Where to Watch the Sunset in Santa Monica

Published on September 5, 2024

Everyone loves a good sunset. And watching the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean, with the city and sky cast in shades of vibrant pink and orange, is especially memorable. Here are some great places in Santa Monica to do exactly that.

Santa Monica Pier

This one is a given. Entrenched in cinematic history and positioned to give panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Pier also lights up after hours. People flock to the Pier to enjoy its multiple nighttime attractions. After the sun has set in all its dramatic glory, stay for the lighting of the Pacific Wheel—featuring 174,000 energy-efficient LED lights in astounding designs. You can even enjoy a funnel cake from the Pacific Park amusement park’s collection of classic food stands. It’s a true hit of nostalgic delight. How to get there? The Pier is an easy walk from the beach at the end of Colorado Blvd, Santa Monica.

Palisades Park

Palisades Park is a 26.4-acre park on top of coastal sandstone bluffs. It features stunning scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountain range. Attracting visitors from all over the world, the park boasts picnic tables and benches, sculptures, restrooms, and even the Camera Obscura Art Lab. Perfect for a picnic—or a proposal. How to get there? The landmark park is located on Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, between Colorado Avenue and Adelaide Drive.

Tongva Park

Tongva Park is a beautiful, 6.2 acre urban park within walking distance of the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Named after the indigenous Tongva people, the park is located between City Hall, the Interstate-10 freeway, and Santa Monica’s iconic palm tree lined Ocean Avenue. It features art sculptures, diverse and wonderful plants and trees, play structures, walking paths —so you can easily explore the four sections of the park —and even a splash pad for the kids throughout summer. How to get there? The park is located just south of Colorado Avenue, between Ocean Avenue and Main Street.

Santa Monica State Beach

Of course! Take off those shoes, wriggle them into the soft white sand, and inhale cool ocean breezes as you gaze at that fiery ball dipping into the sea. . With 3.5 miles of beachline, Santa Monica Beach is one of the best beaches in the area to watch the sunset year-round. Head to the beach early to explore the famousOriginal Muscle Beach, located just south of Santa Monica Pier, and play on parallel bars, rings, swings and ropes. Then, for nourishment of the edible kind, visit one of Santa Monica’s many oceanfront cafés and bars.

The Lobster

In the mood for something a little more luxe? Sitting high atop a hill with a 190° panorama view that spans Santa Monica Bay all the way up Malibu’s extended coastline, this “Michelin Plate” restaurant has been around for almost a century. It delivers on classic seafood such as Maine or California spiny lobster, as well as other dishes using locally-sourced produce. Check your sunset timing before making that reservation for a memorable, and essentially Californian, experience. How to get there? The Lobster is located at 1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica.

The Penthouse

Another Santa Monica restaurant that offers a dramatic sunset-viewing experience is The Penthouse. Designed by Thomas Schoos, this 18th-floor rooftop restaurant gives those panoramic ocean views along with beach cabanas and open sky enclaves. How to get there? The Penthouse is perch atop Huntley Hotel at 1111 2nd St, Santa Monica.

Whichever path you choose to take, enjoy exploring special Santa Monica and its incredible sunsets.

Photograph by @neohumanity