Sunset in San Diego: 7 Best Spots for Magnificent Views

San Diego has 70 miles of coastline, making it a waterfront city and providing some of the most wonderful locations for watching the sunset. Apart from having the ideal weather all year round, this city is also known for having the best sunsets. Although most San Diego places give sunset views, there are some exclusive places that are known for witnessing the sunsets in the best way possible. Whether it’s an ocean view, a rooftop, or top of a cliff, we have rounded up some of the best spots that have proven to be the best sunset spots in San Diego.

Time of Sunset in San Diego:
November to January – 4:40 PM – 5:00 PM
February - 5:20 PM – 5:45 PM
March – 6:55 PMApril – 7:30 PM
May to June – 7:40 PM – 8:00 PM
July – 7:45 PM
August to September - 6:30 PM - 7:10 PM
October – 6:00 PM

1. Sunset Cliffs

Located in the south of Ocean Beach, the Sunset cliffs is the city’s most picturesque neighborhood. As the name says, the place offers the most beautiful and unimpeded vistas of the sunset. Hike your way up to the rugged cliffs to watch the sunset from the top of the cliffs or go down to the beach to chill as it is not as crowded as some of the other popular beaches in town. However, do mind your steps while going down as it can be wet and slippery due to the splashing surfs. It is because the place is also known for being a great surfing area. If you reach here before the sunset, we recommend you to take a stroll along the path to take in its expansive coastline. While going to the beach below, watch your step as they are wet and slippery due to the surfs.

Note: Most cliffs are not fenced; hence watch where you step when you explore the place.

2. Coronado Central Beach

Known for its shimmering sand that occurs due to the high content of mica, this beach in Coronado makes a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. Its shoreline starts from the infamous Hotel Del Coronado and stretches north of Sunset Park. The north end of this place has a dog-friendly beach where you can choose to go for a walk with your dog with the sunset as a backdrop. If you are planning for a picnic, make sure to come early to find a perfect spot on the sand as it is one of the popular beaches in San Diego due to its soft white sand and can get crowded. If you are out here for lunch or dinner, go to Sunset Bar or Sun Deck Grill and watch the sunset, but you can also go surfing if you are feeling adventurous.

Location: Across the bay from downtown San Diego

3. Crystal Pier

Piers can offer beautiful vistas to get your perfect sunset photography. Along with being a spectacular spot for sunsets, this crystal pier in the Pacific beach is also well-known as a fishing spot. Imagine fishes while watching the sunset at the same time. Moreover, fishing in this place is also free. You can also watch the sunset over the iconic wooden pier. Also, if you are looking for a place to stay, the Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages built on it might be a great option. They give you updated 1930s era cottages with a seaside sundeck. However, remember that the pier gets closed at night for the public.

Location: 4500 Ocean Blvd, San Diego

4. Windansea Beach

If you are looking at any artistic pictures of sunset photography in San Diego, then there is a high chance it has been taken at this particular beach. This place is not only popular for its sunsets but is also known to be one of the best surfing spots in the world. If you come here during the sunset time, you will often find people scattered around watching the sunset and surfers with their colorful boards surfing on the water. With its rugged coastline and picturesque surf shacks, this place is ideal for a perfect sunset snapshot. But make sure to come here early to snatch a good viewpoint as this place can get crowded during sunrise and sunset.

Location: La Jolla, a community of San Diego

5. Centennial Park

Although the park is small, it offers stunning vistas of wide-open spaces and an unbeatable San Diego skyline. Situated at the end of Orange Avenue, this place marks naval aviation’s birthplace in the 2000s. To get the best sunset shots, walk down to the beach on the park’s left side. Moreover, look a bit far from the beach, and you can even locate some massive naval ships sailing around. Surprisingly, not many people are aware of this park, thus making it a secluded place. And on top of that, the park doesn’t have an entry fee. Grab this advantage and go visit the place to get a more personalized experience when watching the sunset. In addition, during the night, you can spot a magnificent view of the city’s skyline.

Location: 1101 1st St, Coronado
Time: 6 am - 11 pm

6. Altitude Sky Lounge

It is among the best rooftop bars in San Diego with spectacular panoramic views and a sleek and modern interior décor. This elite bar was named “Favorite Bar & Lounge” for several years and still remains a must-visit place in San Diego. Moreover, it is the highest rooftop bar on the west coast, making it a great vantage point to see the sunset along with views of San Diego Bay, Downtown’s Sky Line, and Coronado Island. You can enjoy the sun going down while sipping on your cocktail. Also, they hold live music and amazing parties for entertainment and provide you with a cozy fire pit and heaters to keep you warm for the chilly nights.

Location: 660 K St, San Diego
Time: 5 pm - 10 pm

7. La Jolla Cove

La Jolla is San Diego’s most charming beach community. Walk up the road, and you’ll find the La Jolla Cove. It is a small beach area surrounded by stunning cliffs where you’ll also see glimpses of many California Sea Lions. This place boasts various shopping stores that cater to everyone’s taste. As the sunset time approaches, grab a good spot and settle down to watch the sun going behind the horizon. Due to its breathtaking sunset and extraordinary natural beauty, this place is one of Southern California’s most photographed beaches.