8 dramatic sunset spots in Los Angeles

Los Angeles doesn’t just bask in the sun — it practically brands itself with it. This is a city so devoted to golden hour, even the neighborhoods sound like love letters to it: Sunset Boulevard, Sunland, Sun Valley, Sundown Drive, and Solar Drive, to name a few.

And when evening rolls in? The palm trees fade into darkened silhouettes, the skies go full Hollywood gradient, and the city applies its most flattering filter. Here are the most fiery sunset spots in Los Angeles — where every evening feels scripted with Hollywood spectacle, in the best possible way.

1. Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory isn’t just a view, it’s the view. Perched on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, this classic LA landmark gives you front-row seats to a sunset that slides behind palm trees, city sprawl, and — if the air’s clear — the Pacific Ocean. The Hollywood Sign glows, the skyline lights flicker on, and suddenly you’re in your own movie montage.

It’s easily one of the best sunset views in Los Angeles, whether you’re leaning over the railing or hiking up from the Greek Theatre trail.

Know before you go

• Parking is limited — take the DASH bus or hike up.
• The observatory closes at 10:00 PM; sunset watching is welcome before.
• Stay after dark for a peek through the telescopes (it’s free!).

Address

2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening hours

Tuesday-Friday 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Closed Mondays

2. El Matador Beach

Tucked into the Malibu coast, El Matador Beach is a little wild, a little rugged, and ridiculously photogenic at sunset. Think waves crashing against dramatic sea stacks, golden light pouring through rock arches, and footprints disappearing into soft, windswept sand. It’s popular with photographers for a reason — this place glows.

It’s one of the best sunset spots in LA for romance, drama, and those jaw-dropping ocean hues. Just be ready for a short hike down a steep cliff trail.

Know before you go

• The parking lot fills up fast — arrive early, especially on weekends.
• Bring shoes with grip as the path down can be sandy and slick.

Address

32200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Opening hours

Daily, 8:00 AM–sunset

3. Runyon Canyon

Want to earn your golden hour? Runyon Canyon offers a trail-meets-cityscape hiking experience with a panoramic payoff. As the sun lowers behind the Hollywood Hills, the entire basin lights up with silhouetted outlines of palms, downtown, and the hazy shimmer of the Santa Monica Bay.

It’s a favorite for locals, influencers, and very good dogs alike but it’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset in Los Angeles if you want your view with a side of heart-pumping endorphins.

Know before you go

• You can choose your trail: short and steep or long and mellow.
• You won’t find any shade along the trail — bring water and a hat.
• No entrance fee!

Address

2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA

Opening hours

Daily, sunrise to sunset

4. Santa Monica Pier

For a sunset that feels like a postcard, head to Santa Monica Pier — an essential LA experience. As the sky fades to soft sherbet tones, the Ferris wheel lights flicker on, scattering colorful reflections across the Pacific. Seagulls wheel overhead, street performers set the vibe, and the whole place hums with beachy, end-of-day energy.

It’s one of the most classic sunset views in LA, where the boardwalk buzz meets coastal calm. Hop on the Ferris wheel if you want to watch the sunset from the top — or just stroll the pier and take it all in.

Know before you go

• Thanks to LA’s west coast positioning, sunsets line up perfectly behind the pier in summer and fall.
• Great for families, couples, and casual wanderers.
• Free to access, but rides and food are extra.

Address

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Opening hours

Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM

5. The Getty Center

High above Brentwood, the Getty Center offers one of the most elegant and elevated sunset experiences in LA — as well as one of the best free things to do in LA. As the sun sinks west, the white travertine walls catch fire with color, the hilltop gardens glow, and the whole city unfolds below in soft-focus. From the terraces, you’ll see the skyline on one side, the Pacific on the other, and the Santa Monica Mountains ray-painted the color of peach sorbet.

It’s one of the best sunset spots in Los Angeles if you like your golden hour served with sculpture, serenity, and some seriously good shadows.

Know before you go

• Admission is free, but timed-entry reservations are required and you’ll have to pay $20 for parking.
• The tram ride up is part of the magic — aim for late afternoon.
• Stay for twilight as the city lights come alive just after the sun dips.

Address

1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA

Opening hours

Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM
Closed Mondays

6. Echo Park Lake

Just north of downtown, Echo Park Lake is where urban grit meets golden calm. It’s one of the most down-to-earth places to see the sunset in Los Angeles — perfect for a slow stroll, an impromptu picnic, or a romantic lap around the lake in a swan boat.

Sunset smoulders on the mirror-like lake, alongside shadowy palm trees and the downtown skyline — all rippling together when the occasional pedal boat drifts lazily past the lotus blooms. The view west across the water is prime for sunset when the sky goes all burnt orange and purple while the fountains catch the light.

Know before you go

• Street parking is pretty tricky anywhere in Los Angeles, but especially near public parks — plan to walk a few blocks.
• Pedal boat rentals available until early evening.
• Best viewing is from the east side of the lake, looking west.

Address

751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USA

Opening hours

Daily, 5:00 AM–10:30 PM

7. Venice Canals

Venice gets all the attention for its beach boardwalk, but just a few blocks inland lies one of LA’s most atmospheric sunset spots: the Venice Canals. Emulating the canals of Venice, Italy, these manmade versions wrap around the charmed streets of this hidden LA neighborhood. Stroll the narrow bridges, watch ducks drift by, and catch glimpses of pastel skies reflected in the canals.

As low sunlight filters through palm trees and dances on still water, the neighborhood turns almost impossibly peaceful. Pro tip: Many of the surrounding hotels and bars offer some of the best rooftop views in LA to watch the sunset.

Know before you go

• Best light hits just before sunset — stick around for twilight glow.
• The canals are residential — keep it quiet and respectful.
• After you’ve soaked in that sunlit storybook charm, head to a nearby rooftop

Address

Carroll Canal & Dell Ave, Venice, CA 90291, USA

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

8. Sunset by helicopter

Want to feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Michael Bay movie? Hop in a helicopter and watch LA unfold beneath you like a living, breathing light show. As you lift off from Van Nuys or Burbank, the city’s loud bustle falls away into quiet glowing grids, winding freeways, and palm-studded hills bathed in gold.

The sun drops low, the Pacific sparkles like a film set, and downtown’s glass towers ignite with evening hues. You’ll buzz the Hollywood Sign, sweep past Malibu, and maybe — just maybe — remember to breathe! This isn’t just one of the best sunset spots in Los Angeles, it’s one of the most fun and exciting things to do in LA, full stop.

Know before you go

• Sunset tours are wildly popular — book ahead.
• Most depart from Van Nuys or Burbank.
• Headsets, windows, and skyline selfies all included.

Address

Varies by provider, common departure point: 16425 Hart St, Van Nuys, CA 91406

Opening hours

Tour times vary — golden hour departures typically between 5:00–7:30 PM