26 Sep Catching a Sunset at Sunset Cliffs, San Diego

The Sunset Cliffs are THE spot to watch the sunset in San Diego, California. Plan a trip to the Cliffs for your next date night or self-care night. Pack a blanket and some dinner to make a whole evening out of it. However, do be careful to plan enough time for parking and walking to the Cliffs. Parking can often fill up on a clear day, and thus you might need to check nearby streets.

For a whole day full of adventures, consider hiking Ho Chi Minh Trail in the morning, visiting La Jolla Cove in the afternoon, and then enjoying the Sunset Cliffs in the evening.

Contents:

1) Location of Sunset Cliffs

2) General Visitor Information

3) Sunset Cliffs Attractions

4) The View from Sunset Cliffs

5) Nearby Attractions

1) Location of Sunset Cliffs

Sunset Cliffs are located in San Diego, California. For reference, they are approximately 10 minutes northwest of the San Diego International Airport and 20 minutes northwest of downtown San Diego. 

Parking

There is parking available at this parking lot. It has a fair amount of parking spots, yet it is still likely to fill up in evenings during sunset time. If that happens, look for parking spots along the road. On a night with a beautiful sunset, add in enough buffer time for parking in case all spots on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard are taken. At that point, visitors will need to explore other nearby streets for parking and then walk to the Cliffs. 

Nearby Lodging

The area around the Cliffs has a variety of lodging options. You can also check out accommodations in the nearby town of Point Loma.

Nearby Airports

The closest airport is the San Diego International Airport, which is located 10 minutes west from the Cliffs. There are a few public transportation options available from the airport to the Cliffs, though do keep in mind they will take around an hour. On the other hand, you can rent a car from the airport or utilize a ride share service such as Uber. 

Looking out to the ocean from Sunset Cliffs

2) General Visitor Information

First, you can visit Sunset Cliffs at any time. The view is beautiful at all times of the day, but sunset cannot be beat. 

Second, there is no fee to visit the Cliffs (other than any parking fees, of course). 

Third, the best time to visit the Cliffs is obviously at sunset! However, plan to arrive well before sunset actually begins. You need time to find a parking spot, walk to the Cliffs, and then find a spot to sit down and enjoy the view. 

Fourth, plan for at least one hour to visit the Cliffs. You can also plan to visit for a whole evening, although, if you want to bring dinner and have a picnic on the Cliffs while you watch the sunset. 

3) Sunset Cliffs Attractions

The Sunset Cliffs in San Diego are most well-known for their perfect positioning to watch the sun set into the Pacific Ocean. I will talk about that more in the next section, but first let me hit on a few other attractions in the area. 

Sunset Cliffs Park Trail

This is a one mile (~1.6 kilometer) out-and-back trail. It is considered to be an easy route. The elevation gain is approximately 100 feet (~30 meters) throughout the trail. On average, hikers need around 20 to 30 minutes to complete the Sunset Cliffs Park Trail.

For additional trails in the San Diego area, check out Ho Chi Minh Trail to Black’s Beach and Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail.

Sunset Cliffs Cave

First, it is important to note visitors can only access the cave during a negative low tide. It is dangerous to access the cave at any other time. Additionally, access to the cave is a little tricky. Visitors can head to the edge of Luscomb’s Point and scramble down the natural, somewhat rough-looking steps. Then walk along the rocks and through the water (the highest water should be knee deep) until approaching a small cove. Continue around the bend from the cove, and there is the entrance to the sea cave! 

If you have set your mind to exploring all of the sea caves in the area, then check out the caves in La Jolla. Bonus – you might even see some sea lions or seals.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the sunset at this park. Furthermore, there is a staircase leading down to the ocean. Walk along the sand and dip your toes in the water. 

Sun sneaking below the horizon at Sunset Cliffs

4) The View from Sunset Cliffs

Park in the nearby parking lot or along the street and make your way over to the Cliffs to catch a gorgeous view of the sunset. The area can be quite busy and crowded on a clear night when everyone is expecting a good sunset. That being said, be sure to plan enough time for parking and walking over to the Cliffs!

During our visit, we arrived at the Cliffs and were able to watch 15 minutes of the sunset. Next time I would plan to arrive earlier so I could enjoy even more of the sunset. We had to park on a nearby side street, and thus our walk to the Cliffs took a bit longer than expected. 

For an extended evening visit, bring along a blanket and some food. As a note, this would make for a great date night with your partner as well as with yourself. Reminder: self care is important! 

One of the other best viewpoints in San Diego is at Mount Soledad, for it offers a panoramic overlook of the beach and city.

Catching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs

5) Nearby Attractions

While in the area, be sure to visit some nearby, popular attractions. You can even make a whole day out of them by hiking Los Penasquitos Trail in the morning, hiking Ho Chi Minh trail in the afternoon, exploring La Jolla Cove in the early evening, and then watching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs to end the day. 

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail

The Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is located in San Diego, only 30 minutes north from the Cliffs. It is a 3.4 mile (~5.5 kilometer) trail. An average hiker can complete the trail in two to two and a half hours. It leads to a small creek and waterfall. However, be prepared that the waterfall is not large. It is a fairly small waterfall, especially during the dry season. Additionally, consider the temperature outside before beginning the hike as there is little to no shade along the trail.

Article for more information: Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail in San Diego.

Hiking the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail with a puppy

Ho Chi Minh Trail 

The Ho Chi Minh Trail is located in La Jolla, just 25 minutes north of Sunset Cliffs. It is a 0.4 mile (~0.6 kilometer) trail. It leads to Black’s Beach, which is actually a nude beach. This hike is more unique than other hikes found in the area due to its scenery and the fact it has steep ravines, a wooden plank hikers must walk across, and a rope at the end of the hike which hikers can use for assistance to descend the final portion. Surfers will often walk along this trail barefoot while carrying their surfboards. However, those hiking this trail for the first time should wear appropriate footwear and remain cautious as the trail can be dangerous at certain points.

Article for more information: Ho Chi Minh Trail to Black’s Beach.

Hiking the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Black’s Beach

La Jolla Cove 

La Jolla Cove might be the most popular attraction in the town of La Jolla. Moreover, it is only 30 minutes north of the Cliffs. While La Jolla has a variety of attractions to offer, the sea lions and seals often steal the show. They can be found swimming in the water, hiding out in the sea caves, or relaxing on the rocky shoreline. After checking out the wildlife, discover the secret swing on the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail. Have some more free time? Get on the water with kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or surfing.

Article for more information: Seals, Secret Swing, and Water Activities at La Jolla Cove.

Spotting wildlife at La Jolla Cove

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Take a quick flight up north to explore Seattle: Day Trip to North Cascades National Park.

For more Seattle adventures: How to Spend One Day in Seattle.