California in Western United States stretches an incredible 900 miles and most of it is covered in outstanding natural beauty – ideal for gorgeous sunsets. Here are some of our favourite spots to enjoy the awesome moment.
Greater Palm Springs
(c) Greater Palm Springs CVB
Golf fans are in for a treat with the sunset views from the legendary La Quinta golf course. With five courses to choose from and the opportunity to watch the sunset over the desert oasis of Greater Palm Springs, visitors will never get bored. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains surrounding La Quinta provide the perfect backdrop for the impressive sunset.
Also read: Travel Guide to Palm Springs, California
Huntington Beach
After a day riding the surf in Surf City USA, Huntington Beach, take a stroll down to the beach with a blanket to make the most of the destination’s incredible sunsets. To give your trip a true Californian touch, be prepared and stock up on ‘s’mores’ essentials, Hershey’s chocolate and melted marshmallows smudged between Graham crackers. Enjoy your treat whilst sat around one of the 500 fire rings which line the beach in front of Pacific City as you watch the sun go down on another day.
Newport Beach
One of the top attributes of Newport Beach is the beautiful sunset reflecting in the peaceful ocean. ‘Lookout Point’ is one of the top romantic sunset spots, which overlooks the Newport Harbour entrance at Heliotrope, featuring stunning sunset views alongside unbeatable views of the ocean, cliffs, harbour and Catalina Island. There are benches or grassy spots to sit and enjoy the view, and you could even spot whales.
READ ALSO: 24 hours in Newport Beach
Sacramento
For a perfect evening sunset in Sacramento, walk alongside the Sacramento River within the city to reveal open skies and a beautiful reflection in the water. The golden sheened Tower Bridge provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic sunset stroll without having to leave the city.
San Diego
With 70 miles of coastline, San Diego is the perfect city to watch the sun go down over peaceful rolling waves, in beautiful weather all year round. Relax at the swanky seaside area of La Jolla, at La Jolla Cove, whilst surrounded by seals, garibaldi fish and the occasional dolphin, making for an idyllic romantic evening.
Also read: Top 10 things to do and see in San Diego, California
San Francisco
For one of the best spots in San Francisco to see the sun set in the evening, visitors can head to the Twin Peaks, the second highest peaks in the city. After a 45 minute hike, you receive 360-degree views of the entire city and the Bay area, and once the sun sets, the breathtaking view of the city is complemented with the colourful sky.
Also read: 48 hours in San Francisco
Santa Barbara
Known to locals as Hendry’s Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach is the place to go for great food, surf, beaches and sunsets. Surf the incredible waves that Arroyo is known for in Santa Barbara, then kick back for the evening on a picnic blanket and take in the orange haze which fills the sky as the sun comes down. The beach is also a country park where travellers can try fishing, take advantage of the equestrian trails and access BBQ grills to make the perfect summer lunch.
Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County (c) VisitTheUSA
There are few sunset moments more magical than grabbing a spot in Santa Cruz County, on the pier or along the coast to spot the late-goers catching a wave! Santa Cruz, California, the birthplace of mainland surfing, is a quintessential beach town. With its legendary 100-year-old seaside amusement park overlooking the sparkling Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz offers the classic California beach vacation.
West Hollywood
West Hollywood – Skybar
With a wide array of rooftop bars and restaurants in West Hollywood, you’re never short of finding the perfect sunset spot partnered with spectacular views of the wider LA area. Located at the Mondrian Hotel, Skybar features an open-air rooftop, with wide open windows offering views over downtown Los Angeles. At night Skybar becomes a hot hip hangout zone for guests to sip a cocktail and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the city.
Also read: Travel Guide to Los Angeles, California
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Mariposa County
One of the most spectacular points to watch the sunset in Yosemite National Park is Valley View, where you can look along Yosemite Valley from the banks of the Merced River. The moment you reach the location you will realise why Valley View has the reputation for being one of the most exceptional views in all of Yosemite with the colours of the sunset pouring bright light onto the granite cliff faces in front of you.