The Best Beaches in Southern California for Sunrise and Sunset Photography

Southern California’s coastline is a dream for photographers, offering some of the most photogenic beaches in the world. Whether you’re capturing the soft, pastel hues of dawn or the fiery drama of sunset, SoCal’s beach locations offer a rich canvas for any lens. From misty morning seascapes to golden-hour silhouettes, sunrise and sunset photography on the Southern California coast is about timing, composition, and knowing the best vantage points.

This guide covers the best beaches in Southern California for sunrise and sunset photography, perfect for landscape enthusiasts, travel bloggers, and drone pilots alike. We’ll highlight what makes each beach unique, what time of day works best, and tips to help you frame that perfect shot.

Grab your tripod, check your weather app, and get ready to explore SoCal’s most stunning shores—where the sky meets the ocean in a spectacular show of color and light.

1. El Matador Beach, Malibu – Dramatic Sunsets with Rugged Beauty

El Matador Beach is arguably Malibu’s most scenic coastal location and a sunset photography favorite. The beach is famous for its jagged rock formations, hidden sea caves, and steep cliffs—all of which frame the setting sun perfectly.

During golden hour, the rocky arches cast long shadows, and the reflection of the orange sky dances on wet sand. The beach’s west-facing orientation offers an uninterrupted view of the horizon, making it ideal for capturing that glowing sun drop into the Pacific.

To make the most of El Matador’s beauty:

• Arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset for setup

• Use the rocks and caves as natural frames

• Bring a wide-angle lens to emphasize the dramatic cliffs
  

Access involves a steep walk down a trail, so pack light. Due to its popularity, it’s best to visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and cleaner shots.

2. Crystal Cove State Park, Newport Beach – A Tranquil Sunrise Spot

If you’re an early riser, Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach is a prime spot for sunrise photography. While many SoCal beaches face west, this beach’s varied terrain—coastal bluffs, tide pools, and rolling hills—creates ideal conditions to capture the first light spilling across the horizon.

What makes Crystal Cove exceptional is the tranquility of early morning. Fewer people mean you’ll have more freedom to experiment with compositions, and the morning mist often adds a soft, ethereal glow to your images.

Tips for shooting here:

• Scout the area a day before to identify leading lines

• Focus on tide pools for reflections

• Bring neutral-density filters for long exposures
  

The combination of calm surf, clean skies, and peaceful ambiance makes Crystal Cove a hidden gem for coastal photographers seeking peaceful sunrise shots.

3. La Jolla Shores, San Diego – Versatility from Dawn to Dusk

La Jolla Shores is a unique destination that offers ideal lighting conditions throughout the day, making it a must-visit for both sunrise and sunset shooters. With gentle waves, expansive sand, and views of Scripps Pier and La Jolla cove, it offers endless composition possibilities.

At sunrise, the eastern-facing hills glow softly, while low tides reveal stunning marine textures in the sand. At sunset, the pier provides a strong focal point, often framed by surfers and kayakers in silhouette.

Why it’s great for both:

• East and west light balance across a flat shoreline

• Scripps Pier offers perfect symmetry and leading lines

• Variety of activity and nature makes every visit unique
  

La Jolla Shores is also drone-friendly with clear skies and minimal wind, making it excellent for aerial golden-hour content.

4. Huntington Beach Pier – Iconic Silhouettes and Surfer Vibes

Known as “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach offers more than just waves—it’s a sunset photographer’s dream. The long pier stretches into the Pacific, creating strong visual depth and symmetry as the sun dips below the horizon.

You’ll find dozens of surfers catching waves during the golden hour, making for dynamic action shots and lifestyle photography. The area around the pier also features palm trees, street performers, and colorful beachgoers that enhance storytelling through your lens.

Photography tips here:

• Use a telephoto lens to compress subjects and pier structures

• Capture silhouettes against the sun’s reflection

• Arrive early to scout pier angles and changing surf
  

The energy of Huntington Beach combined with a vivid, SoCal sky makes it one of the most photogenic sunset spots in California.

5. Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego – Elevated Views of the Pacific

For a unique, elevated perspective of the ocean, head to Cabrillo National Monument, located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula. It’s not technically a beach, but the panoramic views of the coastline, combined with its orientation toward the setting sun, make it a hidden favorite for sunset photography.

From the cliffs, you can capture wide scenes of the San Diego skyline, Coronado Island, and the waves crashing far below. The golden light often bathes the monument and surrounding vegetation, adding warm contrast and vibrant shadows.

Here’s how to shoot it:

• Use a zoom lens to capture distant silhouettes and cityscapes

• Include foreground elements like wildflowers or rocks for depth

• Be aware of park closing times (usually 5–6 PM)
  

It’s a peaceful alternative to busy beaches, offering a grand, cinematic view of the California coast during sunset.

Conclusion

Southern California’s beaches offer more than just sun and surf—they are a paradise for landscape and aerial photographers in Southern California, especially during the golden hours. From the rugged formations at El Matador to the peaceful tide pools at Crystal Cove, every beach on this list has its own charm and photographic potential.

Whether you're a sunrise chaser or a sunset lover, these locations deliver the ideal blend of natural beauty, coastal light, and dramatic scenery. Remember to plan your shoot according to tide schedules, arrive early, and be respectful of local guidelines and nature.

Next time you’re in SoCal, don’t just hit the beach—capture it, frame it, and let the sky’s changing colors tell your visual story.

Ready to elevate your beach photography to new heights? Whether you're looking to document a serene sunrise over Crystal Cove or capture dramatic sunset footage at El Matador, Petrossian Aerial offers expert drone photography and videography services across Southern California. We deliver high-resolution imagery and cinematic aerial content tailored for content creators, tourism boards, real estate, and marketing campaigns.