By 
This post was originally written in Dec 2017!
If you’ve been reading my blog, you’ll know that I’m a sunset lover. When I first got my driver’s license, I loved driving all the way to the outskirts of Madrid to experience the magic of sunsets. They’re so perfect and calming, yet so fleeting.
When I moved to LA, I would go to Santa Monica/ Venice or Runyon Canyon almost every day to watch it. I didn’t care how long I had to drive. I never got tired of it! Before I moved here, my dream was to experience a fiery sunset against the palm trees, just like I had seen on Tumblr countless times.
Moving here and experiencing the sun’s last glimmer in the most unexpected spots completely surpassed my expectations. Sunsets on the West Coast are a whole other beast.
In this post, I want to share with you some of my favorite places to watch a quintessential, picture-perfect California sunset. Coastal LA neighborhoods like Palos Verdes and San Pedro are great spots. The high altitude and the coastal bluffs in these neighborhoods play a big factor, allowing you to have panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and the urban sprawl of LA as you drive back inland. If you go to any of these places, don’t be surprised to find landscape photographers with tripods. They surely know where to catch the best sunsets!
San Pedro
San Pedro is the ultimate sunset paradise. See my other post here.
Catching the perfect sunset in San Pedro is a little tricky because there are too many amazing overview spots to be at all at once. The places I’m going to mention in San Pedro are all within walking distance from each other, just in case you want to opt for a beautiful walk/jog. Here are my top places:
Korean Bell of Friendship
3601 S Gaffey StAngel’s Gate Park
Los Angeles, CA 90731
Click here to see my video!
If you have never been to San Pedro, you must make this your #1 destination. On your way there, you’ll get to the top of Gaffey Street, where you’ll be able to see magnificent views of Catalina Island in the distance and the city of Long Beach on the left side. There is also a lookout point with coin-operated binoculars and plenty of parking. Once you get to the park, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful juxtaposition of colors: the blue sky, the green grass, and the beautiful red pagoda with its blue tiled roof.
Other great spots to catch a beautiful sunset in San Pedro are:
Point Fermin Park
807 Paseo Del MarSan Pedro, CA 90731
Paseo Del Mar and Emily St, San Pedro CA
Cruise Ship Promenade / Vincent Thomas Bridge
600 Sampson Way, San Pedro, CA 90731
Palos Verdes
I couldn’t believe my fellow Dominican top model, Lineisy Montero, made the trek all the way to Palos Verdes during her short visit to LA!
Ocean Trails Reserve Palos Verdes
This trail is a little tricky to get to! The exact location is La Rotonda Drive, right off Palos Verdes Dr South. It is the perfect place to go for a peaceful walk while taking in the amazing ocean views. The secluded location makes it even better. If you go during the day, make sure to properly hydrate. Bring a hat and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Point Light San Vicente
31501 Palos Verdes Dr WRancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Think beautiful postcard vistas! There’s a 2-mile walking trail that goes along the coast with benches along the route to sit down. Additionally, there’s a public museum about the history of Palos Verdes. Don’t forget to take a picture by the lighthouse!
Terranea Resort
100 Terranea WayRancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
No wonder this oceanfront resort is such a highly coveted wedding venue. The expansive grounds, the classic Spanish-style architecture, the luxurious bungalows, and one-of-a-kind ocean views make this place a hidden treasure in LA. There’s also a spa and a pool in case you want to spend your whole day there and indulge in a nice pampering experience. Additionally, there’s a short descending hiking trail to sea caves! Enjoy the beautiful scenic rocky shoreline and appreciate the views. Don’t forget to bring sturdy shoes as you’ll be walking on a rocky surface.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI_3ck1BwIi/?taken-at=314344
If you want to top off your day with a nice dinner by an outdoor, cozy fireplace, head over to Nelson’s.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbA9Ah7ASM9/?taken-at=314344
Lunada Bay Palos Verdes
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRZl7ZXBMBd/?taken-by=marianana92
LAX In-N-Out
9149 S Sepulveda BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90045
Watch the airplanes descend above you and enjoy the beautiful sunset whilst eating a classic In-N-Out burger. What’s more LA than that?
Long Beach
In Long Beach, no matter what street you’re on, you will be able to appreciate one-of-a-kind sunsets. These types of sunsets with vibrant hues are few and far between during winter and fall season in California. On Dec 10th, 2017, Mother Nature gifted us with one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve experienced since I moved here.
The picture below was also taken on the same day. Needless to say, Long Beach sunsets never cease to give me the goosebumps. Thank you to shutthekaleup for capturing this idyllic sunset.
Hilltop Park in Signal Hill, Long Beach
Located atop a hill, Hilltop Park provides panoramic 360-degree views of Long Beach, the Queen Mary and San Pedro on one side, and the DTLA skyline with the ever-present San Gabriel mountains on the other side. On a clear day, you can even see the Hollywood Sign! The park has telescopes, statues, plaques and benches; and if you’re in the mood for a workout, you can park at the bottom and walk up the trail. This place is definitely a must-visit if it’s your first time in Long Beach.
Also, if you come here, make sure the forecast is cloud-free and warm to fully enjoy the park. Because of the high altitude, the wind gusts are pretty strong!
Other places you can’t miss
Runyon Canyon
If you live in LA, this place is a no-brainer. I used to come here all the time when I first moved here. Every time I drive down Mulholland Dr. at night and see the LA’s Downtown skyline lit up, it gives me the goosebumps.
Baldwin Scenic Overlook Culver City
6300 Hetzler Rd ,Culver City
Yes, you have to go through these killer steep stairs, but I promise that once you make it to the top, you will feel invigorated. Like Hannah Montana says, “Life is a climb but the view is great”. Although it’s a quick hike (it takes approximately 20-30 minutes to get to the top), this workout will make you feel like you’re jumping hurdles! The stairs are huge and the closer you get to the top, the more challenging it gets. Some of them will require you to lift up your legs beyond 90 degrees! If you’re down for a good workout and catch a beautiful sunset, you can’t miss this spot. Warning: your legs will burn and tremble for the next day or two! Don’t forget to bring a good amount of water and STRETCH! Your body will thank you later.
Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Who knew that perched atop a hill in the south of Hollywood Blvd would lie this park? Barnsdall park is an inconspicuous oasis above the chaotic streets of Hollywood. Unless you’ve done your research or know about it, this place does a good job flying under the radar.
The panoramic views from the hills, where you get to see the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory are spectacular. The park is used for outdoor movie screenings in the summer. If you go to Barnsdall Art Park, you can’t miss the Hollyhock House and its beautiful garden court. Like most parks in LA, Barnsdall Park has no shortage of beautiful greenery and pine trees, where you’ll hear the chirping birds. Make sure to take your time and walk through the whole park to fully appreciate every nook and cranny of this place.
El Matador State Beach, Malibu
Quintessential movies like the opening of Grease or The Notebook were filmed here, which is why you can’t skip one of California’s most visually stunning beaches. It is on the smaller side and since it’s so famous, locals and tourists flock here in droves. In order to access the beach, you have to walk down a steep staircase. Enjoy the sea caves and dramatic rock formations, and watch your step!
Dockweiler State Beach in Playa Del Rey
What are your ultimate favorite places to see the sunset? Please share!
