8 Must-See Sunset Spots in San Diego (Local’s Guide)

As a San Diego local and someone who has explored every hidden corner of our coastline, I’ve put together my 8 favorite sunset spots. Some are popular, some are secret, and all of them will leave you speechless.

1. Torrey Pines Gliderport

If you want an iconic San Diego sunset, Torrey Pines Gliderport is hard to beat. Perched above the Pacific, you can watch paragliders soar through the sky as the sun sinks into the horizon. It’s a spot where the ocean and sky feel endless, and it’s perfect for photography.

2. James Scripps Bluff Preserve

This Del Mar gem offers sweeping ocean views with fewer crowds than the main beach. From the bluff, you get a panoramic look at the coastline as the sun lights up the cliffs in golden orange. Bring a blanket, sit back, and enjoy a peaceful end to the day.

3. Above Del Mar Dog Beach

Just north of the river mouth, the bluff above Del Mar Dog Beach is an underrated sunset spot. You’ll see surfers catching their last waves, dogs running on the sand, and the sun setting perfectly over the ocean. It’s casual, relaxed, and pure Southern California.

4. J Street Viewpoint in Encinitas

J Street Viewpoint is one of Encinitas’ best kept secrets. This small lookout sits right above the beach and offers unobstructed ocean views. It’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look, which makes it a quiet spot to end the day.

5. End of A Street Cul-de-Sac by Moonlight Beach

When I lived in Encinitas, this was my secret sunset spot. If you walk to the end of A Street, you’ll find a little cul-de-sac overlooking the ocean. It’s a locals-only vibe, peaceful and tucked away, with nothing but the sound of waves below.

6. Stone Steps and the End of Fourth Street in Del Mar

Stone Steps in Encinitas is a classic surf spot, but I also love the end of Fourth Street in Del Mar, where you can look out over the train tracks toward the ocean. When a train passes at sunset, with the sky glowing behind it, it feels like a scene from a movie.

7. End of Mission Beach by the Old Electrical Structure

Head to the very southern tip of Mission Beach, and you’ll find a weathered old electrical structure facing the ocean. It frames the sunset in a way that’s both rustic and cinematic. 

8. Point Loma Nazarene University Bluff Top

One of the most breathtaking spots is the bluff top at Point Loma Nazarene University. Sitting high above the water, you can see the coastline stretch for miles. On clear days, the sun seems to melt into the ocean, and the view is nothing short of spectacular.

Tips for Enjoying a San Diego Sunset

• Arrive 30 minutes early to watch the sky shift through every color.

• Bring a light jacket; the ocean breeze cools down fast.

• Check tide charts if you want to walk the beach after sunset.

• Watch for the green flash. People think it’s a myth, but I’ve seen it countless times as the sun finishes sinking into the ocean. For a brief second, the horizon glows with a flash of green light.