The 9 Best Places to See San Diego Sunsets and Ocean Views

There are several areas to enjoy an ocean view or watch a San Diego sunset, each presenting a colorful and unique display. From natural parks and rollercoasters to restaurants and more, here are 9 picks for the best scenic views in San Diego, with tips for how to make the most of each one.

Go Hiking at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Ask a local where they like to watch the San Diego sunset, and Sunset Cliffs is the most common answer. The 68-acre park sits on top of steep cliffs that drop straight to the beach. You’ll see interesting cliff formations, seasonal wildflowers and tide pools during low tides, and nearly every inch of this public park boasts a view of the Pacific. People like to gaze out over the ocean—though it’s not the best spot to get in the water—and walk the 1.8-mile hiking trail, which is good for all skill levels.

Ride the Giant Dipper at Belmont Park

Head to this seaside attraction for carnival rides and games, plus fun food like giant ice cream cones and even the Disney cult classic frozen dessert Dole Whip. Those who dare to ride the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, built in 1925, will be treated to amazing ocean views of San Diego from its peaks. San Diego’s largest oceanfront rooftop is also inside Belmont Park at the Cannonball restaurant; it’s designed to make guests feel like they’re sitting beside a festive swimming pool.

Fly Over the Pacific With Torrey Pines Gliderport

Perched on the bluffs overlooking Black’s Beach, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is a hidden gem. It’s first and foremost a paragliding and hang gliding school, though anyone can sign up to take a tandem flight with an expert instructor (and tourists often do). The pilots run toward the edge of the 350-foot cliffs to be held in the air over the Pacific Ocean by colorful chutes or sails. Residents and visitors who are “in the know” find the combination of scenic ocean views and daredevil adventure surprisingly calming—and an awesome photo opportunity.

Enjoy a Meal at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

Photo Credit: Tom Ham's Lighthouse

Every inch of this seafood restaurant, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, sits over the San Diego Bay, and there’s actually a working lighthouse incorporated into its design. So no matter where you sit, ocean views are in sight with vistas that stretch all the way into downtown; Coronado can be enjoyed from the south side windows. Happy hour is a particularly good time to go take in the sunset—as well as the discounted menu—from the outdoor patio.

Tour the Cabrillo National Monument

The Cabrillo National Monument sits at the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula—which means it’s surrounded by water on three sides. Visitors are treated to spectacular ocean views of the San Diego skyline, Coronado to the east and a seemingly infinite stretch of the Pacific to the west. There is quite a bit to do here, too: The visitors center and nearby statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo both commemorate Cabrillo as the first European explorer to set foot on the West Coast in 1542, but there are also walkable trails and scenic lookouts where whales can be spotted during seasonal migrations.

Order the Tacos at Carnitas’ Snack Shack

Photo Credit: Carnitas Snack Shack

Seaport Village at local favorite Carnitas’ Snack Shack. This al fresco, pork-centric restaurant is in the heart of the Embarcadero, an action-packed area steps from the water, where cruise ships, bay tours and other boats depart throughout the day. On the menu, you can’t go wrong with a carnitas torta or carnitas tacos, finished off with a soft-serve ice cream cone (topped with a bacon whiskey truffle crumble, if you like).

Set Sail on a San Diego Harbor Tour

Photo Credit: San Diego Seal Tours

One of the best ways to enjoy ocean views is to actually get out on the water, and there are plenty of ways to set sail in San Diego. The most popular is a 90-minute narrated adventure with San Diego SEAL Tours. You’ll take a ride in an amphibious vehicle that starts off cruising by attractions on land, then plunges into the harbor for the second half of the tour. Seal or sea lion sightings are highly likely. Adventure seekers should check out Speed Boat Adventures for the chance to drive your own 13-foot mini speedboat in the harbor behind a guide. Or step it up a notch on the Patriot Jet Boat, a thrilling 30-minute ride at 50 mph in the harbor. (Warning: you will get wet.)

Have Happy Hour at George's Ocean Terrace

Photo Credit: George's Ocean Terrace

Often lauded as one of the best ocean view restaurants in San Diego, George’s Ocean Terrace is the open-air patio atop the three-level George’s at the Cove. It’s a place locals take out-of-town guests to soak up sunshine over California cuisine and a craft cocktail while overlooking scenic La Jolla Cove and its chatty sea lions. San Diego is famous for fish tacos—and they’re one of executive chef Trey Foshee’s specialties.

Visit the Tide Pools at UC San Diego’s Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Photo Credit: Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Resting on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this aquarium features more than 60 sea life habitats, as well as hands-on exhibitions. But the outdoor Tide Pool Plaza is where you’ll find the camera-worthy ocean views. Here, volunteers man the touch tide pools, filled with local sea life, and answer questions from curious visitors.