Is there anywhere in the world like Los Angeles? Beloved for its warm weather, award-winning restaurants, celebrity sightings and mountain-lined beaches, the City of Angels is the kind of place you come to visit and never leave.
Locals know there's even more to this place than Hollywood thrills, and one thing Angelenos never take for granted are the amazing sunsets. Because L.A. is so diverse in location and structure, you can have your pick of natural or urban views. You could pick a different spot every night and always find yourself star-struck.
Whether you’re a nature lover on a hike in Culver City, or a beach bum hitting the Santa Monica Pier, these are the best places to see the sunset in Los Angeles.
See also: Elton John's Most Iconic L.A. Moments
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Website/ 7701 Mulholland Drive 90046
Chasing sunsets is also a great opportunity for a moment of appreciation for The Valley. Nestled just above Studio City along Mulholland Drive, you’ll gaze into a sorbet sky and sights of Universal Studios. Keep an eye out for the minions in the distance!
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Website/ 1401 Ocean Ave 90401
Not much more could perfect an L.A. evening than a gorgeous sunset and ocean views. However, there is a way to elevate the experience: delectable seafood eats. Make a reservation on the outdoor patio at Water Grill in Santa Monica just ahead of sunset and you’ll be throwing back oysters by the time the sky is aglow.
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Website/ 7036 Mulholland Dr 90068
The Hollywood Hills are full of secrets. In this case, tucked away overlooks that offer unbeatable views, and the Jerome C. Daniel overlook is quintessentially L.A. Perched above the Hollywood Bowl, visitors can take in sights of the iconic amphitheater, downtown Los Angeles and, when the smog isn’t too bad, the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
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Website/ 751 Echo Park Ave 90026
The true romantics will love this one, but you’ll want to save it for warmer spring and summer days. You can take in the vast sky overhead while strolling around Echo Park Lake, but we say hop in a swan boat for the ultimate sunset experience.
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Website/ 8401 Mulholland Dr 90046
The Mulholland Scenic Parkway and Corridor runs 55 miles and if you can’t tell already, it offers plenty of spots for special sunset watching. Among the numerous options, the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook is for the hikers. It provides access to canyon trails, so after an afternoon of exercise, you can rest while watching the sun set before making the commute home.
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Website/ 1518 N Cahuenga Blvd 90028
For some, sunsets are the cap to a beautiful day. For others, it’s the kickoff to a fun night. Make the most of it at Grandmaster Recorders, where you can have drinks on the rooftop at sunset followed by dinner inside and dancing in GMR’s Studio 71.
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Website/ 23000 CA-1 90265
The final moments of sunset are when the sun touches the sea, so make the most of it by watching from just above the Pacific. You can take in the magnificence of the West Coast from the pier railing or while dining at the on-site Malibu Farm Restaurant.
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Website/ 1250 Harvard Rd. 91501
Great sunset experiences happen beyond the ocean. In fact, some of the best happen just inland. The Green Room in Burbank is one of the city’s most lush cocktail lounges, which is only made better by sipping one of its excellent cocktails while seated on the expansive patio and taking in orange and pink skies.
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Website/ 1100 S Broadway 90015
The downtown L.A. Proper Hotel rooftop restaurant already stirs up enough buzz for its excellent seasonal menu crafted by chef Suzanne Goin. But each evening when the sky trades cool tones for warm colors, Cara Cara becomes an unbeatable place to watch the sunset and admire the downtown skyline.
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Website/ 6500 Selma Ave 90028
Happy hour with a side of sunset? Yes, please. Order your favorite cocktail and relax with your favorite people on the plentiful lounge seating just above the epicenter of Hollywood nightlife before it gets into full swing.
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If you’re a passenger in a car trekking along PCH during golden hour, look up from your phone and get ready for some sweet views. Just passed the California Incline that connects PCH to Santa Monica, head for Malibu (or the opposite) for a joy ride. We recommend hopping out if a parking spot opens up.There’s miles and miles of chances to do so.
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Website/ 1200 Getty Center Dr. 90049
One of LA's most famed art museums, the Getty at sunset will take your breath away. Inside, the paintings date back to the 1600s, while the manicured gardens teem with sculptures. There are many ways to view the sunset from here, as well as spectacular daytime view of the Hollywood Hills and L.A. skyline.
INSIDER TIP: A little birdy told us the best place to watch the sunset is from the cactus garden at the far end of the property.
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Website/ 1800 Ocean Front Walk 90291
An absolute classic tourist destination, everyone should visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk at least once in their life. You'll recognize the strip from countless movies and television shows. Just being there will make you feel like a star. Check out the beach, and make sure to grab some food while you’re there, but don’t forget to end your visit by watching the sweet sunset.
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Website/ 6300 Hetzler Rd. 90232
For our nature lovers, we suggest a drive to Culver City to visit the Baldwin Hills Overlook, a.k.a., the Culver City Stairs. A unique hiking destination, you’ll see the sunset over a sweeping view of the L.A. area, from the Hollywood Sign to the beaches and beyond.
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Website/15900 Pacific Coast Hwy 90272
Another great area for a weekend hike, Temescal Canyon Park in West L.A. gets you out of the city and into the heart of nature. Remember to bring your best camera to snap some fun Instagram-worthy sunset pictures.
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Website/ 2800 E Observatory Rd. 90027
A must-see part of any LA vacation, the Griffith Observatory sits on top of the Hollywood Hills, giving visitors the best views of the city any time day or night. At sunset, this place can't be beat. While you can't go inside the Observatory due to COVID-19, the grounds and sidewalks are still open to guests, just be sure to wear your mask and keep a six-feet distance from strangers.
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Website/ Rancho Palos Verdes 90275
Outside of the city of Los Angeles lies Terranea Bluff Top Park. There are several different trails that overlap and connect in the Palos Verdes Peninsula, which means there are many ways to break a sweat and see the sunset, too. Enjoy the great outdoors and a fantastic view to end your day.
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Website/ 1697 Pacific Ave. 90291
For the foodies in the house, we recommend Venice’s seaside scene at High Rooftop Lounge. The menu features street tacos, sliders and delicious cocktails. Make sure to book your table ahead to get the perfect sunset slot.
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Website/ 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd. 90266
Manhattan Beach is known to be one of the most gorgeous beaches in all of Los Angeles. If you’ve always wanted to go, now’s the time. A popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts, make sure to visit the beach at sunset as well as their parks and restaurants before calling it a day.
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Website/ 200 Santa Monica Pier 90401
Originally constructed in the early 1900s, the Santa Monica Pier has been a longtime-favorite hangout for tourists and locals. Perfect for a date or family occasion, the pier is filled with rides, games and food. It's a lively place to catch a sunset.
Insider Tip: Hop on the ferris wheel just as the sun begins to set.
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Website/ 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy 90265
El Matador Beach is a lesser-known destination to tourists of L.A., but it provides stunning views along the PCH. Whether you want to bask in the sun or hike while watching the sunset, this is the place to do it.
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Website/ 2351 Dawson Ave. 90755
Always wanted to host a hilltop picnic with your five closest friends? Look no further – Hilltop Park is the perfect place to go. Surrounded by palm trees while staring out at the entirety of Los Angeles at sundown, you’ll feel like you’re in a literal paradise.
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Website/ Cliffside Dr. &, Birdview Ave. 90265
Take a journey out of Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Hills to visit arguably some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Take your best friends and enjoy a fabulous day of swimming, hiking, animal watching and more, and cap it off by watching the sun say farewell.
Gorgeous sunsets are plentiful in Los Angeles. To make the magic hour a little more special, all you need to do is find the right place to watch.
Photography by: Robyn Beck
