Sunrise and Sunsetin Los Angeles, United States

Los Angeles lies on the Southern California coast at 34°N, with the Pacific Ocean directly to the west and the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains to the north. Clear skies are common from late spring through autumn, making the coast particularly reliable for sunset viewing and the inland hills for sunrise.

Best sunrise spots in Los Angeles

1. Griffith Observatory

   The observatory sits at 340m on the south slope of Mount Hollywood and faces east over the LA Basin. Grounds are free and open 24/7; the building opens at noon. Weekend parking fills fast, so arrive before 6am or take the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro stop (50 cents).

2. Runyon Canyon Park

   The upper ridge faces east over Hollywood and the LA Basin at 312m elevation. Free street parking on Fuller Ave is typically available before 7am on weekdays. For a car-free approach, take the Red Line to Hollywood/Highland and walk 10 minutes to the north trailhead.

3. Mulholland Drive Overlook

   Informal pullouts along Mulholland Drive above the 405 freeway face east and south over the San Fernando Valley. Roadside parking is free; the stretch near the Encino Reservoir offers the widest unobstructed views. Note that parking is prohibited after dark.

4. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

   The hilltop in the Baldwin Hills reaches 170m and has clear east-facing views of the downtown LA skyline, about 8km away. The park opens at 6am; weekday parking is free, weekends and holidays $6/vehicle. The Olympic Forest section near the summit is the highest accessible point.

Best sunset spots in Los Angeles

1. Griffith Observatory

   The west-facing terrace looks over Hollywood toward the Pacific, about 25km away. On clear evenings the sun sets over open ocean. The main parking lot charges $10/hour; free street parking on nearby roads requires a 10-15 minute uphill walk.

2. Santa Monica Pier

   The pier stretches 500m due west into the Pacific with a completely open western horizon. Free entry, open daily until 10pm. Nearby beach lots charge $7-15; street meter parking ($1-2/hour) is available a few blocks inland.

3. El Matador State Beach

   This small Malibu beach, 55km northwest of downtown, has sea stacks and arches that create foreground interest against the western horizon. The state parking lot ($8-10) fills by early afternoon on clear evenings; limited free roadside parking is available on the Pacific Coast Highway. Open 8am to sunset.

4. Mulholland Drive Overlook

   West-facing pullouts above Beverly Hills look toward the Westside and the Pacific. The viewpoint near the intersection with Coldwater Canyon Drive gives a wide, tree-free panorama. No facilities; bring water, especially in summer.

5. Point Dume State Beach

   The 60m bluff at the end of Point Dume juts into the Pacific and faces due west with a clear horizon. Free parking at Westward Beach Rd (first 2 hours); the headland is a 15-minute walk from the lot. The site is 45km from downtown LA.