Looking for the best sunset in San Diego? It’s no secret that California has some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world, so if you’re looking for the best place to watch sunset in San Diego then you have plenty of choices. From beach sunsets to sunsets on mountain hikes, here are all the best places to go when you’re wondering where to watch the sunset in San Diego!
Interested in more cool things to do in San Diego? Check out these activities to add to your San Diego bucket list!
1. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
With a name like Sunset Cliffs, it’s not hard to imagine that this is one of the best places to watch sunset in San Diego! Sunset Cliffs is a 68-acre park area along Point Loma Peninsula’s western shoreline, and features stunning ocean views over dramatic cliffs. There are also a few areas with stairs leading down to the beach, although I generally prefer to watch sunset from the cliffs above.
Residents and visitors alike know this is the perfect place to go for a San Diego sunset, with many opting to bring blankets and picnics or do yoga here as the sun sets. And while anytime of year is nice to watch the sunset in San Diego, if you happen to be here during the winter then you’re in for a treat as sunsets are particularly spectacular during the colder months. (In fact, the sunsets are one of my favorite parts about winter in San Diego.) So next time you’re looking for a San Diego sunset, this is the place to go!
Get directions to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park now!
2. Scripp’s Pier
Scripp’s Pier is another of the best sunset views in San Diego, and is a place you will definitely want to add to your list. This pier is located along Scripp’s Beach and is actually one of the world’s largest research piers (belonging to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography).
Walking on the pier is off limits as it is used for boat launching, experiments, and data colleciton on ocean conditions. However, the beach below the pier is open to the public and is perfect for watching San Diego sunsets!
In fact, this is such a picturesque spot that it is a favorite location for local photographers looking to shoot during golden hour. With the sun and the sand, you really can’t find a more iconic San Diego place to enjoy the sunset!
Get directions to the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier now!
3. Cowles Mountain
If you’re wondering about the best sunset hikes in San Diego, then Cowles Mountain is an excellent choice. This short urban hike is one of my favorite places to watch the sunset in San Diego, because once you reach the 1,593-foot summit you get breathtaking panoramic views over the city.
This is a popular hike so you’ll likely find plenty of other sunset chasers at the top with you, but there’s plenty of room to spread out and find your own spot to enjoy the view. Do note that if you plan to hike here near sunset, you should make sure you either have your phone flashlight or an actual flashlight with you so you can make it back down the trail safely in the dark.
Get directions to Cowles Mountain now!
4. Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve is another popular hiking spot in San Diego, and offers up some of the best sunset spots in San Diego along the trails and on the Torrey Pines State Beach as well. If you feel like hiking, you can take one of the main trails…or if you feel less inclined to activity then you can simply enjoy the beach view from where you park your car.
There is a fee to park in the official Torrey Pines State Reserve parking lot, but there’s also some (limited) free parking right along the beach. You’ll have to time it right (and get there definitely before sunset) if you wish to get a spot in the free parking before they’re all taken, but that just means more time admiring the ocean view!
But whether you enjoy sunset from a hike along the cliffs or choose to enjoy sunset on the beach, Torrey Pines offers up some of the best places to see the sunset in San Diego and you won’t regret spending your evening here!
Get directions to Torrey Pines State Reserve now!
5. Hotel del Coronado
In case you can’t tell, choosing just one “best” place to watch the sunset in San Diego is a difficult task. But if you’re still looking for beautiful views, then the Hotel del Coronado provides another excellent place to watch sunsets in San Diego.
But the Hotel Del is not just an iconic San Diego building—it’s also a gorgeous beach area, with the hotel situated directly in front of the ocean. This provides a highly picturesque setting for watching sunset!
The beach in front of the hotel is open to public, as are the hotel’s restaurants with a sunset view. You can enjoy eating with a view, grab ice cream or another treat to enjoy while sitting on the beach, or simply go and watch the sunset. Whatever your choice, you’re sure to enjoy sunset here! (And if you like, you can even stay the night at this gorgeous hotel!)
Get directions to the Hotel del Coronado now!
6. Crystal Pier (Pacific Beach)
There’s something about piers and sunsets that go hand-in-hand, so if you’re looking for another best sunset view in San Diego then Crystal Pier on Pacific Beach is lovely place to go.
This beach is a nice place to go for a stroll on the sand, and the pier is also open to the public so you can walk along it to watch the sunset if you so choose. One of the things I love about this beach as well is that there are cottages along the pier that you can rent! These adorable blue and white cottages make an excellent place to stay while on vacation (or on a staycation) in San Diego. But whether you stay here or just enjoy an evening, this pier is the perfect place to wander and watch the sun go down!
Get directions to Crystal Pier now!
7. Take a Sunset Cruise
If you’re wondering where to watch sunset in San Diego, you can’t go wrong with watching sunset from the water on a sunset cruise! As for as sunset spots go, a cruise indubitably makes for the best place to see sunset in San Diego.
Want to experience a San Diego sunset from a boat? This 2-hour sunset cruise takes you through the San Diego bay while offering complimentary appetizers, a boarding glass of champagne, and other alcoholic beverages. There’s also some light narration of points of interest along the cruise while you enjoy the sights at sunset. (Alternatively, you may wish to consider this 3-hour sunset sailing tour for a more adventurous option).
If you are going with a group of 5-6 people or want to go on a sunset cruise for a special event like an anniversary, proposal, etc. then you may also wish to consider this private sunset cruise. It’s sure to be a memory that will last a lifetime and certainly one of the best sunsets in San Diego!
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