As the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles is known for its movie and TV studios, beaches, museums, great theme parks including Disneyland and Universal Studios, and exciting nightlife. It’s also home to Hollywood, where you’ll find many celebrities from movie stars to rock stars, as well as the famous Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee. This world-renowned Southern California City is also where you can find a host of top places to catch an amazing and colorful sunset!
Sunsets Near the Water in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has some great beaches, which means you can catch some of the most spectacular sunsets on the water there. Head over to the Santa Monica Pier, which has a history that dates back to 1909. “Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean at the intersection of Ocean and Colorado, it symbolizes the heart of Santa Monica and is one of the most photographed locations in the world,” says the website. Santa Monica Pier is not just a place for its carousel, arcade, or amusement park, it’s a perfect spot to catch the sunset in L.A.
For something a little more off the beaten path, or not as popular but exceptionally beautiful, head over to El Matador Beach in Malibu. As one of three beaches within Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, El Matador happens to be the most popular. You’ll find sea stacks, rocks, arches, and other beautiful rock formations that are given their unique shapes due to the slow erosion of waves crashing into them. Professional photographers love this beach, and often capture the “stunning sunsets,” the California Beaches website said.
Echo Park Lake is a romantic spot and a lovely place to watch the night sky while either taking a stroll or enjoying an evening in a rented swan boat. You’ll not only enjoy a beautiful sunset, but you’ll also get a little workout to help keep your body active and strong while you get some fresh air.
You’ve probably heard of the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Tourists the world over know the destination, and it’s been featured in many television shows as well as movies. Make a day of it and hang out at the beach, have a picnic, or dine at one of the many restaurants. You can check out Muscle Beach Venice gym, ride bikes, or skate. But make sure to hang out until the sun sets, because you won’t want to miss the vibrant hues over this famous, iconic beach.
Los Angeles has so many great beaches, and Manhattan Beach is at the top of the list of beautiful ones to visit. Manhattan Beach Pier is one of the city’s hot places to view the sunset as well. “The combination of the long Pier, the Roundhouse at the end, the sun and the post-sunset colors produces an iconic image that people fall in love with,” according to Easy Reader & Peninsula Magazine.
Sunsets by Land in Los Angeles
Way up above the Hollywood Bowl, you’ll find the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook. Built in 1984, this is one of the scenic overlooks maintained by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) on the Mulholland Scenic Parkway offering a gorgeous view of downtown L.A. and the Hollywood Bowl Amphitheater. Out-of-town visitors especially love the views and taking in the sunset at this wonderful spot overlooking the city.
Observe a stunning sunset from the Griffith Observatory, “southern California’s gateway to the cosmos!” the website says. You’ll find this popular attraction on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, 1,134 feet above sea level, according to the website. Not only is it a great place to see the Hollywood sign and views of the city, but this major Los Angeles attraction is also a place to be at sunset. So don’t forget your camera.
Go for the art but stay for the sunset at The Getty. This famous art museum has paintings from the 1600s, as well as beautiful, manicured gardens with sculptures. During the day, you’ll see wonderful views of L.A.’s skyline and the Hollywood Hills. But it’s the spectacular sunset that will leave you breathless.
Dine On the Water and Watch the Sunset
The Dine LA Marina del Rey Premier Dinner Cruise is where you can dress up and get ready for an unforgettable 2.5-hour cruise you won’t forget. Enjoy all the sights and sounds as you cruise from Marina del Rey Harbor. Dine on a delicious plated dinner with local, seasonal ingredients at a guaranteed table for your party. Dance to the tunes of a live DJ. The outdoor deck awaits you and your party after dinner, where you will have a front-row seat to an incredible sunset you’ll soon never forget.
If you prefer cruising on a luxury yacht, experience the Marina del Rey Premier Dinner Cruise. The 2.5-hour cruise is an adventure where you can help yourself to a delectable plated dinner at your own private table. There will be live DJ entertainment for you to listen to or dance to. The outdoor deck is where you’ll gaze at the night sky and then catch views of the beautiful beaches and the stunning sunset beyond.
Los Angeles is a city with so many things to do and places to see. The sun shines brightly most of the year, and the beaches are plentiful, while the sunsets are what memories are made of. Catch as many as you can while you visit.
FAQs – Top Spots to Watch the Sunset in Los Angeles in 2024
What does City Cruises offer for sunset viewing in Los Angeles?
City Cruises provides a unique experience with their Marina del Rey Premier Dinner Cruises, offering an opportunity to watch the sunset from the water.
How does a sunset cruise with City Cruises enhance the experience?
A sunset cruise with City Cruises combines fine dining, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of the Los Angeles coastline during sunset, creating a memorable experience.
Where are the best places to watch the sunset in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles offers stunning sunset views at locations like Santa Monica Pier, El Matador Beach in Malibu, Echo Park Lake, Venice Beach Boardwalk, and Manhattan Beach Pier.
What makes sunsets near the water in Los Angeles special?
The beaches in Los Angeles, like Santa Monica and Venice Beach, provide a picturesque backdrop with the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, creating vibrant and colorful skies.