Arguably one of the best ways to welcome the night is to throw down a blanket on a sandy beach, pop open a bottle of bubbly and wait for the sunset. While that’s always an option, the city also offers plenty of alternative spots thanks to its varied landscape full of rugged hills and breathtaking architecture.
1. Golden Gate Heights Park
Thanks to the natural elevation of the area, Golden Gate Heights Park actually stands taller than the downtown buildings, providing visitors with a 360 degree view. The park is at 12th Avenue and Rockridge Drive.
2. Lands End
Watch the sun fade away into the Pacific while walking along the designated coastal trail of Lands End, where you’ll see the ocean, its waves and the Golden Gate Bridge. Land's End Lookout is at 680 Point Lobos Ave.
3. Baker Beach
Although there are a number of beaches in San Francisco to catch the sunset, Baker Beach offers views from many different angles, depending on where you choose to stand. Start at 1504 Pershing Dr.
4. Cliff House
Cliff House, located on the western side of San Francisco, is a restaurant perched above Ocean Beach that overlooks the site of the former Sutro Baths. Cliff House is at 1090 Point Lobos Ave.
5. Alcatraz
Although it requires a ferry to head to Alcatraz, there’s a night cruise that will allow you to catch the sun setting over the Golden Gate Bridge.
6. Grandview Park
As its name might suggest, Grandview Park is the perfect location to see the downtown skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, Point Reyes, the ocean and, of course, the sunset. Start at 14th Avenue and Moraga Street.
