The Best Spots to Watch a Santa Cruz Sunset
California, the land of milk and honey, surfer’s paradise, the land of eternal summers; whatever phrase you associate with it, California is paradise.
Santa Cruz is one of California’s paradisiacal natural, climactic, and cultural gems and a significant contributor to its famed reputation as one of the most beautiful states in America.
With its year-round mild and sunny climate, perfect pacific beaches, an abundance of palm trees, fruit trees, grassy knolls, and striking stone cliffs, Santa Cruz is the ideal location for spending all day outside.
Additionally, because all California beaches face west, the sunsets are spectacular.
Whether you’re at the beach, a rooftop bar, the famous coastal Highway One, or a lively carnival on the boardwalk, you are at the perfect location to witness vibrantly colorful sunsets that will surely leave you speechless.
Below, we will explore the best places to watch the Santa Cruz sunset, so you can have a front-row seat to experience one of the more breathtaking natural phenomena the west has to offer.
7 Best Places to Watch a Santa Cruz Sunset
Whether you want to post up on a sandy beach, dine al-fresco, or ride a Ferris wheel while you watch the sunset, this list of the seven best places to watch a Santa Cruz sunset has something for everyone.
Sunset State Beach
Why not start the list out with a beach named for the main event of the article? You can bet that the most spectacular California sunsets in Santa Cruz’s south county can be seen at Sunset State Beach.
The beach has an ample sandy shoreline with impressive dunes and bluffs to climb and explore as you search for the best possible ocean sunset angle.
Sunset State Beach has all the equipment and accommodations for a sunset cookout, not to mention over 80 spaces for RVs and campers to spend the night under the stars after your seaside sunset viewing.
Seacliff State Beach and Pier
This state beach stands out for its natural beauty as well as a fascinating historical and cultural landmark. An old WW1 warship is still docked at the end of Seacliff State Pier, offering a striking silhouette against a vibrant fiery sunset sky.
Seacliff State Beach is also home to various bird species, including the brown pelican and sooty shear that you will see soaring over the pier or perched atop the decrepit warship for added drama to a sunset scene.
Davenport Bluffs
Whether you’re a visitor or a California native, you’ve probably heard of Highway One, one of the most scenic drives on earth that happen to pass through Santa Cruz.
Highway One should be on your bucket list, and what better time of day to witness breathtaking views of waves crashing against the high coastal bluffs than at sunset?
Davenport bluffs run parallel to Highway One and offer the best bird\’s eye view of the ocean and a panoramic view of the sky, making for an all-encompassing and genuinely breathtaking sunset experience.
There are various viewing points along the bluffs, with a trail connecting each one so that you can make an evening hike of it.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is a nature lover’s paradise. Its magical tide pools and coves are a monarch butterfly pitstop along their migration route to the Mexican state of Michoacan.
There is a sizable beachside parking lot that locals use as a sort of drive-in sunset theatre, bringing pillows, blankets, and snacks to enjoy atop the roofs of their cars or truck beds.
West Cliff Drive
Despite its name, West Cliff Drive is a three-mile boardwalk that runs from Santa Cruz Wharf to Natural Bridges State Beach, offering enchanting views of the ocean, shrubbery, and sandy coves that make up the stretch of coastline.
You won’t regret a three-mile walk down West Cliff Drive at sunset, with each new cove and bluff offering an even more stunning sunset view than the last.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
No matter what time of day it is, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a must-see attraction for all ages.
Along with a highly colorful amusement park that’s been around since the turn of the 20th century, the boardwalk also spans Santa Cruz’s main beach, which is excellent for swimming, people watching, and enjoying the sunset!
Harbor Beach
Harbor beach lies at one end of Santa Cruz’s massive marina, so you’ll have front row seats to all the entertaining and eclectic boat traffic sailing in and out of the harbor.
Harbor Beach is also directly across the channel from the iconic Walton Lighthouse, which looks even more charming against a sunset sky.
Due to its proximity to the harbor, there is an abundance of outdoor dining options to enjoy the sunset at Harbor Beach while eating a delicious dinner.