adjacent to our sister hotel, The Dana. The beach here is next to a grassy park and is dotted with firepits. It’s also just down the street from Mission Beach Boardwalk, so you can enjoy some shopping or dining.
1400 Dana Landing Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
Embarcadero (5 miles)
(Photo: @sddiscover)
San Diego’s Embarcadero sits adjacent to San Diego Bay and is a popular spot for residents and visitors alike. Nearby Waterfront Park is the perfect spot for a picnic. Several fascinating maritime museums can be found here, as well as top-notch seafood restaurants. Enjoy the area as you take in the view.
1600 Pacific Highway and Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Bird Rock (8.5 miles)
(Photo: @brianjolliffe)
The famous Bird Rock — both the neighborhood and the formation from which it takes its name — sits just south of La Jolla. It’s an offbeat area featuring cozy restaurants, eclectic shops, and absolutely breathtaking sunsets.
5435 Calumet Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Coronado Ferry Landing Park (10.1 miles)
(Photo: @coronadocoffeeco)
A pilgrimage point for visitors all over the world, this resplendent promenade is as good as it gets when it comes to angles: No matter where you are, your view of the sky will be incredible. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at one of the many excellent area restaurants while flipping through your photos, and start planning your next adventure.
1201 1st Street (at B Ave) Coronado, CA 92118
Windansea Beach (10.3 miles)
(Photo: @ungeheuerteuer)
A long-treasured La Jolla surfing spot for San Diego’s boarders, Windansea Beach is home to several unique rock formations, a spectacular beach, and — naturally — plenty of available vistas from which to watch the sun dip beneath the water. Bring a blanket and drink in the splendor.
6800 Neptune Pl, La Jolla, CA 92037
Mount Soledad (12 miles)
(Photo: @michaelhsu95)
Standing tall above La Jolla is Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. Visit this landmark area to gaze across miles of coastline, San Diego landmarks, and the Pacific Ocean as far as the eye can see. Don’t forget the camera! Sunsets just seem to last longer up here with a panoramic view of the entire city.
6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive S. La Jolla, CA 92037
Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier (12 miles)
(Photo: @elliotmcgucken)
Scripps Pier offers serene tranquility and more than a few chances to spot many of San Diego’s native wildlife species. Enjoy some bird-watching in the time leading up to sundown. If you get here early enough, check out the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
8650 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Humphreys Is Sunset Central
Humphreys Half Moon Inn is the ideal place to stay when seeking your San Diego sunset. Planning a visit? Check out our Special Offers page to select the San Diego travel deal that’s right for you.