Well, friends – I’ve lived in San Diego since 2021 and it took me until 2023 to make a visit to Sunset Cliffs, which I declare as the perfect location for photos (thanks to my new friends, Lili & Alfred, for choosing this option #forevergrateful).
It’s one of the best locations in San Diego for stunning photos!
Sunset Cliffs Photos
**Directions are below with a ⭐**
When I headed to the spot, it was a Saturday evening and naturally pretty crowded and is located between Mission Beach and Point Loma. I’m glad we arrived early because though parking was congested, we found street parking fairly quickly.
When we exited the car and crossed the street to the Sunset Cliffs Trail, we were in awe of the dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and bright reflections of the sun on the crashing waves against the shoreline.
We began walking towards the Arch, and I already knew this place would be a killer location for photos. There were a few other couples, random stylized picnics, and plenty of tourists and family’s enjoying the view. It was busy, but the cool ocean breeze and the waves kept us lost in the view.
Regardless of the tourism Sunset Cliffs attracts, this jaw-dropping location is well worth a visit at sunset whether you’re a San Diego local or not. Reach out to book a shoot here with me – I’ll tell lame jokes to get those candid laughs in front of the camera!
I highly recommend booking a photo shoot at the perfect location, Sunset Cliffs, for 5 reasons:
1. Breadth and depth.
This natural park has a trail that spans 1.5 miles with parking lots, views, and cliffs you can climb down to explore the rocky shoreline. The view of the cliffs with beautiful palms, million-dollar homes, and the ocean spanning as far as the eye can see is simply stunning. Words can’t describe how peaceful and content I felt.
2. The scenery is unmatched by other locations in Southern California.
Enough said. The city’s website refers to more of the history and facts of this location here: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. But, check out these photos for what I mean.
Again, this is why I declared Sunset Cliffs as the perfect photo spot. Need I say more?
3. There’s no beach for people to congregate and layout on.
A big win for photographers trying to get a sunset view!
You enjoy the coastal landscape on top of the cliffs (as it’s so named) without having to see people in their swimsuits. Granted, there are places to surf along the coastline and cliff jump, but it isn’t The sunset is jaw-dropping. It was one of the most amazing sunsets I’ve seen in San Diego and parallels many I’ve seen in Kauai (another favorite sunset location).
4. Parking is free.
What? Yes! Parking is free, so it’s an incentive to go. It can get crowded during weeknights and weekends, so head over early or find street parking along the trail. Free stuff will usually convince to go somewhere #guilty. But, once again we have a reason why it’s the perfect spot for photos…haha.
5. Multiple Lookouts for a View
You can walk along the trail and catch wildflowers or huddles of grass to sit on the top of the shoreline. You can walk to multiple parking lots or openings that have trails or smoothed rock to climb down to outlets that decline over the ocean.
Though it can be crowded, you can find an edge on the top of the cliffs or a spot lower and closer to the ocean. You look out to the wide-open ocean view and feel that you are alone. The waves crashing and the wind breezing by make you forget the other ocean-gazers around you. This makes photographing couples easy for me! The ocean acts as white noise and we feel it’s just us three shooting photos.
(I talk about it being crowded because normally at sunset on a nice day, it will be. Overcast days draw fewer crowds!)
Overall, Sunset Cliffs is soo dreamy. I love the springtime greenery we got in the fields above the cliffs too. It’s perfect for couples, families, brands, or just a good ol’ landscape shot. Go over and check it out for photos. You won’t regret it! Or reach out if you have q’s about this perfect photo spots!
⭐ Directions ⭐
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107
