Best Sunset Spots in Santa Cruz

Place not found: west-cliff-drive

The lighthouse area is the classic for a reason. Face west, watch the sun drop into the Pacific, see the surfers become silhouettes. The benches between the lighthouse and Natural Bridges are the sweet spot — close enough to walk to, far enough to avoid the crowd.

Sunset through the rock arch is one of those things that looks photoshopped but isn't. Time it right (usually works best in late fall/early winter when the sun angle lines up) and it's genuinely one of the most beautiful things on the California coast.

Place not found: santa-cruz-wharf

Walk to the end of the wharf and face north. You get the whole coastline lit up in golden hour with the Boardwalk and the mountains behind it. It's touristy and it's still gorgeous. Some things are cliches because they're true.

Place not found: humble-sea

Not a view spot, but hear me out: golden hour light comes through the taproom windows, you've got a great beer in hand, and you can see the sky changing color. Sometimes the best sunset is the one you catch accidentally while having a good time.

The coastal bluffs at Wilder at sunset are otherworldly. Fewer people than West Cliff, more dramatic cliffs, and the light on the ranch buildings is straight out of a movie. The Ohlone Bluff trail is the one you want.