Laguna Beach, California, offers unparalleled sunsets any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night or a relaxing evening alone, there’s nothing quite like settling in to watch the colorful hues as evening overtakes the daytime and the sun slowly disappears from view. This guide lists some of the best locations in Laguna Beach to watch the sunset.
Crescent Bay Point Park
Situated atop a picturesque bluff, Crescent Bay Point Park provides 180-degree views of tide pools and the ocean. Here you’ll find a spacious grassy knoll, a local favorite for picnics. Spread out your blanket, bring a gourmet meal or some great pizza, and indulge in a rich sunset experience surrounded by the lush green landscape.
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Take a stroll as the sun dips below the horizon along the paved paths. Railings along the pathways keep visitors safe from the steep drop-offs around the overlooks. Arrive early, and you can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and body surfing in the sparkling water of nearby Crescent Bay Beach during the last lingering hours of daylight. The sandy beach offers areas for playing volleyball as well.
Location: At the end of Crescent Bay Drive, Laguna Beach.
Hours: Open daily from6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Heisler Park
Heisler Park stretches from where Aster Street meets Cliff Drive across the stunning bluffs to Diver’s Cove. The Heisler Park gazebo is a popular spot for weddings and proposals. If you find it unoccupied, take the opportunity to linger during the sunset and consider posing for a few photos in this wildly popular selfie spot. Monument Point is another photo-worthy spot where you can watch the sunset. The towering Veteran’s memorial features two plaques dedicated to those who served in the armed forces.
Heisler Park also features picnic tables, barbecues, and a grassy lawn that provide everything you need for an al fresco meal. The park has gardens, walking trails, and tide pools that belong to a beautiful marine refuge. Restrooms are available as well.
Location: 375 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.
Hours: Open daily from5 a.m. to midnight.
Top of the World
This scenic vista is accessible via a moderate 2.4-mile hiking trail within the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. You’ll scale over 860 feet to reach a spot overlooking the Santa Ana Mountains, boasting views of the ocean and downtown Laguna Beach. You can see from Mount Baldy to Catalina Island as you relax on the conveniently placed bench at the peak and marvel at the sunset any time of year.
Trailhead Location: 580 Canyon Acres Drive, Laguna Beach.
Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.
The Rooftop Lounge
The Rooftop Lounge, situated on the top of La Casa del Camino hotel, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making for a truly unforgettable sunset. This destination is even pet-friendly, so you can bring furry friends along.
You won’t have to pack a picnic for this sunset experience. The Rooftop Lounge serves a full menu of decadent seafood bites. Snack on appetizers like crispy calamari and fried coconut shrimp. You’ll find satisfaction in the spicy fish and chips if you’re in the mood for a full meal. Save room for dessert to taste sweet treats like apple strudel or traditional tiramisu.
Location: 1289 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Victoria Beach
This secluded white sand beach is tucked away behind a luxury housing development. Victoria Beach is popular for water activities, so bring your paddleboard or kayak for added entertainment while you wait for sunset. The so-called “pirate tower” makes for an especially intriguing photo op as the landscape takes on hints of sunset orange in the evening.
Location: 2713 Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach.
Hours: Open daily from6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Cliff Restaurant
Equipped with a multi-level patio, The Cliff offers 180-degree views of the incredible Laguna Beach landscape, perfect for a romantic dining experience as the sun sinks under the horizon. The Cliff features live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays, putting the perfect soundtrack to the sunset. Indulge in the dinner menu’s selection of Mexican-style delights like chicken enchiladas and Baja burritos. These tasty treats make the perfect complement to your oceanfront sunset experience.
Location: 577 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Water Tank Trail
As the name suggests, the Water Tank Trail in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park takes you up past a scenic water tank where you’ll get great views of the sunset over Main Beach. Here you can marvel at the gorgeous wildflowers along the path that bloom every spring. You can tackle this as a 3-mile out-and-back trail, turning back after you watch the sun go down, or make it a 4-mile loop by incorporating the Laguna Bowl Trail.
Location: 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.
Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.
Surf & Sand Resort
Sitting beside 500 feet of Laguna Beach shoreline, Surf & Sand Resort offers unbeatable views of the sunset. Whether you want a vacation or staycation, this is the perfect place for a getaway. Take in the stunning beach and ocean views from your patio, bed, or bath in select rooms for an unforgettable experience.
You can also snag a lounge chair beside the beachfront pool or bring a blanket out to the beach as the sun sinks. Head down to the on-site restaurant, Splashes, which offers views of the expansive shoreline from 25 feet above the ocean.
Location: 1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach
Hours: Vary upon your stay.
The picturesque southern California coast is ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. These sunset spots complement outpatient rehabilitation or sober living in Laguna Beach when you need to step back and unwind. Combine these views with the best sober hangout spots in Laguna Beach, and you’re in for a great week.
