Catching a beautiful sunset is SO SoCal. But catching a beautiful sunset after a hike – whether it’s a mini hike, strenuous hike, or somewhere in between – is oh so epic. Here are seven of the best hikes in Southern California that make for the perfect sunset viewing experience. If you really want to make the excursion even more magical, pack a tasty picnic and take it with you so you can enjoy a light dinner as the sun goes down.
- Torrey Pines State Reserve
Yelp/chelsea g. No matter what time of day you hike Torrey Pines State Reserve you’re in for a scenic view. But time your hike just right and you will enjoy a dazzling sunset bursting with vibrant colors. Head to 12600 N. Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla to experience this magnificent setting. Torrey Pines State Reserve, 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Griffith Park, Los Angeles
Flickr/dirtinmypocket The hiking trails within Griffith Park in Los Angeles offer city views that will take your breath away. Choose from a multitude of hikes within the park trail system and perch yourself at an overlook as the sun goes down while you enjoy the peace and quiet of the city from way up above. This one is great for anyone who enjoys abandoned places! Griffith Park Drive, Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, San Diego
Flickr/geoff dude Offering one of the most stunning sunset views in all of San Diego, it’s no wonder they call this spot Sunset Cliffs! Some may call this more of a walk than a hike, but the end result is the same: breathtaking scenery with a view right out of a magazine cover. Starting at Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Adair Street, you’ll make a 3.7-mile trek across steep cliffs for the payoff of a lifetime. Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA, USA
- Corona Del Mar, Orange County
Flickr/corey thompson A hike at the beach is our kind of SoCal sunset. To enjoy this magnificent sunset view head to Marguerite and Ocean Ave in Corona Del Mar. For this evening hike, we suggest you experience the sunset first as you devour that delicious picnic you packed and then head down the small paved trail toward the sand for an evening beach walk that will wash your cares away. Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach, CA, USA
- Forrestal Reserve, Palos Verdes
yelp/cathy b. This is a perfect early evening hike if you’re looking for something that’s easy and quite scenic. At only 2.5 miles this is a short hike that can be completed in only a few hours. Catch the sunset first and then head out on the trail for a fun night hike, or head out early afternoon and take in the sunset along the trail. You can reach the trail by starting at Ladera Linda Community Center. Forrestal Drive, Forrestal Dr, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USA
- Cowles Mountain, San Diego
flickr/Photos by Clark The sun hasn’t set yet in this photo at Cowles Mountain so you’ll have to head there and experience it in person. A popular spot for both day hikes and night hikes, Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park is a great choice for a memorable sunset. Cowles Mountain, San Diego, CA 92119, USA
- Limber Pines, San Bernardino
flickr/Mitch Barrie If you’re looking for a challenging hike that requires a lot of stamina, this 12-mile roundtrip hike will get your blood pumping. Once you reach the top, there’s nothing like experiencing a sunset in a remote setting surrounded by nothing but woods. Since it will be dark once the sun goes down, this is the only spot on this list where you’ll need to set up camp as a night hike in a remote forest is probably not the kind of adventure you’re seeking. So make sure to pack a tent along with your picnic. You can find this trail at San Bernardino Peak Divide trail head. Learn about it on AllTrails. San Bernardino, CA, USA
Looks like the perfect way to mark the end of the day to us! What are your picks for the best hikes in Southern California to catch the sunset? C’mon, we promise we won’t tell anyone. Maybe.
Yelp/chelsea g.
No matter what time of day you hike Torrey Pines State Reserve you’re in for a scenic view. But time your hike just right and you will enjoy a dazzling sunset bursting with vibrant colors. Head to 12600 N. Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla to experience this magnificent setting.
Torrey Pines State Reserve, 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Flickr/dirtinmypocket
The hiking trails within Griffith Park in Los Angeles offer city views that will take your breath away. Choose from a multitude of hikes within the park trail system and perch yourself at an overlook as the sun goes down while you enjoy the peace and quiet of the city from way up above. This one is great for anyone who enjoys abandoned places!
Griffith Park Drive, Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Flickr/geoff dude
Offering one of the most stunning sunset views in all of San Diego, it’s no wonder they call this spot Sunset Cliffs! Some may call this more of a walk than a hike, but the end result is the same: breathtaking scenery with a view right out of a magazine cover. Starting at Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Adair Street, you’ll make a 3.7-mile trek across steep cliffs for the payoff of a lifetime.
Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA, USA
Flickr/corey thompson
A hike at the beach is our kind of SoCal sunset. To enjoy this magnificent sunset view head to Marguerite and Ocean Ave in Corona Del Mar. For this evening hike, we suggest you experience the sunset first as you devour that delicious picnic you packed and then head down the small paved trail toward the sand for an evening beach walk that will wash your cares away.
Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach, CA, USA
yelp/cathy b.
This is a perfect early evening hike if you’re looking for something that’s easy and quite scenic. At only 2.5 miles this is a short hike that can be completed in only a few hours. Catch the sunset first and then head out on the trail for a fun night hike, or head out early afternoon and take in the sunset along the trail. You can reach the trail by starting at Ladera Linda Community Center.
Forrestal Drive, Forrestal Dr, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USA
flickr/Photos by Clark
The sun hasn’t set yet in this photo at Cowles Mountain so you’ll have to head there and experience it in person. A popular spot for both day hikes and night hikes, Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park is a great choice for a memorable sunset.
Cowles Mountain, San Diego, CA 92119, USA
flickr/Mitch Barrie
If you’re looking for a challenging hike that requires a lot of stamina, this 12-mile roundtrip hike will get your blood pumping. Once you reach the top, there’s nothing like experiencing a sunset in a remote setting surrounded by nothing but woods. Since it will be dark once the sun goes down, this is the only spot on this list where you’ll need to set up camp as a night hike in a remote forest is probably not the kind of adventure you’re seeking. So make sure to pack a tent along with your picnic. You can find this trail at San Bernardino Peak Divide trail head. Learn about it on AllTrails.
San Bernardino, CA, USA
If you can’t stop thinking about the idea of having a picnic as the sun goes down, here’s an extra little treat for you to check out: The 8 Best Places In Southern California To Go On An Unforgettable Picnic. In there you’ll find even more of the best hikes in Southern California, but this time they involve food. Win-win!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Southern California March 11, 2022 Tori Jane What are some great easy hikes in Southern California? California gets all the credit in the world for its beaches (which are quite amazing), but it deserves a lot more for a lot of its other places, too. Southern California is ridiculously beautiful, and while Northern California often gets all the glory for being scenic, you’d be a fool to skip SoCal on the way. Some of our favorite easy hikes in Southern California include amazing gems like the San Juan Loop Trail, which is 2.2 miles long and features beautiful things like a waterfall and awe-inspiring views. Other nice-and-easy hikes in Southern California – all of which involve waterfalls – include the hikes to Holy Jim Falls, Eaton Canyon Falls, and the Orange County Weir Canyon Trail. You’d probably be amazed at just how beautiful SoCal is outside of its beaches; there’s something wonderful around here for everyone. What are some of the best scenic hikes in Southern California? We don’t know about you, but we are obsessed with some of Southern California’s most amazing scenic hikes. There are plenty to choose from, and each varies in terms of length and skill level required to conquer it. That being said, no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Prefer waterfalls with your hike? Check out some of the ones listed in the paragraph above, or maybe venture out to Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks to check out the Paradise Falls hike. We also love the Switzer Falls hike in Los Angeles County – who knew there was so much beauty just outside the big city? Other favorite scenic hikes in Southern California include hikes at the Torrey Pines State Reserve, near La Jolla, and if you love Redwood trees (who doesn’t?), be sure to check out the Carbon Canyon Regional Park Redwood Groves, which has a lovely trail going right through. Need more information about these, plus more ideas? Check this article out!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Southern California
March 11, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some great easy hikes in Southern California? California gets all the credit in the world for its beaches (which are quite amazing), but it deserves a lot more for a lot of its other places, too. Southern California is ridiculously beautiful, and while Northern California often gets all the glory for being scenic, you’d be a fool to skip SoCal on the way. Some of our favorite easy hikes in Southern California include amazing gems like the San Juan Loop Trail, which is 2.2 miles long and features beautiful things like a waterfall and awe-inspiring views. Other nice-and-easy hikes in Southern California – all of which involve waterfalls – include the hikes to Holy Jim Falls, Eaton Canyon Falls, and the Orange County Weir Canyon Trail. You’d probably be amazed at just how beautiful SoCal is outside of its beaches; there’s something wonderful around here for everyone. What are some of the best scenic hikes in Southern California? We don’t know about you, but we are obsessed with some of Southern California’s most amazing scenic hikes. There are plenty to choose from, and each varies in terms of length and skill level required to conquer it. That being said, no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Prefer waterfalls with your hike? Check out some of the ones listed in the paragraph above, or maybe venture out to Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks to check out the Paradise Falls hike. We also love the Switzer Falls hike in Los Angeles County – who knew there was so much beauty just outside the big city? Other favorite scenic hikes in Southern California include hikes at the Torrey Pines State Reserve, near La Jolla, and if you love Redwood trees (who doesn’t?), be sure to check out the Carbon Canyon Regional Park Redwood Groves, which has a lovely trail going right through. Need more information about these, plus more ideas? Check this article out!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
California gets all the credit in the world for its beaches (which are quite amazing), but it deserves a lot more for a lot of its other places, too. Southern California is ridiculously beautiful, and while Northern California often gets all the glory for being scenic, you’d be a fool to skip SoCal on the way. Some of our favorite easy hikes in Southern California include amazing gems like the San Juan Loop Trail, which is 2.2 miles long and features beautiful things like a waterfall and awe-inspiring views. Other nice-and-easy hikes in Southern California – all of which involve waterfalls – include the hikes to Holy Jim Falls, Eaton Canyon Falls, and the Orange County Weir Canyon Trail. You’d probably be amazed at just how beautiful SoCal is outside of its beaches; there’s something wonderful around here for everyone.
What are some of the best scenic hikes in Southern California?
We don’t know about you, but we are obsessed with some of Southern California’s most amazing scenic hikes. There are plenty to choose from, and each varies in terms of length and skill level required to conquer it. That being said, no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Prefer waterfalls with your hike? Check out some of the ones listed in the paragraph above, or maybe venture out to Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks to check out the Paradise Falls hike. We also love the Switzer Falls hike in Los Angeles County – who knew there was so much beauty just outside the big city? Other favorite scenic hikes in Southern California include hikes at the Torrey Pines State Reserve, near La Jolla, and if you love Redwood trees (who doesn’t?), be sure to check out the Carbon Canyon Regional Park Redwood Groves, which has a lovely trail going right through. Need more information about these, plus more ideas? Check this article out!
