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A local guide to golden hour by the Pacific
Santa Monica has always known how to put on a show, but golden hour may be its best look. In a 2026 global ranking compiled by photo-printing company CEWE with travel photographer Bella Falk, Santa Monica was named the No. 2 destination in the world for sunrise and sunset views and the only place in the United States to reach the top 10. As Travel + Leisure reported, the ranking considered visual appeal, accessibility and the potential for unforgettable photographs.
For anyone who has watched the sun slip into the Pacific behind the Santa Monica Pier, the recognition feels well earned. The ocean turns gold, the beach softens into pastel light and the Pacific Wheel begins to glow. Better still, when you stay at The Pierside Hotel, several of Santa Monica’s best sunset spots are right outside your door.
Santa Monica’s west-facing coastline creates a clear view across the Pacific, giving the setting sun plenty of room to take center stage. The destination adds its own unmistakable silhouette: palm trees, the wide shoreline, the historic Pier and the Pacific Wheel suspended above the water. Recent coverage from Secret Los Angeles also highlighted how easily travelers can experience the changing light from the beach or along the coastal bike path.
For a slower pace, head to Palisades Park along Ocean Avenue. The 26-acre park sits above the coastline with benches, lawns and walking paths overlooking Santa Monica Bay. Bring a light layer, find a comfortable spot, and watch the city shift into evening from above. It is especially good for travelers who want a wide ocean view with space to stroll before or after sunset. Pro tip: bring a rentable Polaroid camera from the Board Shop along with your reusable in-room water bottle.
Start with the classic. Walk to the end of the Santa Monica Pier for an open view of the horizon, or stay closer to shore and watch the sun frame the Pier from the beach. As daylight fades, the rides and signs begin to sparkle, creating one of Southern California’s most recognizable evening scenes. From The Pierside, the entrance to the Pier is just steps away, so there is no need to plan around traffic or parking.
Turn golden hour into part of the adventure with a ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, known locally as The Strand. The paved coastal path runs for roughly 22 miles, but you do not need to cover the full route. A relaxed ride toward Venice and back offers ocean air, palm-lined views and plenty of places to pause as the light changes. Guests can stop by The Pierside’s Board Shop to ask about available gear and e-bike benefits before heading out.
Check the day’s sunset time before you head out and plan to arrive at your chosen spot at least 30 minutes early. Coastal evenings can cool quickly, even after a warm afternoon, so bring a layer. Keep your phone or camera charged, or ask The Board Shop about borrowing a GoPro to capture the view. Most importantly, do not leave as soon as the sun disappears. Some of the richest colors arrive in the minutes after sunset, when the sky deepens and the Pier lights take over.
The best Santa Monica sunsets do not require a complicated itinerary. At The Pierside Hotel, you can move from bed to beach in a heartbeat, catch golden hour on the Pier, cruise the coast or ease into the evening at The Surfing Fox. It is all part of staying where Santa Monica begins, with the city’s most iconic view waiting just beyond the door.
Ready to see the world’s No. 2 destination for sunrise and sunset views for yourself? Plan your stay at The Pierside Hotel and experience Steps from the Pier, Miles from Ordinary.
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