From Cliffside Restaurants to Oceanfront Parks, Here’s Where to Cozy Up and Watch the Sky Change Colors
Calling all sunset seekers and romantics! It’s time to reinvent the wheel with date-night spots that will not only bring butterflies back but also yield a perfect photo op. An awe-inspiring sunset always sets the mood, and thankfully, Orange County offers a treasure trove of romantic hideaways—from lookout points to waterfront restaurants—that are perfect for catching an Orange County sunset. Here’s our guide to the most enchanting destinations to watch a sunset in Orange County. Head to these spots around golden hour to see the sky do its dance!
Mode of Transportation: 2024 Ford Explorer ST
Before you start chasing sunsets, you’ll need the right vehicle to help you reach your destination. Whether you have your GPS set to a local Orange County rooftop or a beautiful waterfront park, the 2024 Ford Explorer ST from Ken Grody Ford is the ultimate set of wheels.
This AWD stunner merges style and performance, packing a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 under the hood for a 400-horsepower experience. With its sleek design, 21-inch aluminum wheels and leather-trimmed seating, the Explorer ST turns heads while keeping you comfortable on your journey there. Whether you’re hitting the highway or exploring off the beaten path, the seamless tech integration, including Ford’s SYNC 4 and a B&O sound system, ensures you’re connected and entertained. This isn’t just an SUV; it’s your one-way ticket to sunset town!
The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar
Dine above the waves at The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar. Perched on the San Clemente Pier, the iconic blue umbrellas of this historic coastal restaurant make it easily recognizable. Fisherman’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but trust us when we say that sunset is the best time to wine and dine here. They even have a special sunset menu with three-course options served Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. If you ask us, filet mignon tastes even better with an oceanfront sunset view. And don’t skip their oyster bar! These bivalves are known to be an aphrodisiac.
Location: San Clemente
Balboa Fun Zone Ferris Wheel
For all of our hallmark movie romantics, this one’s for you. Gasp at Newport’s stunning harbor from a bird’s eye view at the top of the Balboa Fun Zone’s Ferris wheel. This ride makes for a sunset moment that feels like movie magic. Spinning since 1936, this Ferris wheel is an iconic landmark, so don’t let the fear of looking cheesy stop you from having fun! Rides are only $6 a person, and a nearby round of arcade games can also spark flirty competition.
Location: Newport
Lookout Point Park
Boasting cliff-top views of Corona del Mar, Lookout Point is breathtaking at any time of day. However, sunset here is truly exceptional with pink hues bouncing off the waves. Stroll hand in hand along Ocean Boulevard before snuggling up as day turns to night. We recommend that you bring beach chairs or a blanket to lounge on the grass overlooking Pirate’s Cove Beach. It’s a popular spot, so come early to stake your claim. For a more secluded viewing, take the stairs down to the sand to watch the sunset from the shore.
Location: Corona del Mar
Orange County Mining Company
Don’t let the name fool you: Orange County Mining Company requires no pickaxes or chisels. Nevertheless, you will strike gold at this cozy restaurant and bar. At one time, this venue was a silver mine and has since been reinvented into a rustic steakhouse and saloon with views of the Santa Ana Mountains. Floor-to-ceiling windows and ample patio space ensure that there’s a stellar view from every seat in the house. The setting calls for something whiskey-forward to start with, and you’ll want to split the mud pie after the main.
Location: Santa Ana
180blu at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Nothing makes the heart swoon like an evening at The Ritz, and what better place to unwind than overlooking the Pacific Ocean? You’ll feel as if you’ve entered a palace on the rounded marble balcony of 180blu—the hotel’s cliffside lounge. With sky-high views of the waves, there’s no better place to cheers to an epic Orange County sunset with someone special. Toast with specialty cocktails—we recommend The OC Martini for her and the Tamarindo Margarita for him.
Location: Laguna Niguel
Salt Creek Beach Park
This grassy hillside overlooking Salt Creek Beach is best for young couples and budding romances. While it’s a popular spot, there’s enough room on the hill to find your own space and feel secluded. This pretty park allows couples to watch the sunset over the ocean without the mess of sand. Park in the lot and walk through the mural-lined tunnel. And don’t forget to pack a picnic basket full of your favorite snacks!
Location: Dana Point
Treehouse on PCH
Perched on the grounds of the stunning Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, the newly revamped Treehouse on PCH is the ultimate coastal hideaway. With its elevated vibes and ocean views, this buzzy rooftop destination will have you California dreamin’.
The 21+ venue now features cabanas, plush furniture and a rotating menu of handcrafted and SoCal-inspired sips and bites. As you relish a sea breeze and views of the Huntington Beach Pier, sip the day away with a craft cocktail in hand and snack on birria fries, tempura fish tacos or tuna poke. The Pisco Punch with Barsol Pisco, aji amarillo, lime, gentian and caramelized pineapple is the ultimate refresher for an evening spent around one of Treehouse’s many fire pits.
Heisler Park
Laguna Beach is one of those special places that people travel to for its picturesque scenery. You’ll drive down the familiar PCH, yet feel as if you’ve stumbled upon the shores of Hawaii. Crystal-clear coves with rolling whitewash and towering palms are enough to steal hearts. Heisler Park is North Laguna’s ultimate sunset-watching spot, with a half-mile walking trail along the water. At the southern end of the park is a romantic gazebo, and Monument Park has the highest views. After the sun sets, head to dinner at Oliver’s Osteria or Las Brisas.
Location: Laguna Beach
Orange Hill Restaurant
Orange County locals know it well, but even people who have lived here their whole lives will be surprised by the sweeping and scenic views at this hidden gem. Uniquely situated in the hills of Orange, this fine-dining steakhouse boasts views all the way to Catalina Island, as well as Downtown Los Angeles on clear days. For the most romantic setting, request a table on the patio, which is dotted with koi ponds and waterfalls. The view is just as spectacular at night when city lights paint the town.
Location: Orange
