Best Spots to Watch a San Diego Sunset
As the sun sets on 2025, it is time to pick the perfect spot to reminisce about the old year and welcome the new one. There is truly no better place to watch the sun set over the ocean than beautiful San Diego this winter. If you have not had the privilege of seeing a winter sunset in Southern California, now is the time to treat yourself to this amazing view!
It's almost like we planned the colorful winter sunsets just for our guests at the Dana on Mission Bay! With brilliant bay front views, our San Diego hotel is the perfect place to watch the sunset every night this winter. Not only can you get beautiful sunset, bay, and marina views from your suite as well as different points around the hotel, but Sunset Point Park is located onsite and is utterly spectacular, and a great place for photos!
Here are some of the best places to see the beautiful coastal landscapes and colorful, painted skies in San Diego for a spectacular light show you won’t want to miss during your vacation in Southern California.
Sunset Point Park (Onsite at Hotel)
Conveniently located on Mission Bay right next to your room or suite here at The Dana, Sunset Point Park offers a sandy shoreline that is perfect for watching nightly winter sunsets. This coastal park was given this name for a reason, so prepare to be wowed! Get cozy and enjoy the sunset with an evening bonfire at the onsite fire pits at the park, or pack a light dinner and drinks for a romantic evening by the water with one of the best views in San Diego. Enjoy the perfect evening under the sun… then dine under the stars this winter right here at Firefly Eatery & Bar.
Sunset Cliffs (2.2 Miles from Hotel)
The narrow 1.5-mile stretch of bluffs along the west coast of Point Loma is known as Sunset Cliffs, and it is the perfect spot to watch a sunset in San Diego. These iconic cliffs do get packed, so get there early to beat the crowd and take the path along the top of the cliffs to the stairs to walk down to the beach. Visitors will be greeted with an amazing sunset and beautiful coastal views with great photo ops for your San Diego vacation.
Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach (2.9 Miles from Hotel)
Popular for watching sunsets in San Diego, Crystal Beach Pier offers a laid-back and peaceful beach vibe along with unobstructed sunset views. The old, historic wooden pier in Pacific Beach is great for photos, sunset views, and it’s never crowded, making it the perfect place to watch the sun set in San Diego with your favorite person.
Windansea Beach (5.7 Miles from Hotel)
Catch a sunset at unforgettable Windansea Beach this winter for unmatched views of naturally sculpted rock formations and sunsets like no other! One of the most popular places to watch a sunset in California, Windansea Beach is the best place for a romantic date or a night out with friends with great sunset views and easy beach access.
Mount Soledad (6.3 Miles from Hotel)
Enjoy breathtaking skyline and sunset views from 823 feet in the air at this popular San Diego memorial. Surrounded by palm trees and offering ocean views and popular city landmark scenes, the Mount Soledad Memorial has some of the best San Diego sunsets for the most amazing photo memories of your winter in San Diego.
San Diego Embarcadero/Waterfront Park (7.1 Miles from Hotel)
This downtown San Diego park is known for sunset watching by locals and visitors of the area. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the perfect San Diego sunset at the Embarcadaro including dinner at a popular restaurant with a sunset view. Ketch Grill & Taps, which is uniquely located inside a glass dome, is an unbeatable experience you’ll never forget and sunset views to die for! You can also relax on one of the park benches or bring a blanket for a sunset picnic with unforgettable views from Waterfront Park for a great evening in San Diego.
La Jolla Cove (10.8 Miles from Hotel)
Known as Seal Beach, popular La Jolla Cove is one of the best places to watch the sun set in San Diego. La Jolla Cove is popular not only because of the amazing sunset views near San Diego, but also the opportunity to observe the marine life including the playful seals along the California coast. The clear water, rugged coastline, unique sea caves, and unobstructed sunset views make this a popular sunset watching spot in San Diego.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (15.8 Miles from Hotel)
This 1,500 acre natural reserve is home to original habitats of animal and plant life, including the rare Torrey pine. Surrounded by gorgeous beaches and miles of cliffs and trails, some of the best sunset views in San Diego can be seen at the top of the cliffs on the Razor Point trail at Torrey Pines. The 1.5 mile hike in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is rewarded with dramatic views of the unique cliffs, ocean and sunset you will never forget!
Sunset Views and Resort-Style Amenities at The Dana on Mission Bay in San Diego
Come for the sunset, stay for the amenities! The Dana on Mission Bay is the place to stay this winter for the most scenic San Diego views — conveniently located at and near your suite at The Dana on Mission Bay! Enjoy your vacation to San Diego at our casual, laidback waterfront hotel with the best urban amenities and all the best sunset views in San Diego! If you’re looking for the best place to watch a sunset in San Diego – you’ve found it with us here at The Dana on Mission Bay!
Book your winter escape now using these special offers and deals for the perfect sunset getaway you’ve been dreaming of!
