9 sunset spots in San Diego too beautiful to miss

Sitting pretty on the West Coast, San Diego is paradise not only for those who love life by the ocean but also for anyone who enjoys a breathtaking sunset. That’s because there are numerous sunset spots in San Diego where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the sun going down over the Pacific Ocean, golden rays shimmering on the water, like the aptly named Sunset Cliffs Natural Park and the historic Oceanside Municipal Pier.

From beautiful beaches where you can enjoy water sports of all kinds like La Jolla Shores Beach to panoramic viewing areas on mountain tops like Mount Soledad, this guide rounds up the best places to watch sunset in San Diego so you can spend less time searching for the perfect spot and more time enjoying the perfect views.

1. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

With a name like Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, you know you can expect some of the best sunset views in San Diego here. Head to the rugged coastline at this popular park to watch the sun dip into the Pacific Ocean.

Know before you go

• When the tide is low, walk down the stairs to check out the tide pools.
• Come early to find a spot in the small parking lots — otherwise, there’s street parking available.

Address

Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

2. Mount Soledad

Go to the top of Mount Soledad and you’ll find the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial — plus 360-degree views of the hilly neighborhood and coastline. Choose between sitting on the monument steps or one of the park benches to watch the sunset.

Know before you go

• This area is popular for cycling, and there are bike tours around the neighborhood and up to the peak.
• You can drive right up to the top of the peak where there are a few parking spots.

Address

Via Casa Alta, La Jolla, CA 92037

Opening hours

Every day, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM

3. La Jolla Shores Beach

About one-mile long, La Jolla Shores Beach is a favorite among locals. On top of being one of the best places to watch the sunset in San Diego, this sandy, free-access spot also has great opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Know before you go

• There are lifeguards, and the waves here are gentle, so it’s a nice option if you’re traveling with kids.
• If you want to have a bonfire after sunset, snag one of the available fire pits early in the day as they’re first come, first served.

Address

San Diego, CA 92037

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. Balboa Park

With its assortment of museums, gardens, and other attractions, Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s must-visit destinations. Come at sunset, and you can see the sky come ablaze in color behind the iconic California Tower, a 200-foot (61-meter) historic landmark constructed in 1915.

Know before you go

• Visit the museums here, like the San Diego Natural History Museum, before sunset, as many close at 5:00 PM.
• From the famous Cabrillo Bridge, you can see airplanes flying in and out of the San Diego airport.

Address

1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

5. Torrey Pines Gliderport Parking Lot

In terms of the best sunset spots in San Diego, Torrey Pines Gliderport is one of those not-so-secret hidden gems with stunning views of the sun setting over the ocean. Since the gliderport officially closes at 6:00 PM, you can catch any sunsets after that hour from the parking area.

Know before you go

• The gliderport offers tandem paragliding and hang gliding flights.
• You can catch some live music here during Saturday afternoons in the summer.

Address

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

6. Mt. Helix Park

From atop Mt. Helix, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of San Diego as the city stretches back to the mountains and the ocean on the horizon. The vistas here are so nice that if it’s a clear day, you can actually see all the way to Coronado Island.

Know before you go

• Check the park’s schedule for upcoming events at the historic amphitheater.
• If you like hiking, take the easy Yawkey Trail to the right of the amphitheater to see some native wildlife.

Address

4901 Mt Helix Dr, La Mesa, CA 91941

Opening hours

Every day, 5:30 AM–7:00 PM

7. Oceanside Municipal Pier

Over in Oceanside, the Oceanside Municipal Pier is far from your average pier. It was originally built in 1888 and extends nearly 2,000 feet into the Pacific Ocean. This spot is made even more special if you come during sunset, when you get an uninterrupted view of the sky meeting the sun in a beautiful burst of colors.

Know before you go

• Post up at the end of the pier for a good chance at spotting whales and dolphins.
• There are regular entertainment events at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater.

Address

Pier, Oceanside, CA 92054

Opening hours

Every day, 4:00 AM–10:00 PM

8. La Jolla Cove

Despite its small size, La Jolla Cove attracts plenty of swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers with its natural beauty both above and below the water. Many photographers like to shoot this scenic spot, and the place truly shines amid the sun's glow setting over the water.

Know before you go

• It’s common to see sea lions and seals lounging about here; remember to keep your distance.
• You can extend your visit with water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Address

1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

9. Coronado Island

Can’t resist pairing a sunset with a skyline view? Make your way over to the San Diego Skyline Viewpoint on Coronado Island to get a great perspective of the downtown as the sun sets, lighting up the sky in pink, orange, and purple.

Know before you go

• You can reach the island by driving over the picturesque Coronado Bridge or taking the 15-minute ferry to Coronado Ferry Landing.
• For an ocean view, head to Coronado Beach or Ocean Boulevard.

Address

Coronado, CA 92118