San Diego's Best Sunset Spots

by Erin Chambers - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

Updated: September 24, 2009

From the puffy pink clouds to the mysterious green flash, there are few things in life as magnificent as a San Diego sunset. We've rounded up a few of the best places to catch this so-California sundown ceremony.

On this page:Restaurants With a View, Outdoor Areas to Watch the Sunset.

Restaurants With a View

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended JRDN Restaurant
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    723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    If you're in the PB area for the sunset, but want something a bit more upscale than the typical beach shacks, try JRDN. The patio is sleek and modern, and so is the menu.

  2. 2 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Pacifica Del Mar
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    1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 (map)

    Upscale restaurant and bar in Del Mar serves stunning ocean and sunset views alongside an award-winning seafood menu.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Green Flash
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    710 Thomas Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    Shrimp, fish and king crab legs reign at this waterfront bar and grill on North Pacific Beach.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended World Famous
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    711 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    The lines are long at this local, beachfront favorite, but boardwalk people-watching makes waiting for a table very entertaining. And the sunsets out over OB can't be beat. Just make sure you get a table on the patio to catch the view.

  5. 5 3.5 Star Rating: Average Peohe's
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    1201 1st St Ste 3, Coronado, CA 92118 (map)

    Outstanding city skyline views define this Coronado seafood stunner. You can see the sunset (the view is looking back east at the downtown skyline) but the way the setting sun lights up the city's downtown skyline is just spectacular. The whole city glows.

  6. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Trattoria Acqua
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    1298 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    For a perfect La Jolla sunset, head to this hilltop restaurant with cove and ocean views, plus an authentic Italian menu and an extensive wine list.

Outdoor Areas to Watch the Sunset

  1. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Cabrillo National Monument
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    1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106 (map)

    Awesome ocean and sunset views, hiking trails, tide pools, and a famous lighthouse lure visitors to this scenic national park at the tip of Point Loma.

  2. 8 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Humphreys Concerts By the Bay
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    2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106 (map)

    Shelter Island waterfront hotel hosts legendary outdoor concert series in the summer months, and the sun setting over the Point Loma peninsula makes the whole place golden.

  3. 9 Torry Pines State Reserve and Beach
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    16500 North Torrey Pines Rd, San Diego, CA 92037 (map)

    In addition to a pristine sandy beach, this wilderness reserve also boats hiking trails, guided nature tours and bird watching. In the summer, call ahead to ask about sunset hiking and walking tours.

  4. 10 Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla
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    700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Local, national and international works from 1950-present displayed in La Jolla's modern, landmark white museum situated on the bluffs of La Jolla Cove. The sunset view from the outdoor plaza is worth the museum admission price.