🌅Best Sunset Beaches in Orange County | A Regional Guide (North → South)🌅
Sunsets in Orange County don’t need much hype — the coastline does the work. From wide, sandy beaches to cliffside overlooks and quiet coves, there are plenty of places to watch the sky change color.
North Orange County
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Address: 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
Access: Large paid lots along PCH
Best time: 30–45 minutes before sunset
Why it’s special: Wide-open shoreline facing due west with uninterrupted horizon views and dramatic skies.
Sunset Beach
Address: Pacific Coast Hwy & Broadway, Sunset Beach, CA
Access: Street parking in residential areas
Best time: Right at sunset
Why it’s special: Quiet, uncrowded, and true to its name—pure ocean-facing sunsets without distractions.
Huntington Beach Pier
Address: 103 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
Access: Metered parking near Main Street
Best time: Golden hour through sunset
Why it’s special: Iconic pier silhouette, big skies, and classic Surf City atmosphere.
Central Orange County
Newport Beach Pier
Address: 1 McFadden Pl, Newport Beach, CA
Access: Metered street parking and nearby lots
Best time: Golden hour
Why it’s special: Pier reflections, harbor energy, and a lively coastal backdrop.
Corona del Mar State Beach
Address: 3001 Ocean Blvd, Corona del Mar, CA
Access: Paid lot and street parking
Best time: Just before sunset
Why it’s special: Crescent-shaped cove with cliffs and Catalina Island views on clear nights.
Inspiration Point
Address: Ocean Blvd & Iris Ave, Corona del Mar, CA
Access: Street parking along Ocean Blvd
Best time: Sunset to twilight
Why it’s special: Elevated bluff walk with sweeping coastal panoramas and benches.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Address: 2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA
Access: Free parking at nature center
Best time: Golden hour
Why it’s special: Serene wetland sunsets with glowing reflections instead of ocean glare.
Laguna Beach
Heisler Park
Address: 375 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA
Access: Metered street parking along Cliff Drive
Best time: 45 minutes before sunset
Why it’s special: Cliffside paths, benches, and one of the most reliable sunset viewpoints in OC.
Laguna Beach Main Beach
Address: Pacific Coast Hwy & Ocean Ave, Laguna Beach, CA
Access: Paid lots and street parking
Best time: Golden hour
Why it’s special: Palm-lined shore, village backdrop, and vibrant sunset colors.
Treasure Island Beach
Address: 1 Treasure Island Dr, Laguna Beach, CA
Access: Resort path or public stair access
Best time: Sunset
Why it’s special: Wider beach, fewer crowds, and clear Catalina-facing views.
Crescent Bay Park
Address: Crescent Bay Dr, Laguna Beach, CA
Access: Street parking near park entrance
Best time: Sunset
Why it’s special: Elevated vantage over a dramatic crescent-shaped bay.
Alta Laguna Park
Address: 3299 Alta Laguna Blvd, Laguna Beach, CA
Access: Free parking lot
Best time: Sunset into dusk
Why it’s special: Panoramic “Top of the World” views stretching far up and down the coast.
South Orange County
Crystal Cove State Park
Address: 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
Access: Paid lots and bluff trails
Best time: Golden hour
Why it’s special: Natural coastline, elevated bluffs, and uninterrupted ocean horizons.
Dana Point Headlands
Address: 34558 Scenic Dr, Dana Point, CA
Access: Blufftop parking and trails
Best time: Sunset
Why it’s special: Harbor-meets-ocean views with soft light and coastal cliffs.
San Clemente Pier
Address: 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA
Access: Pier parking lot and street parking
Best time: Golden hour through sunset
Why it’s special: Classic wooden pier with long sightlines and relaxed beach-town energy.