With over 70 miles of coastline, and some of the best weather in the country, San Diego is one of the best places to catch a sunset. From sandy beaches, to inland foothills, and everywhere in-between, there are a variety of spots to post up and watch the sky do what it does best. Without further ado, here are the best places to watch a sunset in San Diego (in no particular order).
1. Sunset Cliffs (Point Loma)
Is it any surprise that a place with a name like SUNSET Cliffs would be an excellent place to catch a sunset in San Diego? I thought not.
Encompassing 68 acres on the backend of affluent Point Loma and butting up on the south side of bustling and eclectic, Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs might just be the crown jewel of the San Diego coast. Since this area is a designated natural park, unspoiled views of the Pacific Ocean await both locals and tourists alike.
Beginning on Ladera Street on the south end, Sunset Cliffs runs 1.5 miles north to Adair Street, giving you plenty of room to stretch out, take a stroll, or park and take in the views.
How to Get There: Take the 8 West all the way to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and follow that until you can’t drive any more.
Don’t Miss: Sunset Cliffs is home to rugged coastline and sneaky, hidden cliffs. If you dare, venture down to Sunset Cliffs Cave and check out Luscomb’s Point. If you’re lucky, you may even catch some brave cliff jumpers (which is a San Diego right of passage, even if it’s frowned upon).
Pro Tip: Get there early to snag a parking spot. On particularly busy nights or weekends, the tight residential streets butting up on Sunset Cliffs Blvd. can get crowded. Grab a burrito, a blanket, and enjoy the fresh air!
Creator: Marshall Harrington
Copyright: © Marshall Harrington All Rights Reserved
2. Scripps Coastal Meander Trailhead (La Jolla)
Want to know a secret? The best place to catch a sunset in La Jolla isn’t the Shores or the Village… it’s actually up the hillside.
Nestled within the mishmash of architecture styles at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, the Scripps Coastal Meander Trailhead is a hidden gem among a coastline of jewels. While the term “trailhead” may be a bit of a stretch for avid hikers, this walkways comes complete with a staircase that seemingly dips directly into the Pacific.
One of the best features of this sunset spot is the vantage point above La Jolla. While not as high as Mount Soledad, this vantage point offers uninterrupted views of Scripps Pier, La Jolla Shores, and La Jolla Village (including the cove!).
How to Get There: Take the 5 and exit on La Jolla Village Drive. Take that to La Jolla Shores Drive and enjoy one of the best views San Diego has to offer. Find street parking (for free) on La Jolla Shores Drive near La Jolla Shores Lane.
Don’t Miss: If you feel so inclined, you can take the trailhead through the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Don’t miss the Martin Johnson house, a historic cottage from 1916 that originally served Scripps professors and their families that has now turned into a wedding and event venue.
Pro Tip: It looks like a private street, but La Jolla Shores Lane off of La Jolla Shores Drive has public parking that is sneaky and easy to find. This spot is also great during the day; don’t miss out on Caroline’s near the Scripps Forum!
3. Bayview Park (Coronado)
Coronado may be the most photographed spot in San Diego for good reason. From the Hotel Del to the Ferry Landing, Coronado is chock full of places that could keep even the most poorly run postcard company in business.
For all that Coronado has to offer, one of the most underrated and lesser-known spots to watch a sunset is Bayview Park on the north side of the island.
Bayview Park literally has everything you need for the perfect sunset:
- Downtown San Diego Skyline
- Park Benches
- Grassy Areas (perfect for that woven blanket you’ve been waiting to flex)
- Shady Trees
- ADA Accessible
- Little to No People
How to Get There: Take the bridge over to Coronado (the 75 for the uninitiated). Once you hit Orange Avenue, hang a right (away from the crowds swarming the Del) and follow that to Centennial Park (another gem of a sunset location). Make a left on 1st and follow that all the way to I Street, nearly hitting the Naval Base.
Don’t Miss: The tree-lined streets near 1st offer great house looking, far superior than what hate-scrolling Zillow can offer. Nearby is also Coronado Brewing Company, home to some of San Diego’s tastiest brews. Also don’t miss The Little Club, an expected dive bar in the middle of paradise.
Pro Tip: If you have some extra time, rent a bike from one of the many shops at the Ferry Landing and take a nice ride around the island (it’s not as daunting as it may seem).
4. Powerhouse Park (Del Mar)
It may come as a shock, but the ritzy and expensive enclave of Del Mar has some spots that are so laid back, they’re nearly horizontal. And Powerhouse Park is a prime example.
Nestled down the hill from the renown L’Auberge Del Mar sits Powerhouse Park, a grassy reprieve in the middle of quaint village of Del Mar. This park has a little bit of everything for just about everyone:
- Playground for the kids
- Dog friendly park and beach
- Large grassy areas to lay out
- Restaurants and shops within walking distance
One of the coolest features of the park (sure to entertain kids and adults alike) is the Amtrak rail line that bisects the park. Keep an eye on the schedule and catch the Surfliner making its way along the coast.
How to Get There: Hop on the 5 and take it all the way to Del Mar Heights road. Head west and hang a right on Camino Del Mar. Follow that all the way to 15th street, take a left at Jimmy O’s and Powerhouse Park will be hugging the coast.
Don’t Miss: One of the hottest new spots for drinks, food, and ambiance is Monarch Ocean Pub. They have a killer happy hour and an excellent view of the Pacific. This is a great spot to catch some post-sunset drinks and grub… trust me.
Pro Tip: If you’re in the mood for a walk, take Del Mar Heights straight on to 4th Street. There are a few parking spots in the tight alley, but if you find one, you can hop down to the train tracks and follow that all the way to Powerhouse Park. Be warned: the tracks are dangerous and the trains come a lot faster than you think. Be careful and enjoy the view!
5. Mt. Helix (La Mesa)
Sitting 1,300 feet above the foothills of La Mesa is the Crown Jewel of East County… aka Mt. Helix. It is here to say one thing and one thing only: DON’T. SLEEP. ON. EAST. COUNTY. SUNSETS.
While the coastlines of San Diego have rightfully earned the lion’s share of attention when the sun goes down, sitting just a few miles east high above San Diego county is one of its most prized (and underrated) locations to watch a sunset.
Mt. Helix gracefully doubles as a great spot for families or couples looking to start their date night on a romantic note. The top of Mt. Helix features many hiking trails and paths, making it easy to find a quiet spot that feels like you’re all alone. Be aware that parking at the top is very limited, but there is ample parking mid-way up the mountain making for a nice uphill hike before the sun goes down.
How to Get There: Hop on the 8 East and take it all the way to Fuerte Drive. Follow Fuerte up to Mt. Helix Drive and hang a right. Follow the windy road all the way to the top!
Don’t Miss: After making your way down Mt. Helix, grab a bite in La Mesa Village. Home to one of the best Oktoberfests in San Diego, this sleepy little village is anything but, featuring a host of new restaurants and shops, invigorating a once dated downtown area.
Pro Tip: If you’re in the mood for a sunset workout, the steps at the amphitheater at the top are an excellent (and popular) way to get in some cardio. Consider it the Red Rocks of East County (I know, I know that’s a stretch… but whatever).
6. Swami’s/Meditation Gardens (Encinitas)
I’ll admit, this is a bit of a cop out since I’m combining two absolutely knock-out locations in one, but their proximity to each other leaves me no choice.
Anybody who has driven up the 101 has seen the golden towers of the Meditation Gardens. Sitting right next to the legendary surf break, Swami’s, the Meditation Gardens is a perfect compliment to the tranquil and stunning landscape that surrounds it.
From the moment you park, this place makes you want to hop over to Hansons across the street, cash in on a longboard, and get absolutely barreled by the waves crashing down below. It’s that quintessential California feel that makes this a can’t miss sunset spot when you’re in San Diego.
How to Get There: Hop on the 5 all the way to Birmingham Drive. Hang a left and follow that through the picture-perfect neighborhood of Cardiff. Take a left on San Ellijo, then a quick right on Chesterfield. Follow the 101 North after that and it’ll be on your left after about a mile.
Don’t Miss: There are so many awesome places around Swami’s and the Meditation Gardens. On your drive up, don’t miss out on the often-decorated Cardiff Kook, a staple of North County. For food and drinks to cap off another beautiful San Diego sunset, downtown Encinitas is your spot. From Union to Bier Garden, there’s no shortage of great eats and lively bars to experience.
Pro Tip: Don’t settle for the freeway route on the 5, the real way to drive up to Swami’s is on the 101. If you’re coming from the south, hop off of the 5 at Genessee and take that west to North Torrey Pines Road and then North where it eventually meets the 101. You’ll hug the coast and cruise past some incredible beach towns.
Has the sun set and you don’t know what to do next? Check out my guide to date night in San Diego and check out some places near these picture-perfect sunset spots!
