Discover Los Angeles’ best sunset spots

As the entertainment capital of the world, it’s easy to understand why many people flock to Los Angeles to catch glimpses of their favorite stars or hang out in celebrity-approved hotspots. But here’s one experience that’s accessible to everyone: the famous Southern California sunset. Throughout Los Angeles are many sunset-viewing spots where you can watch the skies transform into brilliant shades of orange and pink to purple and star-sprinkled dark blue.

For this article, we gathered the places where you can admire the best sunset views in Los Angeles. These include quintessential sunset viewing spots to underrated destinations where you can have some peace and quiet.

THE BEST SUNSET VIEWS IN LOS ANGELES

Griffith Observatory

Perched atop Griffith Park is the Griffith Observatory, one of Los Angeles’ iconic cultural attractions. Thanks to its high elevation, visitors are treated to panoramic views of Downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, and on exceptionally clear days, the Pacific Ocean. These sights are great during the daytime, but as golden hour takes over, the vistas become magical.

• For the best sunset experience, head to the West Terraces, which offers unobstructed views of the horizon. There are coin-operated telescopes along the upper terrace if you want to zoom in on other LA landmarks. At the lower terrace, you can see the sunset and moonset radial lines, which enable you to follow the trajectory of both the sun and moon especially during equinox and solstice events.
• Another prime sunset-viewing spot is the roof deck, where you can enjoy the vistas from a higher vantage point. The east section is where you can take a peek through the Zeiss telescope. Another special telescope, the coelostat, is housed in a dome (a restricted area) in the west section.
• Additionally, the lawn area in front of the observatory is popular among visitors who want a more relaxed setting to watch the sunset.

Admission to the Griffith Observatory is free to the general public. Take a day trip and arrive hours before sunset to explore the 60 on-site exhibitions and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium for a complete Griffith Observatory experience. Griffith Park in its entirety is a lauded LA destination. The largest urban-wilderness park in the US, there are miles of trails to explore, many of which lead to other must-see landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign.

Santa Monica Pier

When it comes to the best coastal sunset views in Los Angeles, Santa Monica Pier comes highly recommended. The first concrete pier built on the West Coast, it’s a spot for both excellent fishing and unforgettable Los Angeles sunsets. Stretching for about 1,600 feet, the double-jointed pier at the end of Colorado Avenue offers unobstructed views of the ocean. Here, dreamy sunsets reflect beautifully on the water, creating a dazzling display of colors.

• Many people settle on the pier or the beach to watch the sunset, but if you want to add some thrill to your sunset-viewing excursion, why not hop on Pacific Park’s ferris wheel? For just a few dollars, you’ll be taken up high above to admire both the lively sunset and pier scene. It’s also quite romantic, so take note if you are looking for a place to take a special someone.
• For the best snaps of the coastal Los Angeles sunset, find your spot on the west-facing side of the pier. Come early as this area can get crowded quickly. If you want a little more peace and privacy, numerous beachside hotels with rooftop bars offer fantastic vantage points where you can sip a cocktail as the sun slowly sets.
• For extra colorful views of the sunset, check out the parking lot near the amusement park. From here, you can capture the brilliant neon lights against the changing colors of the sunset.

While waiting for the sunset, explore the fun activities and attractions at the Santa Monica Pier. Take a stroll along the entire stretch, sample delicious fare and snacks from local food vendors, and soak in the carnival-like atmosphere with games, performers, and live music.

If you like fishing, you can also head to the Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle Co. and peruse their collections of gear and bait. At Heal the Bay Aquarium, you can share your love of marine life with your companions.

Runyon Canyon Park

Covering approximately 160 acres of land near the Santa Monica Mountains, it’s no surprise that Runyon Canyon Park is among the best spots for sunset views in Los Angeles.

There are three trailheads to choose from– Fuller, Vista, and Mulholland– as well as main trails that run through the park. These trails overlap and connect, allowing you to customize the length and difficulty of your sunset hike. The full 3.3-mile route takes roughly two hours to complete, while the shorter routes take less time to finish. Beginners also don’t need to worry as the trails at Runyon Canyon Park are marked and well-maintained.

• For the best sunset views, take the hike to Inspiration Point or Clouds Rest, two of the park’s highest points. From these spots, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Los Angeles skyline, the Hollywood Hills, and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is painted with vibrant shades of pink, orange, and purple, casting a warm glow over the sprawling city below.
• The East Ridge Trail is the route you’ll take to reach Inspiration Point and Clouds Rest, but don’t worry if you don’t make it to either one. The actual trail is lined with various lookout points where you can pause and take in the sunset, especially if you started your sunset hike later than planned.

Runyon Canyon Park is open everyday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can acquire trail maps at any of the park entrances. Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and bring your water bottle. There are several water fountains scattered around the park in case you need a refill.

Malibu

With 21 miles of coastline facing the mighty Pacific Ocean, no place in Los Angeles beats Malibu when it comes to dramatic and breathtaking sunset views.

• One of the best spots to view sunsets in this Los Angeles neighborhood is El Matador within the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. This area is well-known for its striking rock formations and sea caves, which become beautifully silhouetted against the colorful sky at dusk. Wait for the tide to recede so you can find the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the view.
• There’s plenty of room for everyone to watch the sunset at Point Dume Beach. It stretches for approximately a mile and covers about 34 acres of sand. Wherever you decide to set up your beach towel and sunset picnic, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean. As you can imagine, the sunrise vistas here are just as spectacular.Alternatively, you can hike up to the top of Point Dume if you prefer a higher perch or the sight of the sun setting over the water, with the waves crashing against the cliffs below.
• Malibu Pier offers a classic California sunset experience. Stroll to the end of the circa-1905 pier and watch the sun set behind the distant hills and cast a golden glow over the water in the process. The pier’s cafes and restaurants also provide great spots to enjoy a meal or drink while taking in the view.
• Other notable sunset viewing spots in Malibu include Zuma Beach and Malibu Lagoon State Beach. The former features nearly two miles of coastline and is a favorite spot among locals for surfing, swimming, and windsurfing. It can also get chilly here, so don’t forget to bring a jacket or sweater. In the wintertime, watching the sunset in Zuma Beach has a chance to become extra magical: you may be able to watch gray whales swim by during their migration. They’re active in the morning and late afternoon.The sunsets at Malibu Lagoon, on the other hand, are peaceful, relaxing, and from time to time, a beautiful shade of pink.

Even with no specific destination in mind, you can bathe in the golden hour as you take a late afternoon drive along the length of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Venice Beach

Imagine yourself standing on the golden sands of Venice Beach as the day begins to wind down. There’s a certain magic in the air, a blend of the laid-back California vibe with the vibrant energy that Venice is famous for. As the sun starts its descent, the sky transforms into a stunning canvas of warm oranges, pinks, and purples. The bustling boardwalk– with its eclectic mix of street performers, artists, and food vendors– begins to mellow down. With such a setting, it’s easy to see why Venice Beach is a favorite destination to watch the sunset.

• One of the best spots to catch the sunset spectacle is right along Venice Beach Boardwalk. Find a comfortable spot near one of the iconic lifeguard towers, which stand as sentinels against the backdrop of the setting sun.
• For a slightly more elevated view, head over to the Venice fishing pier. It stretches out into the ocean, offering panoramic views that encompass the entire coastline. From here, you can watch the sun as it sinks into the Pacific, its reflection shimmering across the water. An added bonus is that the pier is relatively less crowded than the boardwalk, giving you a peaceful setting to take in the beauty of the moment.
• At the Venice Beach Skate Park, you can bring a blanket and lay it out on the grassy area. This way, you hit two birds with one stone: you’ll have a great vantage point to watch the skateboarders perform tricks as the sun sets. The combination of the dynamic energy from the skate park and the calming presence of the ocean creates a unique and memorable experience– and great photographs, too!

Biking and surfing are two of the favorite pastimes in Venice Beach, and both activities can enrich your sunset viewing experience. In the late afternoon, you can go on a cruise along Venice Beach’s dedicated bike paths. Rentals are available throughout Venice Beach in case you don’t have your own bicycle.

Those with surfing experience can paddle out in the late afternoon as well and watch the sunset as they sit on their boards. But before you go out into the water, check the weather conditions first as the waves in Venice can be sensitive to swell direction. And if you don’t have prior surf experience, it may be best to stay on land.

The Getty Center

The world-renowned Getty Center isn’t just a haven for art and history lovers; it’s also home to some of the best sunset views in Los Angeles. The Getty’s pristine white travertine buildings and lush gardens glow in the afternoon sun, offering a serene and elegant setting for this daily show.

• Find a terrace– the Getty Center has several, and many of them overlook the city. As a result, you’ll have sweeping views of Los Angeles, stretching from downtown to the sparkling Pacific Ocean. The vantage point from the center’s terraces provide an unobstructed view, making it feel as though you are floating above the city and witnessing a private, natural art display.
• The Robert Irwin-designed central garden is another prime spot for sunset viewing at the Getty Center. It’s a living work of art, with winding paths, reflecting pools, and over 500 varieties of plant species. Sit on one of the benches or perch yourself along the garden’s edge and watch as the setting sun casts a warm glow over the garden’s bougainvilleas, azaleas, and water features. The interplay of light and shadow among the foliage adds an extra layer of beauty to the scene, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.
• For the art lovers, head to the West Pavilion Gallery. Here, you can enjoy the sunset from an indoor perspective while surrounded by some of the world’s greatest artworks. Some of the paintings displayed here include Irises by Vincent Van Gogh, Sunrise (Marine) by Claude Monet, and The Promenade by Pierre-August Renoir. The large windows of the gallery frame the sunset views perfectly, allowing you to watch the sun’s descent while appreciating masterpieces from different eras. It’s a blend of culture and nature that few places can offer.

The Getty Center is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM until 5:30 PM (Tuesday-Friday, Sunday) and 8:00 PM (Saturday). Best of all, general admission is free. You can make reservations here.

FIND LA HOMES WITH SUNSET VIEWS

With the right house in Los Angeles, you won’t need to venture out to catch glorious sunsets– you can enjoy them from the comforts of your own home.

With over 35 years of experience in the Los Angeles real estate market, James Respondek and his team can help you find the best homes in Los Angeles that offer sunset views just the way you want them.

Let’s find your dream home. Get in touch with James and his team to set up your first consultation. Call 310.488.4400 or send a message here.