We Tried Chasing Sunsets Across The Most Photographed Highway In California

We set out as a group of friends determined to chase sunsets along California’s legendary Pacific Coast Highway.

From the moment we pulled onto the winding road, the ocean stretched beside us like a constant companion.

Each curve revealed a new vista – cliffs dropping into surf, beaches glowing in late light, and towns tucked into coves.

We laughed, stopped often, and let the rhythm of the highway set the pace for our adventure.

Cameras clicked, but the real magic was simply standing still as the sky shifted colors.

By the end of the drive, we knew why this highway is one of the most photographed in the world.

Bixby Creek Bridge Overlook, Big Sur

The Bixby Creek Bridge appears like a stone poem against a blue canvas, especially when the sun tips toward the horizon.

You pull into the signed turnouts north and south of the span and the coastline opens like a stage.

The bridge, completed in the 1930s, glows with a warm sheen as the ocean below breathes in slow rhythm.

Waves thread silver lines through rocky inlets while gulls draw loose shapes in the fading light.

The viewpoint fills with a quiet excitement that never feels frantic, just a steady hum of cameras clicking and voices softening.

You can stand a few steps back from the guardrail and still see the arch cut a clean curve across the canyon.

Wind carries the scent of salt and chaparral, and it lifts your hair in gentle tugs.

Every few minutes the light shifts, and the bridge changes character from bright gold to cool lavender.

Stay through civil twilight and you get the silhouettes of headlands stacked like folded paper along the coast.

Parking is limited at sunset, so arrive early and be patient when pulling in or out.

Respect posted signs and keep clear of traffic, since CA-1 can be narrow and fast.

Step carefully on uneven ground, and keep a safe distance from cliff edges while you soak in the view.

McWay Falls Overlook, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

McWay Falls feels like a secret amphitheater where water performs a soft curtain drop into a turquoise cove.

The official overlook trail is short and well signed, and it leads to a platform with a postcard angle that is famous for good reason.

Sunset lays peach and rose tones over the cliffs while the waterfall keeps its steady ribbon of white.

The cove is off limits to protect the fragile environment, which helps the scene stay serene.

You stand above it and watch kelp beds tilt with the tide while pelicans skim the surface.

The sound is gentle, almost hushed, and it encourages a slower breath with every minute.

Colors intensify as the sun lowers, shifting from warm amber to violet shadows on the headlands.

If marine layer rolls in, the fog moves like silk through the trees and turns the falls into a dreamy silhouette.

Either way, the moment feels cinematic without asking for any effort.

Parking is available within the state park, and there is a day-use fee.

Bring a light jacket because evening breezes can be cool even in summer.

Stay on the marked path and respect closures to keep this Big Sur icon healthy for the next sunset chaser.

Garrapata State Park Coastal Bluff Trail

Garrapata gives you that wild Big Sur feeling without a long drive from Carmel.

The Coastal Bluff Trail hugs the edge of the cliffs and then dips into pockets of wildflowers in spring.

At sunset the shrubs catch little sparks of light, and the surf throws cool mist across the rocks.

There are multiple unsigned pullouts along CA-1, so it helps to note the numbered gates used locally for orientation.

You step out and hear the low thunder of waves that feels both soothing and powerful.

Kelp, sage, and sea spray blend into a crisp scent that lingers on your jacket.

Look for natural frames where rock fingers point toward the horizon.

The colors change fast here, so walk slowly and scan for safer viewpoints off the main tread.

The cliffs can be steep, and that drop makes the drama, but it also asks for steady footing.

Parking is free at roadside pullouts though spaces fill near sunset.

Wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths and keep away from wet, dark rocks near the edge.

If fog pushes in, embrace it, because the pastel glow it creates can be even better than a clear sky.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Cypress Grove

Point Lobos looks sculpted by patient hands, and the Cypress Grove loop feels like a gallery of living statues.

Sunset slides through the Monterey cypress and paints lacework shadows across the trail.

Seals sometimes rest on offshore rocks while cormorants trace dark commas against fading light.

The reserve has set hours and sometimes reaches capacity, so late afternoon arrival improves your chances.

Trails are well-maintained and signed, which makes it easy to settle into the quiet.

Ocean smell is clean and resinous, mixed with the sharp scent of cypress.

As the sun dips, the bark deepens to rust tones and the foam turns pink on the edges.

Every viewpoint feels tidy yet wild, like nature curated its own museum.

The soundtrack is soft surf and the creak of trees, perfect for slow breathing and easy photos.

There is a day use fee and designated parking lots close to trailheads.

Stay on the paths to protect sensitive plants and watch for slippery patches after fog.

Give wildlife generous space and keep voices low so the calm can linger.

Pfeiffer Beach Purple Sand, Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach hides down a signed but narrow road off CA-1, and the reward is color that feels almost unreal.

Purple mineral streaks swirl along the sand, and near winter solstice the sun can shine through Keyhole Arch for a radiant beam.

At most sunsets you still get glowing edges and spray lit up like sparks.

The beach is managed with a small parking lot that can close once full, so arrive early and bring cash for the fee.

The wind can be brisk and the surf is strong, so keep a careful distance from the water during big sets.

Each wave leaves a clean gloss on the sand that mirrors the sky for a moment.

As light fades, the arch becomes a bold silhouette and the beach feels wider under the pastel dome. Footprints soften and disappear, and the color under your shoes shifts from violet to gray.

It is a simple place that delivers a dramatic finish to the day.

Drive slowly on the access road and yield to oncoming cars where it narrows.

Facilities are limited, so plan accordingly and pack out all trash.

Respect signs and avoid climbing on wet rocks to keep the scene safe and intact.

Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel Beach wraps a gentle curve of soft white sand that glows at sunset.

The town sits just uphill with storybook lanes and cypress trees leaning like friendly guides.

As the light warms, the beach turns into a relaxed front porch for the entire community.

You can walk the Scenic Road path and find benches that line up perfectly with the horizon.

Dogs often trot by with joyful energy, adding to the neighborhood feel.

The sound is a steady hush that invites long, unhurried breaths.

When the sun sinks, the silhouettes of Pebble Beach headlands anchor the view to the north.

The sand holds the day’s warmth and cools slowly under your feet.

Gentle waves paint a mirrored strip that looks like brushed metal in the last light.

Street parking can be competitive near sunset, so give yourself extra time.

Dress in layers because the temperature drops quickly once the color fades.

Be mindful of posted rules for dogs and sensitive dune areas.

Morro Rock Beach, Morro Bay

Morro Rock rises like a grounded ship and catches the day’s last light on its weathered face.

The beach stretches wide, giving room to watch the color shift across sky and water.

Shorebirds trace quick patterns at the edge of the waves as the sun slides down.

The air smells like salt and eelgrass, and the breeze comes clean off the bay.

There is an easy rhythm between footsteps and surf noise that makes the mind settle.

The rock anchors every photo with its strong, familiar shape.

As sunset deepens, reflections on wet sand double the drama.

You can walk a long arc and feel the scene change from warm gold to cool blue.

The town’s working waterfront nearby adds a friendly, everyday charm.

Parking areas are available near the beach access, and restrooms are close by.

Respect closures around sensitive wildlife zones and do not climb the rock.

Keep an eye on sneaker waves and give the ocean healthy respect.

Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, Cambria

Moonstone Beach pairs a gentle boardwalk with a shoreline that catches warm evening color.

The wooden path curves above tide lines and offers easy spots to lean and watch the show.

Polished pebbles glow like little lanterns when the light hits just right.

You hear a peaceful, even roll of waves and the chatter of shorebirds skipping between foam lines.

The air smells faintly of kelp and pine from the nearby hills.

It feels like the kind of place where families and solo wanderers both find their rhythm.

At sunset, clouds burn into soft cotton candy hues then cool to violet.

The water keeps a soft shine, and driftwood throws long shadows across the sand.

Every few steps reveals a new pocket of color reflecting between rocks.

There are multiple parking areas along Moonstone Beach Drive with easy access to the boardwalk.

Benches dot the route, perfect for longer sunset sits.

Stay alert on stairs and ramps, which can be slick with mist.

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

Pigeon Point Lighthouse stands tall against the horizon and gives sunset a sense of ceremony.

The rocky shore below gathers tide pools that mirror the sky in scattered fragments.

Sea air tastes clean and cool, and the wind wraps your jacket just a little tighter.

The tower dates to the 19th century, and its simple lines feel timeless in the last light.

Flowers bloom along the paths in season and tremble in the breeze.

The scene shifts from bright to softly radiant in a slow, satisfying slide.

As the sun dips, the lighthouse silhouette creates a bold anchor for photos.

The ocean throws ribbons of foam around the rocks, and gulls stitch across the sky.

You can stand still and feel the day exhale.

Parking is available at the historic park with interpretive signs around the grounds.

Stay behind fences and avoid climbing on the structures or wet rocks.

Respect closures that protect wildlife and historic features.

Shark Fin Cove, Davenport

Shark Fin Cove curves around a dramatic sea stack that really does look like a fin breaking the surface.

The path down is steep in spots, so take it slowly and watch your footing.

Once on the beach, the cove frames the sunset like a natural amphitheater.

Waves curl and snap around the rock, throwing thin veils of spray in the slanting light.

Sand turns mirror bright near the waterline and doubles the colors in the sky.

The cliffs pick up warm tones and cool to slate as twilight arrives.

The cove can be breezy, but that only sharpens the salt smell and keeps the air clear.

It is a small space that feels personal even when several groups share it.

The sound stays softly booming and even, like calm thunder.

Roadside parking sits nearby, and there are informal paths to multiple viewpoints.

Mind the cliffs and stay well back from unstable edges.

Tides can change access at the beach, so check conditions before committing to the descent.

Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz

Natural Bridges serves a familiar silhouette and a welcoming beach for easy sunset watching.

The remaining rock arch stands like a gateway with soft waves moving through.

Kids chase foam while cameras line up along the tideline for the last color.

As the light warms, tide pools reflect small windows of the sky.

Pelicans glide past in tidy lines and shorebirds pick through the wash.

The atmosphere feels relaxed and neighborly, with people trading tips about the best angle.

Twilight cools everything to indigo, and the arch turns to a clean cutout against the water.

The sand hangs on to the day’s heat but cools politely under bare feet.

It is a calm, easy place to end a coastal drive.

There is a state beach lot with a fee and restrooms nearby.

Stay aware of changing tides and do not climb on slippery rocks near the arch.

If visiting during monarch season, follow posted guidance for the nearby grove.

Half Moon Bay State Beach, Dunes Beach

Dunes Beach offers a wide sheet of sand backed by gentle grasses and a sky that loves to show off.

The sunset here is about softness, not drama, with pastel bands stretching over calm water.

Footsteps leave tidy shapes that the next wave smooths without hurry.

Winds can be light or gusty, but the dunes provide a little shelter.

The scent is clean and slightly sweet from coastal plants. It is the kind of place where you slow your stride without thinking about it.

As color deepens, the dunes catch late highlights that flicker like candlelight on grass tips.

Shorebirds ripple along the edge and then lift in a coordinated turn.

The ocean hum stays even and friendly, more lullaby than roar.

Parking lots sit close to the beach with signed access points.

Bring a light layer because temperatures drop quickly after the sun sinks.

Respect dune vegetation and use established paths to protect the habitat.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach, San Mateo Coast

We ended our ride at Gray Whale Cove, which tucks a perfect crescent of sand below dramatic cliffs just south of Pacifica.

The bluff viewpoint catches the full sweep of water, rock, and evening color.

The steps down are steep, and the reward is a sheltered feel that amplifies the sound of waves.

Sunset here casts warm light on the cliff faces and sends a sheen across the cove.

The water often looks unusually clear with tones of teal and sapphire.

You can feel the cool air wrap around you and hear each breaker echo from the walls.

As twilight arrives, the beach turns to soft grays and blues.

The cliffs become silhouettes with clean lines and quiet edges.

It is a small world that feels private without being remote.

Parking is across CA-1 with a crosswalk, so take care when crossing.

Watch for changing tides since the beach can narrow quickly.

Stay on marked paths to minimize erosion along the bluffs.