Nothing is more beautiful and peaceful than watching a sunset. Watching the sky change its colors from red to pink to orange is breathtaking, and Los Angeles is one city that is not only known for its glamorous lifestyle but also for serving some of the best sunsets. Whether it’s a beach, park, or lake, this city provides some of the best places to get a magnificent view of the sunset. If you are on a vacation or just looking for some great places, we have compiled up our top 7 spots you should visit to watch a sunset in Los Angeles.
Sunset time in Los Angeles November- February: 4:53 PM – 5:40 PM March – April: 6:59 PM – 7:35 PM May- July: 7:53 PM – 8:05 PM August: 7:35 PM September – October: 6:20 PM – 6:52 PM
This LA landmark is the talk of the town when it comes to places for watching sunsets. It is spread over 4,310-acre grassy land and has various vantage points but, the one that is most popular among the locals is the Griffith Observatory perched on the mountain top. Apart from serving the alluring views of sunsets, it overlooks Downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, and the infamous Hollywood sign. Since its opening in 1923, it has become a popular place for hiking, jogging, and sightseeing. To reach the mountain top, people often choose the 2.5-mile hike that starts from the Ferndell road and ends at the observatory. You can park your car for free along Fern Dell Drive and Western Canyon Road and start your hike. However, if you don’t choose to hike, there is a paid parking area near the observatory but make sure to arrive early as the space is limited.
Parking near the observatory: $10/hour Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
2. White Point Beach
Source The White point beach is in the San Pedro district of LA, but surprisingly not many people outside of the district are aware of this place. Thus, it makes a great spot to watch the sunset in Los Angeles in peace and away from the crowd. You’ll also able to spot various sea critters on this beach, starting from sea stars, group of pelicans to cormorants. Moreover, it is one of the best places to capture a sunset as the rocky beach and the many tidal pools offer great reflections and background for the sunset. For parking, you can either choose the paid parking lot at the bottom of the bluffs or one of the free spots at the top of the buffs.
Parking: 7am to 9am - $2 , All day: $6 Address: 1799 West Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro
3. The Getty
SourcePerched on the peak in the Santa Monica Mountains, this free museum is well-known for its amazing architecture, well-manicured gardens with sculptures, and stellar views of LA during sunset. You can spend an entire day exploring its marvelous art, whether it's painting, drawing, sculpture, decorative art, or manuscripts. And during the sunset, come outside and roam around the grounds as the white cold stone of the museum changes colors under the warm colors of the sunset. However, the cactus garden situated at the end of the museum offers the best views of the sunset.
Parking: $20 per vehicle or $15 after 3pm Tickets: free Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
4. Spire 73
Source Being the tallest rooftop bar in the western hemisphere has its perks. It offers one of the best views in LA, and if you visit on a clear day, you can also spot the Pacific Ocean to the West. Apart from that, this open-air bar also serves the best craft cocktails and bar food. You can choose a window seat to get the best views of the sunset in Los Angeles or take a seat on a bench by a fire pit on a chilly night. This sky-high spot is in the InterContinental Hotel that opened in 2017. It’s best to make a reservation before going, especially on the weekends to avoid a long queue line.
Cost: $10 cover charge for guest who isn’t staying at the hotel and $75 minimum per person on Friday and Saturday evenings Open: Daily at 4 pm Address: 900 Wilshire Blvd fl 73, Los Angeles, CA 90017
5. Echo Park Lake
SourceSituated just outside of Downtown Los Angeles, this recreational park was once a drinking water reservoir. It has now become a favorite spot for many artists and writers as well as anyone who is looking for a romantic picnic or just a gathering of friends. This park offers one of the amazing views of LA when the sun is going down. Moreover, you can also peddle around the lake in the swan boats or take a stroll around the borders of the park and stop to see the “Lady of the Lake” statue that was gifted to the City of Los Angeles in 1935. And at the end, when you get an appetite after all the exploring, visit the lake’s boathouse, Beacon Café that offers drinks and pastries.
Parking: Free Address: 751 Echo Park Ave Los Angeles
6. Hilltop Park
SourceThe Hilltop Park is at Signal Hill, the southernmost region of LA County. It offers panoramic views of Long Beach and Downtown LA. Among all the options, this is the best spot to watch the sunset in Los Angeles with your dog. But as it is quite well-known with the people in Long Beach, it’s best to arrive before the sunset to grab a spot for parking. Make sure to grab a jacket or blank as it can get quite chilly during the evening. On a clear sky, it is a perfect vantage point to see Catalina Island, Santa Monica, and San Gabriel Mountains. It is also a great place to know about the history of Signal Hill from the various inscriptions scattered around the park.
Open: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Address: 2351 Dawson Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755
7. Huntington Beach
SourceEnjoying a bonfire is a popular activity for people who visit Huntington Beach during the sunset. Don’t forget to bring all your bonfire supplies including, blankets, woods, and even s’mores to roast. This 8.5 miles long sandy beach is popular for surfers to such an extent that this place also goes by the name of surf city. Because of its mild weather, excellent surfing, and bonfire activities, this place should be on your list of places to visit during sunset while you are in LA. However, the heart of the beach is the 1,850 feet pier from where you can also catch the sunset while watching surfers going up and down along the waves.
Address: 35 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known to be one of the best places in Southern California to have mesmerizing sunsets. The sky bursts with beautiful blends of colors during sunset in Los Angeles, but it’s the above-mentioned places that will serve you the best views. So, if you haven’t been to any of these places before to enjoy the sunset then you are surely missing out on the best sunsets!
