Where to Watch the Sunset in Berkeley

Great Spots to Catch the End of the Day

There’s something about the bay that makes the sunsets out here extra special. Maybe it’s the way the light reflects off of the water or maybe it has to do with the great vantage points offered by the nearby hills. Whatever the reason, it provides a great opportunity to catch some sunsets. If you’re a regular sunset watcher you’ll find some can’t miss spots on this list, and if you’re looking for some good places to start watching you’ll find all you need right here.

So grab a coat and make your way to one of these fine spots.

The Berkeley Rose Garden

This is a super popular spot and for good reason. It’s close enough to be within easy walking distance but far enough away from things to offer up a quiet escape from the commotion of campus and downtown Berkeley. It also offers an awesome view of the Bay that’s perfectly framed by the surrounding trees. There’s a great viewing area at the very top of the garden that’s ideal for sitting and watching as well as having a nice evening meal.

The Lawrence Hall of Science

It may seem out of the way but it’s not too hard to catch a shuttle or bus up the hill. The best way to enjoy this spot is after an afternoon of checking out the Lawrence Hall itself (free for Cal students). It’s one of the higher points in Berkeley so you get the added bonus of seeing a lot of the city lights as the sun goes down.

The Big C

As a Cal student, this place should already be on your bucket list. Make the most of your trek up here by catching the sunset at the same time (there’s also a cool swing nearby the C that’s worth checking out). It’s pretty easy to get to by following the trail behind Bowles Hall. Most of the time it’s not crowded (except around major Cal events or near the start and end of the semester/year). Also, be wary of the wild turkeys that hang out nearby.

Cesar Chavez Park

Accessible by foot (or bike) by way of a pedestrian overpass or by bus (preferable), Cesar Chavez Park (also called the Berkeley Marina) is awesome if you like to be closer to the water when you watch your sunset. There’s a paved walkway all along the waterfront so it’s ideal if you want to get some cardio in while the sun goes down. There’s also plenty of soft grass and benches nearby if you just want to relax. Lastly, remember to bring a jacket since it can get quite cold.

Indian Rock Park

This is a pretty neat spot in a chill North Berkeley neighborhood. If you’re wary of heights you might want to sit this one out. Climb or walk (there are carved in stairs) up the side of this massive rock and discover a really neat view of the city. Come a bit early to explore the park and watch people climb (or climb yourself). It’s also a good idea to bring a blanket of some kind to sit on since the rock itself isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world.

Greek Theatre

You can take the path that runs behind the Theatre to catch the sunset but this spot is really only magical if you’re inside during a show. A lot of people opt for the stone benches but the grass is usually much more comfortable (just be mindful where you sit since it can slope in some pretty uncomfortable ways). High up on the hill, listening to music, hanging with friends, and watching the sky change colors is something you absolutely need to try before you graduate.

Dorothy Bolte Park

This one can be a bit of a hike to reach but that also means you’ve got a lot of options when it comes to choosing where to watch from. The best options are not at the park itself but either on top of the hill behind it or slightly farther down the street towards the end of the park where the road turns back towards the campus. There are a lot of nice houses in the way but you can often find a good spot in the gap between two of them. This may not sound ideal but the view is still exceptional.

Springer Gateway

A super easy spot to get to that’s close to the downtown area. This makes it awesome for getting a slice from Sliver nearby or a lot of the other great spots and coming back to watch the sun go down between the buildings. You can also get some good views near the lawn on the University side. The best part is that it’s not too far from the dorms so the walk back isn’t too back if you’re worn out after a long day.

A Perfect Way to End the Day

You’re now prepared to begin your Berkeley sunset adventure. See you there!

If you discover any other great spots you think should be on this list let us know here.

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