Experience the beauty of sunsets in Los Angeles at the top five spots to catch nature at its best. From manmade landmarks to hidden jewels, the City of Angels has all the potential to leave you breathless.
Surround yourself with vibrant energy when visiting Griffith Observatory. As the sun sets behind the famous Hollywood Sign, you’ll watch as it turns orange and pink, painting a breathtaking picture into the sky. For something more on the coastal side, visit Santa Monica Pier where you’ll see gold fill your view as the sun dips below into the Pacific Ocean.
For a unique lookout point head to Getty Center high up on Santa Monica Mountains where you’ll see an incredible panoramic view of LA being kissed goodnight by golden light from above. Find tranquility at Descanso Gardens where lush plants will bring peace and sunlight will make everything right.
Lastly, Malibu Pier is home of setting suns against stunning coastal cliffs that create a picture-perfect moment in time.
Visit all five spots with us as we take you through this bewildering journey through Los Angeles and let nature take your breath away.
Why Sunsets Are Special in Los Angeles
People say that there is no sunset like one seen from L.A., and there’s many reasons why people hold them near and dear. To begin with, they are fortunate enough to have various picturesque backdrops thanks to their geography of mountains, coastline, and cityscape.
Secondly , mild and sunny climate creates perfect trending conditions for dramatic sunsets full of vibrant colors. The clear skies provide open canvas for rays to scatter off creating beauty seemingly only made in movies . However temps vary throughout seasons , l.a consistently delivers beautiful scenes all year round .
Finally , creative spirit that takes over l.a residents is shared during these times . As soon as golden hour hits locals can be found running towards popular locations or even just laying outside on grassy field witnessing daily miracle together .
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is famously known as the best spot to catch a sunset in LA. Known for its stunning views of skyline and Hollywood sign, it’s easy to see why it holds this title.
Situated on hills of Griffith park up high enough to see big picture , you’ll get a panoramic view of the city and ocean in front of you making sure nothing obstructs your sight . Once the sun starts going down, watch as sky turns into vibrant pinks, purples, and oranges that will soon illuminate entire city below inside the observatory
The manmade structure itself is quite interesting too with architecture that commands attention. However once outside on terrace is where real show begins . Set up lawn chair with camera in hand and soak up magic happening right before your eyes as sun fades away leaving only memories inside buildings
For a really great sunset, arrive at the Griffith Observatory a little early to make sure you can nab a good spot. The place gets crowded as the sun begins to set — especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. Be sure to look up the exact sunset time for that day too before you go so you aren’t caught out.
Santa Monica Pier
If you want your sunset experience with a big side of coastal charm, try Santa Monica Pier. Located at the western end of Route 66, this iconic pier offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and one of the best seats in town for watching the sun fall from the sky. As it starts to dip below the horizon, catch sight of how it splashes colors across everything — mirrored by those same colors reflecting off the water.
There are several spots along its length where you can snag that perfect shot. Maybe stand right at the end with its Ferris Wheel behind you? Or find a cozy spot on one of California’s sandy beaches? Either way, bring lots of space in your camera roll because this view’s gonna get snapped a lot. As soon as it does start happening, street performers will come out to play music and perform tricks while artists paint nearby: Making it all very lively.
Malibu Beach
For somewhere quieter and more peaceful for your sunset experience, head over to Malibu Beach instead. This stretch of coastline is famous for its beautiful views and that’s only amplified when there’s a setting sun involved. As it falls lower in the sky, watch as its light caresses everything around into something truly magical.
The best spot to see this in Malibu is right from their wooden pier — which stretches right into prime viewing territory. All along its path crashing waves can be heard as they roll onto sandy shores while salty sea air fills your nose. It’s all very relaxing if you ask us. But if you’re eager for a bit more exercise, there are also plenty of trails in the area that lead to hidden coves. These less-well-known spots will offer a bit more privacy for you as you take in the spectacle.
Runyon Canyon Park
If you’re just as interested in seeing the skyline lit up during sunset as anything else, Runyon Canyon Park is where you should go. This park has some great views of the city and all its surrounding mountains — so seeing it all illuminated by a setting sun is a real showstopper.
There are three different trails at varying difficulties to choose from if you’d like to make this into more of a hike than anything else. But no matter which one you pick, everyone will get that same amazing view once they reach the top. So don’t worry too much about what trail you’re on — just enjoy your journey and find somewhere nice to sit when you’re done so that you can relax and take it all in.
Be warned, Runyon Canyon Park can be a bit crowded. You can probably attribute it to the fact that its popular with the locals who all want to see the sunset. Lucky for you someone has already thought of this and come up with a solution. If you’re looking for less people and better view spots then I suggest you go on Monday through Friday or you can try going at sunrise.
Top of the World Park
Now if your really want a memorable sunset experience then listen up. Head over to Laguna Beach’s Top of The World Park. It is positively breathtaking atop these hills overlooking the coastline. From there you get panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and everything else that surrounds it. And as we all know, sunsets are colorful but this one gives you more than just reds and oranges, it paints the sky yellow and purple too! All that light casts a warm glow over everything you see from rolling hills to sparkling oceans.
In order to get to the top though, which I highly encourage, is along a well-marked trail so don’t worry about getting lost. The hike is easy enough for anyone who wants to see all those colors up close so don’t let me hear any whining about being “too tired.” On your way up there will be plenty of pretty flowers for you to look at too so take in all that nature has to offer. Once you get up there just find yourself a cozy spot on some grass or even some rocks if you’re brave enough but regardless make sure its comfortable because once everything starts turning pink and orange behind those mountains, trust me when I say, you won’t want to move.
But remember this place can get crowded too so try not coming on a weekend or during peak hours like in summer time when everyone gets off work same time as each other do their best impression of sardines in cans on this little hilltop. But hey nobody ever said sardines don’t like pretty sunsets too, right? And if you’re gonna be that person then bring a blanket or something.
