Where to See the Sunset & Sunrise in San Francisco

The Best Views of the Sunset and Sunrise

With its many stunning viewpoints, it's not hard to find a place to watch the sunrise or sunset in San Francisco. You can enjoy views of the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, or the water and experience the magic of watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Lands End Park

Lands End is a park that's located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It runs along the beautiful rocky shoreline and offers stunning views out over the water. It's located between the Sutro District and Lincoln Park and has a number of hiking trails that follow the coast. You'll also find a few small beaches such as Mile Rock Beach and Sea Rocks Beach. Also inside the park is the Legion of Honor art gallery, Holocaust Memorial, a golf course, the USS San Francisco WW2 Memorial, the Sutro Baths, and more. It's a nice place to explore, or find a space to yourself and enjoy reading or simply relaxing.

Seacliff, SF, California, 94121-1545

Sausalito

Sausalito is a charming town in Marin County that sits across the by from the city of San Francisco. Visitors enjoy exploring the charming streets, shopping, and dining in one of the local restaurants. The town is also known for its Richardson Bay houseboat enclaves. Views from Sausalito are pretty spectacular as well, particularly as the sun sinks low.

Interested in more travel advice for San Francisco? Check out Where to Rest and Find Peace and Quiet in San Francisco and Where to Take your Dog in San Francisco.

Baker Beach

Located in the northwestern part of San Francisco, Baker Beach is a public beach that is about half a mile long. The northern part of the beach is a nude beach.

Seacliff, SF, California, 94121

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

This recreation area (not to be confused with Golden Gate Park) is a beautiful natural area in Marin County that's across the Golden Gate Bridge from the city. It offers a beautiful escape from the city with walking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and beaches. The area is known for its stunning views that look back on downtown San Francisco. The park is popular with photographers who want to capture that classic San Francisco shot.

San Francisco, CA, 94123

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Grandview Park

Grandview Park, also known as Turtle Hill, is in Golden Gate Park. It's the place to go for spectacular views and on a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean, the city's skyline, the San Francisco Bay, and all of Golden Gate Park. It's particularly spectacular during either sunrise (for those early risers) or sunset.

1705 14th Ave, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 94122

Russian Hill

Most tourists head to Russian Hill to see the famous Lombard Street, which is known as "the crookedest street in the world." It's a beautifully landscaped twisty street with impressive views out over the city and bay. Aside from this famous landmark, Russian Hill offers a look at residential life in the city. There are small parks, a handful of local restaurants, and few tourists away from the main sites. If you want to see a classic San Francisco residential neighborhood that also has spectacular views, head to Russian Hill.

San Francisco, CA

Telegraph Hill

Coit Tower is the main landmark found on Telegraph Hill. This area offers spectacular views of the city and some hidden streets that are fun to explore. There are charming staircases, beautiful gardens, and the Telegraph Hill parrots, which are a famous flock of parrots that you may catch a glimpse of as they fly overhead.

San Francisco, CA, 94113

Twin Peaks

This park is all about the views. It's one of the highest parks in the city and it looks out over the entire Bay Area. The park is made of up two peaks with the north peak offers 180 degree views of the city. The park can be a bit challenge to get to, particularly if you're relying on public transportation, but the view at the top is well worth it. In total, the park has 64 acres of land.

501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA, 94114

Planning a trip to San Francisco? You might also be interested in How to Spend One Day in San Francisco and The Best Local Sites in San Francisco.

How much does it cost?

Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $49 to $160. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $93. A few of the best options are below.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

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If you're looking for more information about San Francisco, read Where to Rest and Find Peace and Quiet in San Francisco.

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