The short answer
The best overall sunset spot in LA is the Mulholland Drive overlooks, free, easy to reach, and the rare vantage point that catches the ocean, mountains, and skyline at once. For an easy, free option, Griffith Observatory's grounds deliver a classic skyline sunset (budget time for parking). For sunset over open water, El Matador Beach or Point Dume in Malibu can't be beat.
One of the region's most photographed sunset spots has been off-limits since the January 2025 Palisades Fire: Palisades Bluffs Park, known locally as The Point at the Bluffs, remains temporarily closed as of this writing, part of a staged neighborhood recovery (Temescal Gateway Park reopened July 17, 2026, Palisades Village retail follows August 15, 2026). We pulled it and swapped in Point Dume, a clifftop-over-the-Pacific view a few miles up the coast in Malibu, unaffected by the fire.
We rechecked access, pricing, and open status on all seven spots in July 2026. Two prices have gone up since this list last ran: Griffith Observatory now has paid, limited parking, and the Pacific Wheel at Santa Monica Pier is $17 a ride, up from $12.
01Mulholland Drive Overlooks
7701 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles
Free · roadside pulloutsFreeNo hike required
Mulholland Drive has seven scenic overlooks along its length, including Stone Canyon's clear-day view of Catalina Island and the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook's view of the Hollywood Bowl. No ticket, no reservation, just pull off and watch the ocean, mountains, and skyline line up at once.
Good to knowIt's also a launch point for Runyon Canyon and Fryman Canyon if you want to earn the view with a short hike first.
02Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Free entry · $17 wheel rideFree to enterFerris wheel extra
The solar-powered Pacific Wheel gives a sweeping ocean-and-coastline view of the sunset from above the pier. A single ride is now $17 (up from $12), no solo riders per the manufacturer's rule, but the pier itself is free and offers a strong sunset view without paying for the ride at all.
Good to know2026 is Pacific Park's 30th anniversary, with periodic ride promos through the season, worth checking before you buy tickets.
03Spire 73
900 Wilshire Blvd, Downtown LA
$$$ · cocktails + bitesRooftop barReservation recommended
The tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere, atop the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. Panoramic views stretch from the Hollywood Sign to the Pacific, with a full cocktail and small-plates menu to go with it.
Good to knowCall ahead to confirm hours and any dress code or reservation policy before you go, they can shift seasonally.
04Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Feliz
Free · paid parkingFree admissionPaid parking
The observatory building, grounds, and public telescopes are always free. The classic westward view over the LA skyline is one of the city's most recognizable sunset backdrops, with hiking trails, picnic spots, and Hollywood Sign views in the surrounding park.
Good to knowParking is now paid, limited, and card-only. Arrive at least an hour before sunset on clear evenings or expect to park well below and walk up.
05El Matador Beach
32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
Free · parking lot feeSea stacksStairs to the sand
A hidden-gem stretch of Malibu coastline with sea stacks, sea caves, and a staircase down to the sand, all built for watching the sun drop straight into the Pacific. A parking-lot redesign and trail/stair repair project is planned for the area, so expect possible intermittent lot or stair closures during the work.
Good to knowArrive early, the small lot fills fast on clear evenings, especially in summer.
06Point Dume
7103 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu
Free · limited top-lot parkingClifftop viewShort trail
A dramatic clifftop-over-the-Pacific sunset view a few miles up the coast from El Matador, and the replacement for Palisades Bluffs Park on this list, which remains closed since the January 2025 Palisades Fire. A short ascending trail and boardwalk lead to the viewing point from the parking area.
Good to knowThe free top lot is very limited, arrive early. Additional paid parking is available below at Westward Beach.
07Yamashiro
1999 N Sycamore Ave, Hollywood
$$$ · dinner + gardensHistoric hilltop mansionRestaurant + gardens
A historic hilltop mansion-turned-restaurant above Hollywood Boulevard, with sweeping city views, a full restaurant, and Japanese gardens to walk through before or after the sunset. The restaurant runs a dedicated Sunset Dining Room event space for the view.
Good to knowBook the Sunset Dining Room in advance if you want a table timed to golden hour specifically.
A few more worth knowing
- Fire recovery is reshaping Pacific Palisades sunset spots. Palisades Bluffs Park remains closed as of this writing, part of a staged reopening, Temescal Gateway Park reopened July 17, 2026, and Palisades Village retail follows August 15, 2026. Check back before planning a visit to that specific area.
- Runyon Canyon and Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook are both solid options if you want to earn the sunset view with a short hike rather than driving straight up.
Frequently asked
What's the single best place to watch the sunset in LA?
The Mulholland Drive overlooks, free, roadside-accessible, and one of the only spots with a true panorama of the ocean, mountains, and skyline in one frame. No ticket, no hike required.
Is Griffith Observatory good for sunset?
Yes, the grounds and telescopes are free and the westward view over the LA skyline is one of the city's best-known sunset backdrops. Parking is now paid, limited, and fills fast, so arrive at least an hour before sunset on clear evenings.
Where can I watch the sunset over the ocean in LA without hiking?
El Matador Beach and Point Dume in Malibu both offer ocean-facing bluff or beach views reachable by short, mostly flat walks from the parking lot, no serious trail required. Santa Monica Pier is the flattest, most accessible option of all.
Do I need to pay to watch the sunset in LA?
Most of the classic free-admission spots, the Mulholland overlooks, Griffith Observatory's grounds, and beach access at El Matador and Point Dume, cost nothing to enter, though parking fees apply at several. Paid extras are optional, a Pacific Wheel ride is $17, and rooftop bars like Spire 73 have food and drink minimums.
Is The Point at the Bluffs in Pacific Palisades still open for sunset viewing?
No, Palisades Bluffs Park has been temporarily closed since the January 2025 Palisades Fire and remains closed as of 2026 during neighborhood rebuilding. For a similar clifftop-over-the-ocean sunset, Point Dume in Malibu is the closest open alternative.
