What’s a Day Without a Sunset? Here’s Our Seven Favorite Spots to Watch the Sun Go Down

Summer is almost upon us which means it’s time to get outside and celebrate the natural beauty of Laguna Beach. Gorgeous, sunny days lead to relaxing evenings where you can sit back and take in the magic of Laguna's iconic sunsets. Whether you want to unwind on a picnic blanket after a long beach day, enjoy a cocktail at one of the city's rooftop lounges, or indulge in a fine dining experience at a luxury hotel, here are our top seven spots to take in a Laguna Beach sunset.

Crescent Bay Point Park  

There aren’t many spots more perfect than Crescent Bay Point to catch a famous Laguna Beach Sunset. With beautiful landscaping, well-maintained paths, and breathtaking views of the ocean there’s a lot to love about this park. You will find plenty of seating, unique sculptures, and views of cliffs and rocky beaches. Instagram-worthy signs remind you “All we have is now” and prompt you to “Breath” and “Relax, U R OK.”

Heisler Park

Prepare for some palm trees! Heisler Park is the place to go for quintessential California views complete with tons of gorgeous palms. This large park stretches from Cove to Aster Street with plenty of space to find the perfect spot to take in the sunset. Tour the rocky California coastline via the park’s paved pathways, and enjoy unique sculptures (including an impressive breaching whale)! With sprawling lawns perfect for a picnic, as well as actual stadium picnic tables and plenty of benches, it’s a great place to take in the breathtaking views of Catalina.

Montage Laguna Beach

The Montage Laguna Beach is one of the most luxurious locales to watch the sunset in Laguna. Sit poolside by the Montage’s signature mosaic tiled pool to take in the stunning sunsets over the Pacific, and be prepared/remain calm if you see a celebrity or two. (The Montage is a favorite for some of entertainment’s most elite -- we’re looking at you Biebs!) The resort also has fire pits with blankets available and their in-house restaurant, Montage’s Studio offers fine dining, gorgeous landscapes, and, of course, unparalleled ocean views.

The Rooftop Lounge

Catch happy hour from 3pm-5pm at The Rooftop Lounge, located on top of La Casa Del Camino Hotel. Enjoy California casual cuisine and a signature fresh fruit Mojito or Tequila Sunset (with your actual sunset). And, for bonus points, The Rooftop Lounge has heaters to keep you warm while the sun goes down and is pet friendly so you and Fido can watch the sunset together. As it should be!

Skyloft

Located on the third-floor rooftop deck in the Heisler building, this is a fun spot with live music, great views, and hearty BBQ Americana fare (think burgers, pulled pork, mac and cheese, etc.). Also make sure to try some of Skyloft’s signature cocktails (like the Paloma) and save room for the S'mo Bread Pudding (as in, bread pudding made with actual s’mores -- yum)!

Splashes at Surf and Sand

Splashes at Surf and Sand features fine dining with a side of vibrant sunset. The restaurant features full length folding windows which open up to the ocean 25 feet below. The menu is locally inspired and sophisticated with a bar menu boasting oysters, Mahi Mahi tacos, nachos, and a grass-fed burger (to name just a few). After dinner, make your way down to the beach directly from the Splashes patio!

Deck on Laguna Beach

Enjoy dinner and drinks practically on the sand at the Deck with ocean waves just a few feet away. Take in the sunset while enjoying fresh seafood or a “Beach Burger” and throw in a signature cocktail like the “Silver Surfer” or “So-Cal Mule”… because why not? It’s sunset time in Laguna!

Angela Kelly is a former Miss Laguna Beach winner and a freelance writer and blogger residing in Orange County. You can check out her site at GutsyMother.com and follow her on Instagram at @GutsyMother.

Photos by: Grant Puckett.

---