Best San Diego Sunset Spots

Lifestyle

June 7, 2020

All that surfing and burrito eating has to come to an end at some point, and there’s no better way to end a perfect day than enjoying a San Diego Sunset! As photographers, we’re a tad picky when it comes to sunset spots – so enjoy our list of these scenic San Diego Sunset locations!

Best San Diego Sunset Spots | Bree + Stephen Photography

Edited in Adobe Lightroom CC 

1) Sunset Cliffs

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at sunset cliffs

When you type “San Diego Sunset” into Google, the autocorrect says “Did you mean Sunset Cliffs San Diego?!” Because sunset cliffs is the number 1 popular spot to catch sunset!

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at sunset cliffs
Edited in Adobe Lightroom CC 

Pro tip: go during the lowest tide to get access to hidden coves and tide pools!

2) Del Mar Dog Beach

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at del mar dog beach

Dawg…San Diego is dog friendly AF! Del Mar Dog beach, also known as north beach, is a fun place to let your dog run wild and meet other fur friends! Just don’t focus too hard on sunset or you’ll get taken out at the knee by dogs running and chasing each other!

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at del mar dog beach

3) La Jolla

san diego sunset in la jolla with seals

La Jolla is located less than 5 miles north of Downtown San Diego and is known for epic views, fine dining, and an up-close look at seals/sea lions/ tide pool life on La Jolla Shores! While you’re there, grab a coffee or a snack at Caroline’s Seaside Cafe!

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at la jolla cove
Edited in Adobe Lightroom CC 

You can even climb the cliffs at La Jolla cove for a view into the caves or to see the San Diego coastline all the way up to Dana Point!

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at la jolla cove

4) Torrey Pines Gliderport

san diego sunset photos at torrey pines gliderport

Our favorite hike in San Diego starts from Torrey Pines Gliderport and takes you down to Black’s Beach! It’s a gorgeous spot to watch Paragliders take off or picnic atop 100ft+ seaside cliffs!

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at torrey pines
San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at torrey pines gliderport

5) The Strand in Oceanside

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at the strand in oceanside

Often overlooked is the noble town of oceanside which hosts many marines at the Camp Pendleton base. Oceanside is the northernmost town in San Diego which means it’s less crowded on the beaches! You can ride a bike or walk along the strand and enjoy coastal views!

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at the strand in oceanside

After you get off your bike, take your shoes off and walk up to the water on Oceanside Beach! You can even grab an acai bowl on the beach at Tin Fish!

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at the strand in oceanside
Edited in Adobe Lightroom CC 
San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at the strand in oceanside

5) Carlsbad

Carlsbad is popularly known for the Carlsbad Flower Fields and has so many gorgeous locations to catch sunset including the Carlsbad Cliffs at Terra Mar Point!

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos in carlsbad
San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos in carlsbad

Please remember to LEAVE NO TRACE while enjoying sunset. If you can’t pack it out, don’t pack it in! Don’t leave trash on the beach!

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos in carlsbad
Edited in Adobe Lightroom CC 

Make sure to stay moderately back from the cliffs because the sandstone is NOT stable! Especially if you have kids or dogs, do NOT let them get too close to the edge! Safety first!😆

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos in carlsbad
San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos in carlsbad

6) Julian and Mount Laguna

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos in julian
Edited in Adobe Lightroom CC 

Sometimes you want to get away from the busy Southern California vibe and drive to the peaceful mountains – Julian is a cute little town near Mount Laguna which is known for their Julian Apple Pies!

photo from @JulianPieCompany

7) Windansea Beach

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at windansea beach

Windansea beach is located just south of La Jolla Cove and is the local’s favorite hotspot for surf and sunset! It’s a popular spot so go for sunrise if you want to have the beach all to yourself for photos!

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos at in san diego

Thank You for Enjoying our San Diego Sunset Location List!

Note that Bree and Stephen may be receive a financial gain when you purchase through the links on this page! We only recommend products that we stand behind so you can trust our recommendations!

Bree + Stephen are adventurous entrepreneurs based in Salt Lake City, Utah! They’re pioneers of the NO BS Podcast and hosts of their YouTube channel where they share travel videos, business tutorials, and lifestyle content! They live with their German Shepherd, Sequoia and are usually chugging coffee while on their way to a hike! Please contact for business inquiries or questions about this article!

San Diego Sunset - bree and stephen take photos in julian

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