San Francisco might be the perfect place to live. We’ve got a steady microclimate, skyscrapers by the sea, beaches next to mountains, not to mention a vibrant history of music, art and one of the most welcoming cultures in the States. No city is perfect, but San Fran is pretty close, especially when the sunset hour strikes.
Yes, we get some serious perennial fog - so much so that we gave the fog a name, but when Karl clears up, you can’t beat the view, and the Bay Area is full of stunning vantage points.
See also: The Hottest Bay Area Beaches With Firepits For A Perfect Summer Bonfire
Whether you want to climb to the top of hill, commune with nature, have your dinner cliffside or feel the sand beneath your toes, our list of San Francisco sunset spots represents the best of what the Bay has to offer.
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Bowley St. and Gibson Road / Website
If you want iconic SF, Baker Beach is the first stop. To the right, you’ve got the Golden Gate Bridge so close you can count the cars. To the left, you see coastal mansions nestled into the cliff, giving an atmosphere of European luxury. In front of you is nothing but crashing waves and glorious hues melting rainbow on the horizon. It’s so beautiful, it’s almost surreal. Your Instagram followers will be jealous.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
1090 Point Lobos Ave. / Website
The northwestern corner of the peninsula is what we call Lands End, a coastal section of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area with moderate hikes, rocky beaches and sunset views galore. Windblown cypress and eucalyptus trees hug the trails, while the famous Cliff House restaurant and its Lookout Cafe promise stunning views alongside a delicious food and beverages (Cliff House is closed for Covid, but it is doing takeout). Don't miss the famous stone Labrynth, created by artist Eduardo Aguilera in 2004.
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701 3rd St.; 415-800-8141 / Website
KAIYŌ Rooftop is the ultimate tropical oasis to get both a panoramic view of the city and an incredibly tasty meal! Just across from Oracle Park atop the Hyatt Place, this jungle paradise is an immensely trendy destination for cutting-edge Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine, playfully inventive cocktails, and, of course, the endless view of the city sunset that is effortlessly flawless from any angle. This elevated escape also frequently hosts fun-themed nights and watch parties, and if you’re worried about the cold breeze being up so high, their innovative canopy heaters will keep you toasty in even the most blustery conditions.
See also: The Best Rooftop Restaurants In San Francisco
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2516 Mission St.; 415-550-6970 / Website
For a rooftop sunset in the Mission, El Techo’s glamorous sky deck and irresistible Latin American street food are calling you up. This tucked-away rooftop offers unobstructed vantage points of the skyline that turn golden when the sun hits it just right. You won’t want to miss the radiant views from this chic and chill hot spot, which becomes even more heightened with one of their many refreshing margaritas!
View this post on Instagram
45 McAllister St.; 415-786-3467 / Website
The Proper Hotel’s Charmaine’s is another highly sought-after rooftop with a stunning view, perhaps because of their generously thoughtful fire pits and complimentary blankets! The entire lavish experience here is definitely worth the wait, as the creative food (don’t miss out on their signature Huitlacoche Stuffed Potatoes!), complex cocktails, and ultra-comfy lounge chairs by the fire will have you snugly locked in way past the sunset.
View this post on Instagram
999 California St.; 415-616-6916 / Website
Lookin' for a way to impress friends and family from out of town? Want to feel like a tourist in your own city? This high-end cocktail bar at the top of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel is a local favorite must-see. For over 80 years, this view has wow-ed clientele, while menu items such as the Baby Back Bao Buns and Ahi Tuna Tataki make sunsets extra delicious.
View this post on Instagram
Dolores St. & 19th St.; 415-831-2700 / Website
Perhaps an obvious choice, but a universally classic one at that- a serene picnic out at Dolores Park while the sun goes down will always make you feel like the main character! The vibes at this beloved park are always heartwarming and entertaining, as you will see all walks of life also lounging and enjoying the community of this lush and expansive park. The only thing more luminous than the sight of the sun setting behind the downtown skyline here are the convivial smiles.
View this post on Instagram
Vallejo & Taylor St / Website
Tucked away just past North Beach is the beautifully hidden Ina Coolbrith Park, a local hideaway replete with bucolic foliage and breathtaking sights of downtown. Though perched atop a steep hill, the photos you'll take from here are worth the excursion. Plus, it'll make grabbing a refreshing libation or gelato from North Beach just that more worth it.
See also: See This Secret Park's Spectacularly Panoramic View For National Poetry And Earth Month
View this post on Instagram
501 Twin Peaks Blvd. / Website
Not to be confused with the campy David Lynch drama, Twin Peaks emerges from the heart of the city and stands 922 feet above the Pacific. On a clear day, it offers panoramic views of downtown San Francisco, the Bay, the ocean and miles of uninterrupted sky. There are hiking trails and 64-acres of grassland.
View this post on Instagram
3400-3416 Folsom St. / Website
In the southern part of the city, adjacent to the famous Mission district, Bernal Hill soars high above the city with perfect 360-degree views. Hike to the top to see the downtown skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay and all those famous rolling hills. There's a running path along the bottom, just a little more than a mile around. There's also an off-leash dog park for your paw pals to enjoy. It's a real natural wonderland in the heart of the urban sprawl, and the sunsets will leave you breathless.
View this post on Instagram
1199 E Beach / Website
Take a break from the hill hikes and stretch out on this oceanside plain. Once a US army airfield, the northern coastal hangout sits on restored marshland with beachy vibes. Just north of the Presidio, it's situated between Battery East and The Palace of Fine Arts, nearby to The Walt Disney Family Museum and yoda fountain (which is exactly what it sounds like). The land is flat and the sea views unobstructed, making for some marvelous sunset hues.
View this post on Instagram
1 Centennial Drive / Website
Technically part of the Berkeley Hills, this scenic view is a favorite among couples and stargazers. Take the winding road toward the top and find a place to park on the side. It's not unusual to find people hanging out on blankets, listening to their car radios. You'll also catch a nice glimpse of the city as the lights turn on.
View this post on Instagram
5200 CA-1 / Website
Linda Mar is Spanish for "beautiful sea," and that might be an understatement. This scenic slice of surfer heaven will have you California dreamin'. You have to head south on the world-famous and absolutely stunning PCH to get there, but it's the one time you'll actually pray for traffic. Equally romantic as it is peaceful, you can watch the surfers catch waves and enjoy live musicians who sometimes set up buskering on the sidewalk. There's also a famous, beachside Taco Bell unlike any fast food restaurant you've been to, in case your date gets hungry.
View this post on Instagram
Sausalito, CA / Website
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the northern side of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Bring your dog to Rodeo Beach and take advantage of the hiking and biking trails. Take pictures at the old military battery, and see if you can spot any black tail deer (there are bobcats and mountain lions too, so don't get too crazy). Overlooking the Pacific Ocean with glimpses of the city and the Birdge, you can't find a bad view in the place.
Whether you want to watch the sunset from a nature spot or from a cocktail lounge, the views are truly perfect from any angle here in the beautiful Bay Area!
Photography by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America
San Francisco might be the perfect place to live. We’ve got a steady microclimate, skyscrapers by the sea, beaches next to mountains, not to mention a vibrant history of music, art and one of the most welcoming cultures in the States. No city is perfect, but San Fran is pretty close, especially when the sunset hour strikes.
Yes, we get some serious perennial fog - so much so that we gave the fog a name, but when Karl clears up, you can’t beat the view, and the Bay Area is full of stunning vantage points.
See also: The Hottest Bay Area Beaches With Firepits For A Perfect Summer Bonfire
Whether you want to climb to the top of hill, commune with nature, have your dinner cliffside or feel the sand beneath your toes, our list of San Francisco sunset spots represents the best of what the Bay has to offer.
View this post on Instagram
Bowley St. and Gibson Road / Website
If you want iconic SF, Baker Beach is the first stop. To the right, you’ve got the Golden Gate Bridge so close you can count the cars. To the left, you see coastal mansions nestled into the cliff, giving an atmosphere of European luxury. In front of you is nothing but crashing waves and glorious hues melting rainbow on the horizon. It’s so beautiful, it’s almost surreal. Your Instagram followers will be jealous.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
1090 Point Lobos Ave. / Website
The northwestern corner of the peninsula is what we call Lands End, a coastal section of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area with moderate hikes, rocky beaches and sunset views galore. Windblown cypress and eucalyptus trees hug the trails, while the famous Cliff House restaurant and its Lookout Cafe promise stunning views alongside a delicious food and beverages (Cliff House is closed for Covid, but it is doing takeout). Don't miss the famous stone Labrynth, created by artist Eduardo Aguilera in 2004.
View this post on Instagram
701 3rd St.; 415-800-8141 / Website
KAIYŌ Rooftop is the ultimate tropical oasis to get both a panoramic view of the city and an incredibly tasty meal! Just across from Oracle Park atop the Hyatt Place, this jungle paradise is an immensely trendy destination for cutting-edge Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine, playfully inventive cocktails, and, of course, the endless view of the city sunset that is effortlessly flawless from any angle. This elevated escape also frequently hosts fun-themed nights and watch parties, and if you’re worried about the cold breeze being up so high, their innovative canopy heaters will keep you toasty in even the most blustery conditions.
See also: The Best Rooftop Restaurants In San Francisco
View this post on Instagram
2516 Mission St.; 415-550-6970 / Website
For a rooftop sunset in the Mission, El Techo’s glamorous sky deck and irresistible Latin American street food are calling you up. This tucked-away rooftop offers unobstructed vantage points of the skyline that turn golden when the sun hits it just right. You won’t want to miss the radiant views from this chic and chill hot spot, which becomes even more heightened with one of their many refreshing margaritas!
View this post on Instagram
45 McAllister St.; 415-786-3467 / Website
The Proper Hotel’s Charmaine’s is another highly sought-after rooftop with a stunning view, perhaps because of their generously thoughtful fire pits and complimentary blankets! The entire lavish experience here is definitely worth the wait, as the creative food (don’t miss out on their signature Huitlacoche Stuffed Potatoes!), complex cocktails, and ultra-comfy lounge chairs by the fire will have you snugly locked in way past the sunset.
View this post on Instagram
999 California St.; 415-616-6916 / Website
Lookin' for a way to impress friends and family from out of town? Want to feel like a tourist in your own city? This high-end cocktail bar at the top of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel is a local favorite must-see. For over 80 years, this view has wow-ed clientele, while menu items such as the Baby Back Bao Buns and Ahi Tuna Tataki make sunsets extra delicious.
View this post on Instagram
Dolores St. & 19th St.; 415-831-2700 / Website
Perhaps an obvious choice, but a universally classic one at that- a serene picnic out at Dolores Park while the sun goes down will always make you feel like the main character! The vibes at this beloved park are always heartwarming and entertaining, as you will see all walks of life also lounging and enjoying the community of this lush and expansive park. The only thing more luminous than the sight of the sun setting behind the downtown skyline here are the convivial smiles.
View this post on Instagram
Vallejo & Taylor St / Website
Tucked away just past North Beach is the beautifully hidden Ina Coolbrith Park, a local hideaway replete with bucolic foliage and breathtaking sights of downtown. Though perched atop a steep hill, the photos you'll take from here are worth the excursion. Plus, it'll make grabbing a refreshing libation or gelato from North Beach just that more worth it.
See also: See This Secret Park's Spectacularly Panoramic View For National Poetry And Earth Month
View this post on Instagram
501 Twin Peaks Blvd. / Website
Not to be confused with the campy David Lynch drama, Twin Peaks emerges from the heart of the city and stands 922 feet above the Pacific. On a clear day, it offers panoramic views of downtown San Francisco, the Bay, the ocean and miles of uninterrupted sky. There are hiking trails and 64-acres of grassland.
View this post on Instagram
3400-3416 Folsom St. / Website
In the southern part of the city, adjacent to the famous Mission district, Bernal Hill soars high above the city with perfect 360-degree views. Hike to the top to see the downtown skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay and all those famous rolling hills. There's a running path along the bottom, just a little more than a mile around. There's also an off-leash dog park for your paw pals to enjoy. It's a real natural wonderland in the heart of the urban sprawl, and the sunsets will leave you breathless.
View this post on Instagram
1199 E Beach / Website
Take a break from the hill hikes and stretch out on this oceanside plain. Once a US army airfield, the northern coastal hangout sits on restored marshland with beachy vibes. Just north of the Presidio, it's situated between Battery East and The Palace of Fine Arts, nearby to The Walt Disney Family Museum and yoda fountain (which is exactly what it sounds like). The land is flat and the sea views unobstructed, making for some marvelous sunset hues.
View this post on Instagram
1 Centennial Drive / Website
Technically part of the Berkeley Hills, this scenic view is a favorite among couples and stargazers. Take the winding road toward the top and find a place to park on the side. It's not unusual to find people hanging out on blankets, listening to their car radios. You'll also catch a nice glimpse of the city as the lights turn on.
View this post on Instagram
5200 CA-1 / Website
Linda Mar is Spanish for "beautiful sea," and that might be an understatement. This scenic slice of surfer heaven will have you California dreamin'. You have to head south on the world-famous and absolutely stunning PCH to get there, but it's the one time you'll actually pray for traffic. Equally romantic as it is peaceful, you can watch the surfers catch waves and enjoy live musicians who sometimes set up buskering on the sidewalk. There's also a famous, beachside Taco Bell unlike any fast food restaurant you've been to, in case your date gets hungry.
View this post on Instagram
Sausalito, CA / Website
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the northern side of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Bring your dog to Rodeo Beach and take advantage of the hiking and biking trails. Take pictures at the old military battery, and see if you can spot any black tail deer (there are bobcats and mountain lions too, so don't get too crazy). Overlooking the Pacific Ocean with glimpses of the city and the Birdge, you can't find a bad view in the place.
Whether you want to watch the sunset from a nature spot or from a cocktail lounge, the views are truly perfect from any angle here in the beautiful Bay Area!
Photography by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America
